85euro928

A couple of questions and some history…
After diligently working for the past two years to finally have a well-sorted 928, on the way home from having my windows tinted yesterday (AC not sorted yet), she ate a rod bearing, or two (and six?). It was my intention to replace the rod bearings when doing the pan gasket this winter but it was not meant to be.
The car is an ’85 Euro (by way of France), in great shape for her age, and although she ran like stink she was a little under-powered for my liking and additional upgrades were in her future.
My questions are:
- should I rebuild, and what might that cost if I bring the short block to a shop?
- should I sell, and think about a different 928, one that would be more easily upgraded (think SC) for more output, and if I did sell what might it be worth?
- or (hold on to your hats) should I consider pulling the 4.7 and replacing with a Cheby via Renegade?
By the way, I run Mobile1 20-50.

Car info:
- ’85 euro 928, 5 speed, maybe LSD (haven’t really needed to check but she used to light both tires).
- Odo reads 58K but I’m sure it’s more as the odo doesn’t work even though I already replaced the infamous gear (washer shim on the to-do list).
- upgraded to ’85 SS exhaust manifolds, X-pipe, performance Cats, solid motor mounts, new wires, dist caps, rotors, dist belt, all new silicone vac lines, new vacuum actuators, shifter cup, window bushings, cleaned most all connections and grounds, brakes, tires, re-built Bilsteins, many more.
- PO threw the TB and had the heads re-done, TB, clutch and slave cylinder, ball joints, and more just before I purchased.
I don’t post, but I have been a daily reader since July ’08 and so whatever happens I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate the information you supply as this forum has been invaluable to me.
Below are a couple of pics. Thanks in advance.

Nicole

I vote for rebuilding. You put so much effort into this car already; you'd have to start over on any other one you get. Maybe, you can build some sort of 5 Liter Hybrid that provides the desired power.

Is your cross brace bent upwards?

Mrmerlin

pull the engine and fix it the car looks like its 85% perfect,
an engine refresh should make it reliable till the paint wears off

ammonman

+1 on rebuilding. Good looking '85 Euro S five speeds don't come along that often. Plus, as Nicole said, you already have the majority of the work complete that would be required of most any replacement you would find.

If you decide to move on, I am sure someone on the list would jump in to bring this lovely example back to life.

Mike

john bono

I would rebuild. For the cost of a renegades hybrid kit, you could rebuild the motor and supercharge it.

85euro928

Thanks for the input. Anybody have any experience with a mechanic on Long Island who I could trust to do the work? I would pull the engine myself, I just need someone to evaluate the crank and then do what's needed.

85euro928

Nicole,
Not sure what you're refering to in terms of the cross brace being bent upwards? Do you mean the cross brace across the engine bay on top of hte engine, the one viewable in the picture?

WallyP

Have you considered a used short block, say from from Mark Anderson? Quickest, easiest and probably cheapest...

85euro928

Nicole,
I just went out and put a straight edge across the top of the fenders and yes the cross brace is bent upwards, by about 1/2"!!! It's probably been like that since I bought he car and I don't think I would have ever noticed if you hadn't pointed it out. Anything I need to be worried about?

85euro928

Wally,
Good point. I've been so... distraught, that I didn't even consider that option. Does anyone know if someone sells rebuilt short blocks? I'd rather put something in that will last "till the paint wears off".

JHowell37

I've got a complete '85 32 valve engine that just dropped in my lap about 20 minutes ago. I have to take a look at the condition, but let me know if you're interested.

85euro928

JHowell37,
I think I'd only be interesed in the lower end. Wally has me thinking that it might be nice to install my euro top end on a 5.0L short block, but right now I'm open to anything. Do you know how many miles are on it?

Jadz928

Keep it and use this as an opportunity to get the power you need.
Aside from what you'd already done, ie exhaust, the next level is the 5L hybrid.
Find yourself a '85-'86 short block, have the pistons "fly-cut" for proper 16V reliefs, then drop you Euro goodies on top. 340hp.
Check out that new supplier, 928 Parts East for the short block. I think he has one. Start looking for a good local machinist.

-in the face of adversity finds opportunity.

Have fun!

85euro928

Hmmm... the wheels are turning...
I guess I should start searching the threads.
Anyone know a good machinist on LI, preferably Suffolk County, that can do this right for me?

JHowell37

I'm not sure about the mileage. Send me a PM, and I'll let you know if I find out.