I believe that is correct. Even if the heads would come off with the engine in, it's still a bunch of work over the fenders.

 

The 86 auto is about the best one can get and still not be shifting yourself. It's a very good auto trans, for just about any kind of driving you want to do.

This is not the car for you. If you don't have a garage, tools, jacks, 928 experience please find a good one to buy that only needs cosmetics, or small fixup issues. Or buy a good one from the classifieds here on rennlist.

 

Yea I know, I would have to drop the car off at a friendly Rennlist member's place for the engine fixes (that should be quick tho being they know more than me).

If push comes to shove, harbor freight has Shop Cranes and engine stands for cheap.

Like I said, I got zero supplies to fix the car so the progress will be super slow. (at least I wont be doing it too fast that I screw up )

Been really thinking of buying a more complete car (got some advice on who I can buy from), Jacks is more of a must buy (for just changing the oil and other minor maintenance stuff, but it is that engine lift that pretty much is the nail in the coffin)

 

If you don't own a home with a garage you can dedicate to the car for 6 months then walk away.

 

You really need a garage. I had mine up on stands for about six months. Just when you think you have all the tools you need. Damn I don't have the wrench for doing that job.

 

I 2nd everything you said in this thread so far. Yes the key to owning any old car is working on it yourself. I suppose if I lived in Dalllas or someplace there was a 928 mechanic around it might be different. I did fix a a few bent valves a few years ago and it was not bad. Thanks to Sean for a lot of phone help. My problem was that I dropped a bit in the port when the intake was off and it got stuck in a valve. Mostly it was just my labor and about $350 in parts and machine work. Luckily I have a good machine shop that did the head work for me locally.

 

I know, that lift is the nail in the coffin.

I have a garage, but I have turned it into a secondary living room pretty much where drunks can have their fun and make noise without bothering the rest of the house.


Major engine work is likely a no go for me right now with "ZERO" car experience except for the once in a while oil change/spark plugs/air filter. But I am good with see monkey, do monkey

 

Found a bent valve on the Euro project the other day. Cost of the new valve, about $16. Not bad.

 

Price this with Roger
16 ex valves
5 int valves
timing belt
water pump
Porkensioner
cam chains
tensioner pads
engine gasket kit
fuel line kit
vac hoses
timing gears(opt)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
shop work
32 valve 3 angle job
clean 2 heads
surface 2 heads
load valves, seals, springs, etc.

If you get away under $2k it won't be by much.

 

If you are only comfortable with changing plugs everyonce in a while I think I would be looking for something else. The 928 is a great value for someone that is capable with a wrench. If you are set on a 928 in the end just budget $300 to $500 a month for repairs and upgrades after the purchase. That may work for you too but I just do not know your financial situation.

 

I have no problems with wrench/screw drivers/electrics, give me directions or even just a diagram and I can do it without testing around. With no directions if I took it apart then reverse engineering by memory.
I have only done the basic maintance on a car so far, and I would not mind doing more tho more advanced stuff.. say removing an engine block I rather have a 928 owner with me

The only car I hate to do an oil change is parent's honda accord being it is so bloody hard to get to the oil filter (maintaining a line of sight while trying to reach problem)


My monthly income isnt bad, its trying to figure out how much for the inital purchase without upsetting my family is the problem, but I think after everyone reasoning I think i will go for a car without much problems.

 

If you are committed you likely can do more than you realize. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders.

 

There are a few more 928 guys in SD on the Pelican forum, many embracing buying cheap. Leo has a really nice $900 928 he lucked into, as well as a built from basket case car.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...chnical-forum/

A different perspective and maybe more local resources for you.

 

I had a TB failure in my '87 and had to decide if it was worth fixing. My mechanic told me 3K + 3k, minimum, worse if damage is not contained to top end. I'm pretty knowledgeable and good with tools, and most importantly, know my limitations. I decided to pull the heads myself to assess internal damage, rather than pay the mechanic $1500 to do it. I researched the job thoroughly and started. I had 12 bent intakes, no internal damage. 6 months later, I finished the job at a cost of ~$3500 including headwork (complete rebuild w/new exhaust guides + some repair work), specialized tools, new WP, chains, ceramic coat intake and VCs, new cam gears, gaskest//seals, injectors cleaned/tested, lots of other stuff I did because I had it apart. I was able to do this with the car next to my house, but only because I didn't have to remove the engine. If you're going to take this on, get a WSM and research the crap out of it. It can be done, but you really have to want to do it. It is very time consuming. Good luck!

 

I was one of those SD guys, and lucked into a $900 euro and a $3500 '86. I have been working on 928's ever since i bought my 81 new. If i was still in SD ( I'm not) I would maybe offer $750 for this car, but then, like Leo that Mike refers to, I have garage space, all the right tools, shop manuals, know all the places to buy good parts, and several daily drivers to choose from; and no hurry to get it fixed.
If you have minimal auto experience, but want a sport car, go buy an Eclipse or 300Z, you will be driving it much sooner.