I am new to the world of the Porsche 928. Just sold my 944 and I am looking to move into a 928. I have found an ad for a 1986 928 and the seller has stated that the only major issue is this " The worst of the problems it has is a very minor valve cover leak at the rear of the valve cover." I am not much of mechanic and my question is this, is this a major issue and what should I look for when I go to look at the car. I know to ask for all documents showing work completed to the car, including the time belt, water pump. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

Unless you do your own wrenching a 928 might not be a good choice for you,

parts are getting expensive and paying for labor will take out all of the fun of ownership.

 

The cam cover bolts on 85-86 five liter cars screws into the head of another bolt. Often when you try removing or tightening one of those it snaps off the head of the bolt screwed into the cylinder head. that means drilling out the broken bolt however there is so little room it may not be possible with the engine in the car. So a minor oil leak can mean that you must remove the engine which is around 15 hours of labor out and back in. Plus the time to remove the broken bolts and there can be several.

 

Leaking valve cover gaskets are a minor thing. Took mine off today just because I felt like doing it and wanted to see inside.

As to what 928 to get, you want to get the BEST conditioned one you can afford.

 

I've had quite a few and have been happiest in my '79 and '84.

Non inteference engines and much easier to work on.

 

If you do you research on this board and understand the 85 86 bolt configuration, it is not a big deal.
The most difficult part is negotiating the covers off.
Water pump, timing belt, a/c, transmission, milage, are things to address
Check for moisture anywhere on interior

 

Lesson 1, pay no attention to what the seller says, look a 928 over for basics you will learn by reading the sticky posts, and when you find a "nice" 928 have a PPI done by someone with lots of experience with the 928.

Lesson 0, first find the expert 928 mechanic.

Lesson 2, know what you want, be ready to act quickly.

 

Thank you to everyone for your comments and suggestions. I appreciate all of your help!

 

The 928 is a great car. I don't think it is a lot different than owning a 944. They all need wrenching at this age.

 

Yeah I kinda was thinking that the 944 and 928 could be similar to work on. But I know that there are differences. I also realize that these cars are expensive to work on, BUT I love the way the 928 looks and sounds. I have to test drive as many as possible. I am not in big hurry. When the right one comes around, I will be ready.

 

It's very important to go and drive a few. Each one is different, each one has been taken care of differently and once "The One" comes along, you will know it. If you can do your own work, the upkeep costs are not all that bad. Keep in mind that it's a supercar of days past and the guys buying them new were all doctors/lawyers etc. Like I said, your best bet is to grab the best one you can in the price range you are looking for, unless you are wanting a project car.

I shopped for a project car and 6 years later I'm not done with it

 

Put your location in your profile so people local to you can offer local stuff like tips and rides.

 

Done... I have updated my profile information. Thank you to all members who have responded to my thread.

 

Here is a link to a PPI I wrote some time back. I do not think I would change much.

http://www.kondratyev.com/porsche/ppi/ppi.htm

Good luck

 

http://www.excellence-mag.com/resour...uide/294251490
^^^^^^
928 buyers guide... basic info to get you started. I am in the same boat, havent bought one yet, but I got my eye on a nice '85 euro with a salvaged title, the salvage title is a bit disconserning, but it can reallly lower the price and as long as it was rebuilt well; should be GTG.

Good luck!