The Fixer

Like the title says, I am trying to buy a very nice '84 Euro S, twin dizzy under the hood. It's waayy out of state, discussing price with hesitant seller.
Very nice 928, clean. Have not driven it or an auto 928 FTM.
Owner seems to have taken very good care of it, wants me to agree to offer him the car back first if i'd sell down the road.
I think i heard Euros with autoboxes are good fun so long as the vacuum lines are good to trans/working properly.

Where i live the auto would probably be very enjoyable for me and my Wife, i live just outside Philadelphia.
As mentioned, never driven an auto or 80-84 Euro car, i like the 16V early cars best for some reason.
Anybody here have a Euro S automatic to describe it's character?

tv

The best ride there is, both hands on wheel, let your feet control speed, and concentrate on the road and driving. The 84 is much closer to 85/86 than previous years.

The Fixer

Thanks TV

SanDiego928

I just had an episode on the freeway with my 5spd. Traffic stopped for miles and miles. Sounds great to have an auto with 300hp. I have no advice since I am like Sgt. Shultz. I no nothing!

bigcatindallas

I have an 80 Euro S Automatic and live in the suburbs like you do (25 miles north of Dallas). I drive mine to work in heavy traffic several times a week and couldn't imagine doing that in a 5 speed. My car is plenty powerful and lots of fun to drive. I have driven 7-8 other 928s (manly OBs) and have yet to run into one I like better. The Euro package makes a world of difference performance-wise....and MORE THAN makes up for the difference in the transmissions-IMHO.

John Speake

The 4 speed auto 'box of the 84-86 Euro 16v is somewhat compromised. 1st and second are nicely geared, if you start in 2 and give it pedal to the metal it will easily do its quoted 6.3sec 0-60 all day long. The problem is that 3rd is geared too far away from 2nd so when the box changes up you're in the dead man's land below 3500 rpm. These engines are revvy, and that gap is just too wide for maximum performance. I think part of the problem is that 4 gear is really an overdrive and in fact the ratios between 3rd and 4th are perfect. 3rd is good for 120mph...

If you're not driving for maximum acceleration through the gears, then the box is fine.

The Euro perfomance chip set I developed was to fill in the hole between 2nd and 3rd. It does help, but the motor doesn't really wake up until 3k rpm.

The earlier 3 speed autos like bigcats are good, the ratios in the 3 speed box are well chossen to suit the revvy engine.

Would I swap for a 5speed Euro S ? No, unless I was going to lots of trackdays..... the auto has served me well for 15 years.

The Fixer

Thanks above, that is what i was looking for, now if i could get him to respond to my last email. as i said he is hesitant and wants the perfect home for it. Not excited about the ratio gap between 2nd and 3rd to be honest
I am surprised Porsche allowed that to happen.

I did also find another 1984 Euro S Automatic which suposedly runs well but is beat cosmetically.

I could get it at a reasonable price.

Maybe a refresh to this motor and then transplant into my 5 speed?

Big gamble w/o being able to check the crank endplay huh?

You know honestly my car runs great,i don't even know what I'm missing with the Euro motor.

My Carrera is not quicker than my U.S. 928S.

tv

I have a different experience than John, but that may be because I have the A.28.06 optional tranny (2.54 ratio). I was under the impression that all euro auto's always start in 1st gear, mine does, regardless of ratio option. And when mine is under full kickdown it never drops below 4100+ rpms, which happens to be peak tourqe. It also reaches 60 a lot faster than 6 seconds. With these auto euro's it's either stroll along at a modest pace or drive like dickie speedmaster.

So I guess you should look for one with the 06 tranny option.

danglerb

I understand the benefit of an AT in traffic, and frequently pick our AT car over a 5 spd, but I don't see the need for the AT to be an expensive poor MPG 30 year old car instead of a nice cheap late model domestic where all the buttons, AC, etc work without issue or fuss, its quiet, comfortable, gets 20+ MPG and I don't care where I park it in a parking lot.

tv

Hey dangler, I think the hyundai forum is down the hall to the left.

The Fixer

Yes, i thought I read they all started in first always. Don't know and he is sure taking his time getting back to me.
Everything on this car works but the tach is in and out according to seller.

Danglerb I hear you on the thirsty nature of these cars but here in PA gas isn't 5 bucks/gal like for you on the left coast.

It would be a pleasure drive situation not a commuter car.

The Fixer

He got back to me by phone.

Still discussing the sale but it looks promising.

He is treating himself to a Panamera due to surgery he needs to undergo.

TBC...

The Fixer

No longer considering buying this car, motor's block is from a 5L i am guessing, no serial number at all on it. Ground off.
No paperwork whatsoever on motor rebuild, but it looks very nice in pic and a lot of fast talking re the car.

Owner withheld a lot it needs and stretched the truth too much to trust at this point. I have dealt with this type too many times to repeat it.

Maybe some of you would be interested, I am no longer. I'll bet one of you know of this car.

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/3817755083.html

On a positive note a person beside me today asked to take a pic of my car with his phone.
He said is that a 1973?

I already have a great 928.

danglerb

Numbers ground off block, NOT good, potentially serious issue in some states.
5.0L block, good, sounds like a Euro hybrid motor which typically has a good 10% more power.

100% know where you are coming from, once a deal raises my hinky flag I'm gone. Could be good, could be bad, but its not water I'm going into.

If somebody looks into it more post the vin and maybe the Calif history will come up.

The Fixer

I have the vin, thought about it, no grinding marks on block would mean a new block was bought for the rebuild.

This guy is just not my cup of tea though, turns out windshield broken, AC not working, front spoiler ripped off, repainted, gauge issues and so on.

I think the motor might be good though. He will take $5000. nobody offer him more, here is my last email and his response:

me:
Hi, I can be reached tonight around 5pm.

What i would need by email is:

1. the VIN #,

2.The Motor Serial Number starting with M28/
this is located on the front-top of the aluminum block between and below the top two radiator hoses.
Can be hard to find the first time, take your time and look closely.

3.Also is the windshield cracked or even chipped?

4.Is the paint original or a repaint to you knowledge and or expertise? I can tell very quickly.
I ask because the rear bumper cover is incorrect and has been replaced.

5.I would need additional photographs (jamb areas help to determine a repaint), Interior and Exterior detail pictures are appreciated. It is a long/$ train ride to CT.


If the motor may?? have been rebuilt at 85k miles and current miles are 141k, the Timing Belt/Water Pump are very due.

You mentioned you have not tagged the car for the street, I don't understand why?.

FYI, a later 928 S4 automatic is a better drive by many accounts. It's got more torque down low (better for an autobox) and better fuel economy due to it's more modern torque converter. They are very plentiful in the marketplace which is why i need more information ^^^^ from you.

Vin/Motor serial are very important when no other documentation is available.

I hope this is not off-putting..

Thanks so much,

Matt

him:
1) wpozzz92zes841479 2) Removed, Decked when rebuilt? 3) Yes 4 inch by passage side wiper (Which I would never have found till I just looked) 5) had to be repainted at some time in the past since it looks to good. I’ll have time soon to get back to the garage. 6) water/belt/starter/tune up/Alternator and anything else just done 7) Getting to DMV is not on my list of things to do. My last registered toy went under 100 miles in a year. I’ve been enjoying my wife’s G37S drop top. Driving the 928 is sooooooo far down my list of things I want to do…. Now If I found some guy to wait at DMV for 2 hours then take the car for Vin Verification that would be a different story, I for sure would make time to use it at least 1 time a month