Thinking about getting a 928
08-04-2010, 08:28 PM
#16
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You look them square in the eyes and say "I absolutely have to have a pre purchase inspection done before I will buy a 928"
If they even flinch then this is not the car for you.
I have seen guys that were professional mechanics who had owned 928's before get taken to the cleaners because they did not have a pre purchase inspection done.
While needed on any used car, it is critical on a 928 for it to be inspected by a "Real" 928 mechanic on a lift, and I am going to suggest to use Dave C's pre purchase inspection guide.
If they even flinch then this is not the car for you.
I have seen guys that were professional mechanics who had owned 928's before get taken to the cleaners because they did not have a pre purchase inspection done.
While needed on any used car, it is critical on a 928 for it to be inspected by a "Real" 928 mechanic on a lift, and I am going to suggest to use Dave C's pre purchase inspection guide.
08-04-2010, 09:34 PM
#17
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If any of you Tucson/phx rennlisters decide to part with your 928 or 944 some
day, pm me with details. I've been searching for over a year now.
day, pm me with details. I've been searching for over a year now.
Last edited by bowerbird; 08-05-2010 at 12:41 AM.
08-04-2010, 09:45 PM
#18
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iT SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION ! Sorry but most 928s are another project ! You already have one project and a bike to get around ,go to work etc. How you gonna get around when the 25 year old 928 has problems....and it will have problems.
08-05-2010, 02:18 AM
#19
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Thanks for your opinions guys. I'm really digging this 928 so I'm gonna see if there are any profound mechanical problems with it, if all goes well I'll probably pick it up. While it wont be as reliable as the bike, the nearly dying every other day on a bike has gotten a bit old after two years.
08-05-2010, 07:15 AM
#20
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From that perspective you can't go wrong.
On the 928, a couple things to consider. Highlights if you will.
Fuel lines need to be replaced if still original. Major and dramatic fire hazard for 80's cars, especially 928's. Kit of hose and clamps (special hose) is about $100.
If automatic transmission, crankshaft endplay is important. They have design flaw that, for some model years in particular, can cause accumulation of forward preload on the crankshaft. Needs to be in-spec. Exhaust down pipes need to be lowered slightly to access the bell housing and loosten the torque tube shaft pinch bolt, release flex plate tension, and then to check the endplay. 928's have the splines pinned, not free to slide, so you can't skip that part to measure endplay. (Some folks will argue that the issue is only "real" for the 87-on cars, some argue only 85-on cars. 84-back have a different arrangement, but the ones I've seen have had that safety measure omitted and are also vulnerable.) https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...pictorial.html
If you are really doing an inspection, then this should be done. If the inspector discounts it, then he / she is wrong. I released a lot of flexplate tension on an 85 auto last weekend, one that had been previously released 4 months ago and pinchbolt changed and torqued to 62 lbf. This weekend it got a PKlamp fitted, an auxilliary clamp to hopefully stop accumulation of tension. (there is another clamp, the Constantine Superclamp, that's even better but a little more expensive and involved -- you can add instead.) https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...xperience.html
On the 928, a couple things to consider. Highlights if you will.
Fuel lines need to be replaced if still original. Major and dramatic fire hazard for 80's cars, especially 928's. Kit of hose and clamps (special hose) is about $100.
If automatic transmission, crankshaft endplay is important. They have design flaw that, for some model years in particular, can cause accumulation of forward preload on the crankshaft. Needs to be in-spec. Exhaust down pipes need to be lowered slightly to access the bell housing and loosten the torque tube shaft pinch bolt, release flex plate tension, and then to check the endplay. 928's have the splines pinned, not free to slide, so you can't skip that part to measure endplay. (Some folks will argue that the issue is only "real" for the 87-on cars, some argue only 85-on cars. 84-back have a different arrangement, but the ones I've seen have had that safety measure omitted and are also vulnerable.) https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...pictorial.html
If you are really doing an inspection, then this should be done. If the inspector discounts it, then he / she is wrong. I released a lot of flexplate tension on an 85 auto last weekend, one that had been previously released 4 months ago and pinchbolt changed and torqued to 62 lbf. This weekend it got a PKlamp fitted, an auxilliary clamp to hopefully stop accumulation of tension. (there is another clamp, the Constantine Superclamp, that's even better but a little more expensive and involved -- you can add instead.) https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...xperience.html
Last edited by Landseer; 08-05-2010 at 07:37 AM.
