Tony320

Well, I'm thinking about finally biting the bullet and looking for a little advice. I test drove a 5 spd '79 and could use a little guidance

From looking at the car, I'd give the interior a 7/10. The carpet and paneling look decent, and the dash has the typical cracks. The seats are super soft and cloth, but in good shape.

The exterior is probably a 6 or 6.5/10. This is because it has had a paint "touch up" in the original color. Minor cracking on the bumper, a few nicks, and a dent in the wheel well where the car was backed into. The touch-up itself doesn’t look too back aside from the areas mentioned. The rear hatch appears to leak, I believe there is some trim that has been removed from around the rear hatch glass. No rusting anywhere on the car, and is reasonably clean. It is either an S package, or it has had a chin and hatch spoiler installed prior to the current owner’s possession.

Engine and trans are areas of a little concern. The engine started up right off, and idled well. Timing belt looks good. The car comes with a new timing belt. The water pump has not recently been replaced. There is an fluid leak that seeps onto the top of the engine and occasionally causes some smoking. I’ve forgotten what the leak was but I remember where it is .

The Trans is my main concern. The 5 spd will grind a little between gears and requires rev matching to downshift into 2nd. I’m thinking it will need to be rebuilt/replaced in the near future.

Electrical and accessories. Speedo and tach work, the other gauges…. don’t. The current owner did wire in some LEDs to light the interior though. He also installed a fuel cutoff switch. No AC, the compressor was removed. Headunit for the AC/Heat is broken and could use replacing, though I was informed that the heat works. Radio is aftermarket, but works.

So, what would you pay or would you walk away?

checkmate1996

As you said, the transmission is what is going to kill you...I just spent almost $5k to get mine rebuilt...the synchros/dogteeth are shot and will need replaced. You could get away with trying some redline fluid ... that may buy you some time....

Waterpump/timing belt...no worries ...you have a non-interference engine...if it breaks you are ok
Porsche didn't come out with the S series until 81. Those are after market
Fluid leak on engine or exhuast manifold (location is key)... is it oil or water? very important to know...
Fuel cutoff switch? Why? Security? Never replaced a relay? Why?
How does the heat work with out the head unit?? unless the heater valve vacuum switch is broken and is left open...then you get heat all the time!!!
Hatch leak could just be a new seal...

Good luck...purchase price is what you want to pay for it...

Maleficio

Sounds like a good project......if you've got loads of cash and patience.

I'd remove those LEDs from the pod first thing, and get the gauges working again. The terminal screws on the flexible circuit board are probably not driven in all the way. I encountered that in mine. All the terminal screws were backed out, though the shop that did the PO's work only replaced the light bulbs, and didn't need to remove the board for that, so I figure it was sabotage by the shop because they knew the PO was very stupid, and would just bring the car back for yet another bogus fix for another grand.

I wouldn't buy it simply because of the transmission.

bronto

Sounds like this one?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/2352658035.html

linderpat

Offer $3.5K. If he takes it, it's a good deal.
As to it being a possible "S", it isn't. Not in a 79. A tell tale sign is to look at the chin spoiler - it will have cut-outs for brake ducts, but there won't be any brake ducts in the front cover. "S" mosdels came out in euro trim in 80 I believe, ansd in the US in 82 as an option. James can correct me on this, but I know 79 is too early.
As to the engine leak on top of the engine, that may not be that big of a deal. These early models, in particular, have tremendous oil blow-back, and that will get out and into the "v" of the engine. Dave at 928 Spec sells a kit for this. As to the tranny, others can comment. As to the electrical stuff, again, these early cars are simple compared to the later models, and it won't be too difficult as a DIY job to fix these items. Get the wiring diagrams. Much of it may be as simple as cleaning the various ground points and doing a pod and CE panel R&R (See Dave Anderson's site for complete write-ups on a 78 for all of these jobs).
The early models are great, easy to work on, light and fleet to drive - lots of fun. Go for it and post lots of pics.

mazdaverx7

may be a little bit of a drive for you, but this seems like a fair buy if you are in the market: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item2eb4f5f61a

linderpat

Cool - it's a rare 9 cylinder to boot!

James Bailey

That would be 8 mechanical injectors and 1 cold start injector.....total of nine !

jwillman

I bought my 79 lasy year as a non- runner, busted clutch hyd flex line. It was my fisrt 928 and I spent a ton of hours on all the deffered stuff, fuel lines, brakes, half shafts, fuel system, suspension and the list goes on. It has been a blast and the community is great.

My point is $3.5K seems high. There is likely a ton of work beyond what you listed and have seen given the condition of the rest of the car and the issues with the tranny could be $$$$. Again these cars are worth what you are willing to pay. New guys 2 cents.

porschedonald

DD

Trip..

Be careful if this is a car that anyone is looking at. The car has been up for sale many times over the past few months, but in the past week the price has gone from $1900 to $2100 to $2500. I emailed the guy an politely asked why and I received a nasty email from him about it being his car and he can do whatever he wants with it. While I agree, it is his car and he is free to do as he wishes, but an increase of 600 dollars in price in 2 days piqued my curiosity. I was told to mind my own business. Actually it was a bit more stern with an an ever so eloquent "F#*k Off"

I don't know why sellers seem to be bothered or annoyed when a potential buyer asks a question. I know they (sellers in general) probably get 10 stupid calls for every decent one, but being rude to potential buyers is idiotic. Sorry, but I have no respect for someone that is rude to me when I try to give them money!

James Bailey

Perhaps he has been reading Rennlist and believes that prices are going UP ! Or has gotten tired of getting lowball offers and has built in some fluff for the next guy who offers 75% of what he is asking......

linderpat

I generally agree, but have to ask - were you trying to buy it?

James Bailey

Just trying to help fill out the quota of 9 out of ten.....In buying lots of cars we figured that you had to look at three in order to buy one...so were happy to see one that could not be bought right as that just got you closer to one that was a good deal. Now with Craigslist and the misrepresentation there, it is more like buying one in five.....and that is after you screen them on the phone. You MUST ask Do you have a title? is it in YOUR name ? is it salvage? is the car registered ? back reg fees ? Any parking tickets ? has it been smogged ? Does it run ? Rust ? How long have you owned it ? Can it be driven 60 miles ?

mazdaverx7

thats the first i saw of it for sale. i was considering buying an older 928 for my wife and it peaked my interest. i can't swint it right now because i still need to finish picking up some maitenance items for my 944 but thought it *appeared* to be a fair buy and wanted to spread the word to the guys with more 928 experience and wisdom.