Bought a 1981 Porsche for $1400. now what?
06-05-2012, 06:33 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Bought a 1981 Porsche for $1400. now what?
Pictures added - http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3987781/1981-porsche-928
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So I have a Porsche 928!!!
The story is as follows:
I have been keeping an eye out for a Porsche 928 on the local classifieds for a number of months and last week the car I wanted finally came up. It took me a while because I wanted a deal and a 5 speed car.
I found it on Craigslist listed for $1500. The listing is as follows:
"Hasn't run in 3 years, have no idea what's wrong with it. Great project car. Got key and clean Title. First, $1500 takes it home. Text or Call Chris at 407-925-XXXX between 9AM and 6:30PM . Had a couple of pictures that appeared to be in fair condition(s)."
I called the owner up and it turned out to be a tow yard about 100 miles away.
The same day I went and looked at it. The car had a rough interior and the paint was peeling in a number of places but it was complete.
I had a weird feeling about the car because despite being a 1981 it had the front and rear spoilers... competition package? and had a number of features that I did not think came until later model cars. I though nothing of it and offered $1400 to take it then and now. The tow guy accepted and I loaded the car up.
The car sat in my trailer with a battery charger on if for 3 days until I really re-visited it. When I was in my truck I decided to look at the title and noticed the VIN began with WPOZZZ... I had a Euro S. 4.7L, 309 HP and all!
I was overjoyed at my find and hoped I could get it running again. I finally got a solid 12V out of the battery and rolled the car into my shop. the first thing I did was vacuum her and try to remove some of the 30 years of filth the car had. The more I vacuum the more came out
While in the car I started playing with the various amenities and found that everything worked. The sunroof, windows, headlight lights, blinkers, cooling fans, under hood light. everything worked. I also investigated the engine and found that it had a recent timing belt and plug wires. I was amazed but also concerned.
So... for ****s and giggles I decided to try turning the car over to hear the sound of metal on metal carnage. I checked all of the fluids. everything looked fresh. To my surprise I turned the ignition key and the car started like it never sat.
So... at this point I did what anyone would do. I filled up the, almost full tread depth, tires and drove it around the block. The car stayed cool, it accelerated, it shifted through all gears well and the clutch worked well. The only complaint I have is the brakes were a little soft.
I had just bought a 1981 Porsche 928 Euro S for $1400.
I will post some pictures in the next couple of days. I have a couple of issues I am going to need help with:
1) the tube from the brake fluid reservoir to the clutch slave cylinder leaks and I am wondering how much I have to remove to replace it and what to replace it with.
2) Why is there 1 modern fuel injector rigged in-line of my fuel return?
Plans for the car are to make it a nice runner/driver while keeping it original with some tasteful upgrades. I also plan on entering it in the Grassroots Motorsports $2012 challenge. The car will not do well, but I want to show up with a running driving Porsche 928 for under $2012.
I'm sure I will come up with more, but I am excited to be part of the forum!
"
">"
">"
">"
">So I have a Porsche 928!!!
The story is as follows:
I have been keeping an eye out for a Porsche 928 on the local classifieds for a number of months and last week the car I wanted finally came up. It took me a while because I wanted a deal and a 5 speed car.
I found it on Craigslist listed for $1500. The listing is as follows:
"Hasn't run in 3 years, have no idea what's wrong with it. Great project car. Got key and clean Title. First, $1500 takes it home. Text or Call Chris at 407-925-XXXX between 9AM and 6:30PM . Had a couple of pictures that appeared to be in fair condition(s)."
I called the owner up and it turned out to be a tow yard about 100 miles away.
The same day I went and looked at it. The car had a rough interior and the paint was peeling in a number of places but it was complete.
I had a weird feeling about the car because despite being a 1981 it had the front and rear spoilers... competition package? and had a number of features that I did not think came until later model cars. I though nothing of it and offered $1400 to take it then and now. The tow guy accepted and I loaded the car up.
The car sat in my trailer with a battery charger on if for 3 days until I really re-visited it. When I was in my truck I decided to look at the title and noticed the VIN began with WPOZZZ... I had a Euro S. 4.7L, 309 HP and all!