08-05-2010, 07:53 AM
#21
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I have just done about the same as you. I have traded my 944 for its big brother and can second all of the comments here.
I thought I had a nice sound car, and I have. But it has been stored for a few years, and had few miles on it before that. So, the $5k thing is true. I thought I might get away without it, but no. Fuel, tires, alternator all gave me problems the first month. I haven't got to 5k yet, but am well on the way, and I do a lot of repairs myself. So, take that bit seriously.
But, I wouldn't go back for anything. Its a great car, and gives me so much pleasure that it is worth every penny.
And, Rennlist is your friend. People here are friendly and helpful.
If you can afford the time and the money to keep it going - then go for it. But make sure you get that inspection up front, so you know where to put the 5k.
I thought I had a nice sound car, and I have. But it has been stored for a few years, and had few miles on it before that. So, the $5k thing is true. I thought I might get away without it, but no. Fuel, tires, alternator all gave me problems the first month. I haven't got to 5k yet, but am well on the way, and I do a lot of repairs myself. So, take that bit seriously.
But, I wouldn't go back for anything. Its a great car, and gives me so much pleasure that it is worth every penny.
And, Rennlist is your friend. People here are friendly and helpful.
If you can afford the time and the money to keep it going - then go for it. But make sure you get that inspection up front, so you know where to put the 5k.
08-05-2010, 08:09 AM
#22
I purchased my 90 S4 in March this year for about 4k and had to do the following to get it in shape, I hopefully get in back from the garage today.
1) Timing Belt
2) New Porsche Water Pump
3) Rebuilt Steering rack
4) Rebuilt Steering Pump
6) Renew Fuel Hoses with S/S braided and Roger's U bend.
7) Flex Plate Check and Release.
8) Fuel Pressure Gauge
9) Complete Fluid Change
10) Clean C/E panel and replace all fuses / some relays.
11) New Filters
12) Fixed A/C Relay
13) New A/C hoses and pressure switch
14) New Vacuum Hoses
15) Restored leather and steering wheel
16) Respray Hood and Roof
17) Hood Struts
18) Restore rear Luggage Cover
19) Fix rotten rear light fixing
20) Fixed various interior trim pieces
21) New Head Unit
22) Clean ground points
23) Renew Motor Mounts
1) Timing Belt
2) New Porsche Water Pump
3) Rebuilt Steering rack
4) Rebuilt Steering Pump
6) Renew Fuel Hoses with S/S braided and Roger's U bend.
7) Flex Plate Check and Release.
8) Fuel Pressure Gauge
9) Complete Fluid Change
10) Clean C/E panel and replace all fuses / some relays.
11) New Filters
12) Fixed A/C Relay
13) New A/C hoses and pressure switch
14) New Vacuum Hoses
15) Restored leather and steering wheel
16) Respray Hood and Roof
17) Hood Struts
18) Restore rear Luggage Cover
19) Fix rotten rear light fixing
20) Fixed various interior trim pieces
21) New Head Unit
22) Clean ground points
23) Renew Motor Mounts
08-05-2010, 08:13 AM
#23
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You look them square in the eyes and say "I absolutely have to have a pre purchase inspection done before I will buy a 928"
If they even finch then this is not the car for you.
I have seen guys that were professional mechanics who had owned 928's before get taken to the cleaners because they did not have a pre purchase inspection done.
