River

Hey all,

I'm entertaining the idea of a shark vs. a 951. If I could have both, I would.

I read through all the pages of the FAQ in the top of this forum, but have to ask the pros a thing or two.

Basically:
What are the main differences (issues) from year to year?
Are there any years to avoid?
Are there certain years/models that should be sought after?
I heard the later ones require extensive and invasive procedures to maintain. Thoughts?
Do any of the same tools from the 944 crossover to the 928? (timing belt tools, flywheel lock, etc)

I come from a great 944 background, and do my own work. It is of my understanding that the 928 is essentially double the 944 engine wise, and double the maintaining it. There are not many 928's in the area, and even less knowledgeable owners that are willing to coach me (like I do for prospective 944 owners). I have had the chance to see a couple up close, but the owners knew zilch about their cars, so...no help to me for knowledge.

I'm assuming the same 'rules' apply: buy the best model you can afford, records, etc etc etc.

Basically, If I can cut it as a 944 owner that is diligent about his car...could I hack it over in the 928 world? (small learning curve assumed).

Seriously, ever since I was in front of a 928 a few weeks back, it's just gnawing at me. So, it's between the turbo (and all it's rubber hose glory) and the 928 (more room, angry growl, touring car).

thanks in advance for your time Gentlemen.

John Speake

What's your budget ?

River

About 6k. (Least amount I'd sell my 944).

There are a couple 928's that have come up, some willing for trades.

There are a lot of this "trading" thing going on around here (oregon). Some people buy the badge, kill the car, and expect to flip it. With a 944/turbo, I know the in's and out's of what to look for. The 928, not so much.

I'm also all about bang for the buck too. It doesn't need to be purdy', just need to know the basics of what I should be looking at.

depami

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...-for-sale.html

atb

A must read for any potential first time owner:

www.928s4vr.com

Texbuckeye

If you can do the repairs on a 944/951 you can do it on a 928. You should be willing to look far and wide for a 928 as they are less plentiful. You will find a more loyal following for the 928. You will also find a more substantial car. If you are willing to take a risk on a non-running car you can find one and get it cheap. I know of a local 87 S4 the owner paid $4000, put in $9000 and got a stunning low mileage car. You can plug yourself into this forum and get more help here than you can can on the 944 forums. Take your time and find one that has been shown some love over the last five years. That way you know what has been done and may know what needs to be done.

rgs944

Get the best car you can get for the money. If all things balance out for the good cars that are available and the price point value, then get the 928.

davek9

You also need to select two major things.
Auto trans?
And
32v 5.0
Or
16v 4.5 or 4.7 ?

That will make a huge difference in cost now and future

Mike Frye

You came to the right place for advice and rest assured that whatever condition, if you need help or advice you can find it here.

This is an extremely active forum and the ratio of knowledgeable experienced DIYers to hacks is extremely high.

I used to joke that subscribing to the 928 forum here is like having a half dozen mechanics hanging out in my garage all the time. Ask a question, get 3-4 good answers almost immediately from people who have not only done it, but probably done it many times and can also tell you how NOT to do it ('cuz that's how I roll ).

As davek9 said, lots of decisions to make to narrow down your search at this point. There are lots of 'sub-groups' on here that pretty much fall into the categories you see in his post. If you title your posts with whichever one of those it falls into, you'll hear from the right guys (or gals as the case may be).

Good luck whichever way you go. And keep us posted!

Oh, and in general for the year differences:

The 928 started out very complicated and got progressively more complex until 1995 when they had reached the pinnacle of convoluted systems, at which point with nowhere to go, they stopped making them.

medipedicman

An interesting read on the evolution of the model.
http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl/Evoluti...%20history.pdf

bronto

If you are completely open minded there aren't any bad years. There are differences as you suggest, but one man's pleasure is another man's poison. I, for example, didn't want an interference engine so I went with a '79. Many others wouldn't take a 16 valve. I really like manual transmissions, but many here are religious about the auto.

dr bob

What part of Oregon? We bought a home in Bend. Going through some rehab and upgrade this summer, looking at a late year relocation. Part of the upgrade is adding some usable garage/workshop space for the toys. Lift, hammer, metric Crescent wrench, etc if needed. There are plenty of others in Oregon already, so a location from you might net you some local support when you buy and own.

PorKen

Is this what they used to call the 'Californication' of OR?

Shane

Best bang for buck is '86.5. For you coming from a 951 you would be looking to boost any of the 16v models, but a good tune on a 32v and you would be starting in a 928 where you would leave off with your 951. '86.5 on up will already have the brakes that you will want to have with the HP these put down.

River

See, THOSE are the things I'm talking about! I knew the first few years of the 928 were non interference. Which, I think is awesome and makes for less 'worry'. Though, the cars do have a higher threshold of belt changes than the 944.

Why wouldn't some take a 16v? Besides less horsepower and what not. I'm assuming that any of the series could be supercharged. And wouldn't the older ones be even easier to work on? (then again, I find working on the late model 944 MUCH easier than the early) lol!


Good stuff guys, what else for differences? Positives or negatives through the series. I hear that the last few years require dropping the engine out to do most work (not my cup of tea).

And I'm in Portland, Oregon. Bend is beautiful, and you bought at the right time. Bend was getting nuts expensive for awhile there!