I was overjoyed at my find and hoped I could get it running again. I finally got a solid 12V out of the battery and rolled the car into my shop. the first thing I did was vacuum her and try to remove some of the 30 years of filth the car had. The more I vacuum the more came out
While in the car I started playing with the various amenities and found that everything worked. The sunroof, windows, headlight lights, blinkers, cooling fans, under hood light. everything worked. I also investigated the engine and found that it had a recent timing belt and plug wires. I was amazed but also concerned.
So... for ****s and giggles I decided to try turning the car over to hear the sound of metal on metal carnage. I checked all of the fluids. everything looked fresh. To my surprise I turned the ignition key and the car started like it never sat.
So... at this point I did what anyone would do. I filled up the, almost full tread depth, tires and drove it around the block. The car stayed cool, it accelerated, it shifted through all gears well and the clutch worked well. The only complaint I have is the brakes were a little soft.
I had just bought a 1981 Porsche 928 Euro S for $1400.
I will post some pictures in the next couple of days. I have a couple of issues I am going to need help with:
1) the tube from the brake fluid reservoir to the clutch slave cylinder leaks and I am wondering how much I have to remove to replace it and what to replace it with.
2) Why is there 1 modern fuel injector rigged in-line of my fuel return?
Plans for the car are to make it a nice runner/driver while keeping it original with some tasteful upgrades. I also plan on entering it in the Grassroots Motorsports $2012 challenge. The car will not do well, but I want to show up with a running driving Porsche 928 for under $2012.
I'm sure I will come up with more, but I am excited to be part of the forum!
Last edited by NordicSaab; 06-06-2012 at 10:09 AM. Reason: Adding pictures
06-05-2012, 07:17 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
Congrats, that is an insane deal, but don't expect it to stay a $1400 Porsche for long. 
Why assume the car will not do well? A Euro S is a VERY fast car even in almost stock condition. Unless you are already one heck of a driver it will exceed your limits for some time.
Why assume the car will not do well? A Euro S is a VERY fast car even in almost stock condition. Unless you are already one heck of a driver it will exceed your limits for some time.
06-05-2012, 07:36 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Awesome deal! With CIS fuel injection you are very lucky it started. Also surprised it shifts well with the common early synchro problems. Sounds like someone put some money into it. I think it's 300 HP instead of 310 but who's counting. Also don't forget it's several hundred lbs lighter than later cars. Have fun!
06-05-2012, 07:45 PM
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06-05-2012, 08:26 PM
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06-05-2012, 08:37 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
Great find! If I ever added a third car, I'd be seeking a Euro S.
Be sure to replace your fuel lines. Also check for fuel in the vacuum lines to the fuel pressure dampers/regulators.
The clutch "blue hose" isn't a job I've done myself (have paid for it to be done), but I understand that it is a PITA. You should be able to contact any of the 928 parts vendors and ask for the "blue hose" and they'll know what you mean.
Where are you located?
Be sure to replace your fuel lines. Also check for fuel in the vacuum lines to the fuel pressure dampers/regulators.
The clutch "blue hose" isn't a job I've done myself (have paid for it to be done), but I understand that it is a PITA. You should be able to contact any of the 928 parts vendors and ask for the "blue hose" and they'll know what you mean.
Where are you located?
06-05-2012, 09:10 PM
#10
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Congratulations..seems like a good find...
Become a forum member and you will see the benefits as your posting abilities will enable the seasoned friends here to help you as you progress.
Become a forum member and you will see the benefits as your posting abilities will enable the seasoned friends here to help you as you progress.
06-05-2012, 10:27 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
If you can give a prostate exam to a horse, the bule hose job is cake.
Next step - same as all of us that buy one of these things. Throw another $10,000 at it and enjoy it!
Though fuel lines are the best next step!!
Next step - same as all of us that buy one of these things. Throw another $10,000 at it and enjoy it!
Though fuel lines are the best next step!!
06-05-2012, 10:32 PM
#13
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OK! I am sure you checked the motor numbers. It should be M28/11 or if someone messed with the car M28/12. I say to check because because someone could have put spoilers on - it is a common thing. Check the front brakes too. If they do not look like the rear calipers then it is probably an S. The euro cars came in 81 as both S and non S models.
As for the blue hose dump it. A new one will only rot again. Get some red hose from Pegasus Racing. It fits perfectly and lasts forever. Changing the blue hose is a point. The easiest way to do it believe it or not is to remove the brake master cylinder. There are many things on the 928 that require removing one thing to get access to another. With the brake master out of the way getting to the blue hose is simple and easy.