While needed on any used car, it is critical on a 928 for it to be inspected by a "Real" 928 mechanic on a lift, and I am going to suggest to use Dave C's pre purchase inspection guide.
If they even finch then this is not the car for you.
I have seen guys that were professional mechanics who had owned 928's before get taken to the cleaners because they did not have a pre purchase inspection done.
While needed on any used car, it is critical on a 928 for it to be inspected by a "Real" 928 mechanic on a lift, and I am going to suggest to use Dave C's pre purchase inspection guide.
What shocks me is how many people don't even focus on the mechanical or cosmetic condition, they only care about the price! Getting a car cheap is only 1/4 the battle when it comes to a 928. You have to consider the other 3/4 which include the cars history, current mechanicals and current cosmetics. And no these are not waited equally.
Boggles my mind how the big picture is often lost when buying a used high end car.
08-05-2010, 12:24 PM
#25
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$6800 is completely reasonable for a car like a 928. I have a decent job and low enough living costs that I don't worry terribly much about things like that, I also live close enough to my work and university that I can just bicycle back and forth if the need be, the car would be more for weekends and dates than anything else.
I can't really think that I would buy an older porsche expecting something completely reliable and cheap. Cars like a 928 or my 944 have always been more a labor of love than anything else, because I love cars... They're why I'm studying to be a mechanical engineer.
I can't really think that I would buy an older porsche expecting something completely reliable and cheap. Cars like a 928 or my 944 have always been more a labor of love than anything else, because I love cars... They're why I'm studying to be a mechanical engineer.
08-05-2010, 12:26 PM
#26
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$6800 is a lot for a 1985 928.
For that money, it needs to be refreshed well and pass a rather particular PPI.
Not kidding you on this. All complete and ready to drive.
Of course, you can pay what you want.
For that money, it needs to be refreshed well and pass a rather particular PPI.
Not kidding you on this. All complete and ready to drive.
Of course, you can pay what you want.
08-05-2010, 12:46 PM
#27
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Oh I wouldn't be paying $6800 up front, I'm actually planning on doing straight trade for the motorcycle. I'm just saying, if I'm not expecting to get away without paying a mechanic to fix a few things on it
08-05-2010, 09:10 PM
#28
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$6800 is completely reasonable for a car like a 928. I have a decent job and low enough living costs that I don't worry terribly much about things like that, I also live close enough to my work and university that I can just bicycle back and forth if the need be, the car would be more for weekends and dates than anything else.
I'm pretty sure Landseer means he got 3 928's for $6800 (i.e. they averaged about $2270 each, in separate unrelated transactions).
08-05-2010, 09:18 PM
#29
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Yes, the sum of three.
Do your research. Spend only $2000-$3000 max for an automatic car for which you need to do timing belt + water pump + tensioner, motor mounts, pan gasket ,intake refresh and brakes and tires, and fix some interior stuff. (You need to do it if it hasn't been done recently.) When done with the project, your own labor, you will be at about $5 - $7K.
All I'm saying is don't get enamored with " its a Porsche".
I did it once and got burned.
Do your research. Spend only $2000-$3000 max for an automatic car for which you need to do timing belt + water pump + tensioner, motor mounts, pan gasket ,intake refresh and brakes and tires, and fix some interior stuff. (You need to do it if it hasn't been done recently.) When done with the project, your own labor, you will be at about $5 - $7K.
All I'm saying is don't get enamored with " its a Porsche".
I did it once and got burned.
08-05-2010, 09:34 PM
#30
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Oh to be young and optimistic...."I'm not expecting to get away without paying a mechanic to fix a few things on it ....." When it crosses the threshold of a Porsche mechanic's shop for ANYTHING do not be surprised if it is $1,000 if fact be very happy that was all it cost. Frankly if you are a student and do not have the knowledge , time , and space to work on it yourself owning an old car is not going to be much fun. These cars can be great hobbies something to do in your spare time with discretionary income while you have something reliable to drive. They also make great driveway art when they too become a "project" car.