Mcardenal

Hi all, I just became a first time 928 owner last month and I have to say that I specifically looked for the best condition, least touched/modified example I could find. Its in our nature to want to improve, personalize or change our cars to match our own individual taste or personalities (guilty of it on many of my vehicles). However, i think my feelings have changed after seeing some older cars that have been left as original as the day they rolled of the assembly line, knowing how hard it was for it to have survived throughout its life without someone putting there mark on it.
I say leave it original.

Mrmerlin

well besides replacing wear items the only other things that have been changed are the wheels and brakes,
I have the old brakes in a box.
the spare was removed and an amp /base speaker added but thats also removable.
The stereo was also swapped out for an Nakamichi 6 disc player.
The pod has a custom black cover to reduce glare it is also removable.

The Auto trans shifts fine and works as it should,
it was resealed and had a few parts replaced when the seals were done.
Other than that not much reason swap things, except to change the character

cold_beer839

I think I would leave that car as is. Looks too nice. Find you another 5 speed that needs some TLC like you did on the green '86.

Bertrand Daoust

I would definitely not do it on a nice car like yours.
Buy another one if you want to drive a 5 speed.
You got a VERY NICE 928 Sir.

JWise

Heck no! It would destroy the originality and diminish the car's value. It's such a rare and beautiful car, I'd do nothing to it that couldn't be easily and undetectably returned to original.

Respectfully,
JW

928er

I would say do what you want... its your car... most cars are not an investment. with that said, 928's are really not investment material, at least currently. Considering that almost everything could be reversed, except the firewall mod, I would do mine again in a heartbeat. Who is going to devalue a car for a part that you can barely reach, much less see? How many smiles per mile will you get after the swap? Ultimately we can't tell you if you will get more enjoyment or more profit...... what if you don't mod it, don't enjoy it always envy a manual trans car, and something happens to this one?

Bill Ball

Stan: All the time off during the holidays has affected you. Forget about it!

dcrasta

You can do it!

SMTCapeCod

Posting pics sealed your fate, I think!

As stated, if anyone can do it right, you're certainly the guy- one of the few, at any rate.

Still, even though I'm dubious of the 'value' and 'significance' of some of the special cars outside of the community, I do think it would be a shame to take that car too far from its origins.

Far too clean, too nice, and too distinct. Fuel pressure gauge notwithstanding. If it isn't pulling its weight in pushing your joy meter, maybe another enthusiast will have an interest in providing suitable inducement so you can get something that does! It would be great to follow your work on a platform that could shoulder the best of the aftermarket without detriment.

As an aside- I missed the story on the grease pencil is that a factory embellishment? Very cool.
And is that a trimmed aftermarket pod cover? Just as a cap, it actually looks kind a sporty all things considered.

And, thanks for polling for opinions!

the flyin' scotsman

Ive considered it with my car Stan but never would with yours.......thats one mighty fine looking 928.

Gotta a trans. for sale?

Hilton

If yours was a common colour/options car I'd say go for it.

Leave your car as-is - auto-manual conversion isn't easily reversed to "stock" as it involves welding/cutting the firewall.

Buy yourself a 78/79 5-speed project

heinrich

Stan yes absolutely because of the rare colour.

77tony

Sounds like you will enjoy this beauty for a long time, and even more with a 5 spd, so just go ahead and do it. Installing a 5spd might actually increase the value of your car to a certain type of buyer, not the purist type, but someone who wants a meticulously maintained, very cool color 928 that has a 5spd. You also have the know how to do it right. Doesn't get any better than that .02 77Tony

soontobered84

That's the problem right there. I absolutely believe that if it were to be done, you would be one that that would do it right. If it were a bolt-on modification, or something that could be easily reversed (a rear turbo or a supercharger comes to mind), I'd say go for it. However, this modification is a one way street. You couldn't go back even if you wanted.

My vote is no.

Leave your beautiful car alone. Drive it like it's meant to be driven, but if you have to drive a 5 speed, just buy a 5 speed.

svp928

I agree with Sterling- do what you want! If a 5 speed would be more enjoyable to you, go for it. Its not that hard, and if push came to shove, you could reverse it. Plus, your car as 5-speed would be REALLY rare-it isn't like you would trash it......

Steve