The fuel injector you see is connected to the WUR (warm up regulator). The WUR is really miss named as it is the brains of the CIS system. It controls and varies the fuel pressure which is critical. When the car was Federalized (modified so it meets US standards) an oxygen sensor was added to the exhaust. The wires from the sensor will run to a little box probably somewhere under the dash. Then the "black box" (which may just be a bundle of wires with a chip) is connected to the injector. This allows an O2 sensor to be used to moderate smog. I have seen these with both a CAT and not. The 928 is pretty clean and 1981 smog standards were less than they are today. As a result sometimes adding just an O2 sensor was enough to get the car through smog. Depending where you are you might be better off adding a CAT if there is not one on the car.
Some federalization adjustments were complete and I am sure there are others where some money changed hands. The things that should be done are horizontal crash bars in the doors (a good thing to have) fore and aft lighted side markers, disabling the headlight height adjustors, making the car pass smog, changing the speedometer to read in miles. In some cases a sticker was used for this. I am sure there are a couple more tweaks.
The gas is old in the car and the CIS system being pressure sensitive as it is will not react well to dirty gas. I would still drain the tank and put in some Berryman's Gas Treatment for one tank and then a pint of Marvel Mystery oil for the second tank. The Berryman's will clean out the injectors and fuel system and then the mystery oil will lubricate the fuel pump and injectors. You might then consider changing the tank screen as those with age tend to fragment and can take out the fuel pump. Other than maybe some fine adjustments on the mixture this is about all you should have to do to get the engine running well. Mine sat for 15 years and I had to clean the injectors and WUR but that was about it.
Sounds like you got a great deal. I paid $1300 for my Euro S and the auto trans was broken. The rest of the car was about average.
Good luck
As for the blue hose dump it. A new one will only rot again. Get some red hose from Pegasus Racing. It fits perfectly and lasts forever. Changing the blue hose is a point. The easiest way to do it believe it or not is to remove the brake master cylinder. There are many things on the 928 that require removing one thing to get access to another. With the brake master out of the way getting to the blue hose is simple and easy.
The fuel injector you see is connected to the WUR (warm up regulator). The WUR is really miss named as it is the brains of the CIS system. It controls and varies the fuel pressure which is critical. When the car was Federalized (modified so it meets US standards) an oxygen sensor was added to the exhaust. The wires from the sensor will run to a little box probably somewhere under the dash. Then the "black box" (which may just be a bundle of wires with a chip) is connected to the injector. This allows an O2 sensor to be used to moderate smog. I have seen these with both a CAT and not. The 928 is pretty clean and 1981 smog standards were less than they are today. As a result sometimes adding just an O2 sensor was enough to get the car through smog. Depending where you are you might be better off adding a CAT if there is not one on the car.
Some federalization adjustments were complete and I am sure there are others where some money changed hands. The things that should be done are horizontal crash bars in the doors (a good thing to have) fore and aft lighted side markers, disabling the headlight height adjustors, making the car pass smog, changing the speedometer to read in miles. In some cases a sticker was used for this. I am sure there are a couple more tweaks.
The gas is old in the car and the CIS system being pressure sensitive as it is will not react well to dirty gas. I would still drain the tank and put in some Berryman's Gas Treatment for one tank and then a pint of Marvel Mystery oil for the second tank. The Berryman's will clean out the injectors and fuel system and then the mystery oil will lubricate the fuel pump and injectors. You might then consider changing the tank screen as those with age tend to fragment and can take out the fuel pump. Other than maybe some fine adjustments on the mixture this is about all you should have to do to get the engine running well. Mine sat for 15 years and I had to clean the injectors and WUR but that was about it.
Sounds like you got a great deal. I paid $1300 for my Euro S and the auto trans was broken. The rest of the car was about average.
Good luck
06-05-2012, 11:11 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Now what? Sell it immediately for anything more than $1000 and you will be far ahead in the long run. 
Heck, even if you give it away you'll still win.
Heck, even if you give it away you'll still win.
06-05-2012, 11:12 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
outstanding grab. Do what pod guy says, and let us know if the engine checks out as a legit euro. Can't wait to see pics.