Randy V

Quite the introduction!

Welcome to the forum, Seth and best of luck in your hunt - that's half the fun.

MainePorsche

Seth,
Welcome to the Tank.
I am 52 years old and the 928 has been my 'hobby' for over a decade. I enjoy researching, planning, and performing all preservation/maintenance/repairs on the car. Once I discovered it, the Forum has been a godsend.
Best Wishes.

checkmate1996

Best advice ever! Hands down! I wish I would have known that about 12 years ago!!

Ducman82

^^^^ yup! LOL

skpyle

Hi, my name is Seth and I want a 928.

Wow! I am quite overwhelmed by all your welcomes. I am very glad to be a member of the Shark Tank. Thank you!!!

This is precisely why I am glad I found rennlist, and why I feel I can tackle a shark. You guys are great.


Tazzieman - thanks, this is definitely an itch. An irrational itch that isn't going away. That is my intent, to be able to drive it. My 928 won't be my DD, but it will be in the condition that it could if I wanted to.

I want a toy, not an investment, not a piece of history. I am not being disrespectful. I can truly appreciate immaculate and/or rare and historically significant cars. I just don't want one. My 928 will be nice, but far from perfect. I want to be able to jump in and go with no worries. I want it to be me, a throaty V-8, and that sexy body on the open road, not worrying about rain, paint chips, or increasing miles on the odometer.


Medipedicman - thanks for the heads-up! I have read AirtekHVAC's thread, but didn't realize I was near him. That, and out of courtesy, I have not been bugging 928 members yet. "Hi, your car is cool let me see it/touch it/sit in it..." could yet you shot where I grew up. So, a little courtesy helps.

I have been to Jim Doerr's website and slobbered all over myself. I can see my fuel distributor and WUR going to him for 'the treatment'. While searching the forum, I tripped over Jim's thread on bringing 18" Phone Dials to market. VERY excited about that...


Jetdriver69 - Thanks for reminding me about the synchros. I read about those while searching the forum. I am pretty much resigned to sending the transaxle to Greg for a proper rebuild early in the process. Either do it soon or it later...

Yeah, I have learned about time estimates in tech manuals, and therefore ignore them. I work at my own orderly pace. The WYAIT stuff always gets me in trouble. My 1966 Chevrolet C-10 shortbed fleetside truck spent a long time in restoration jail because of that. I took it too far apart.

Porsche = expensive. I thought I understood that. Then, I coughed up a lung when I saw $900 for a Porsche water pump for the 928. Now, my philosophy is, "it is what it is." You want to play, you gotta pay...

I would love to find a bail-out car, but I am not holding my breath. Like you say, though. PPI the hell out of it.

This is all about me, I am the one who wants it/needs it/MUST HAVE IT!!! My wife and I have an uneasy truce over my addictions. Besides, I will tell her that she will look cute riding in a Porsche. When I tell her I am getting a Porsche...


linderpat - thank you for correcting me! I had thought Phone Dials only came in 14" and 15" diameters. I want the largest, so, 16's it is.

Good to know about the solid motor mounts, thanks!

More importantly, linderpat, this is all YOUR fault. I would have gone through life happy, not knowing I needed a 928. Then, I saw your beautiful blue 928 with the wicked Pasha interior...


curt_928 - thank you for the offer! If I am ever in the Charleston area, I will look you up. Thanks!


WyattsRide - thanks for snitching on linderpat
It is going to kill me to wait to get my budget up, but I don't want to do something foolish and talk myself into a black hole project 928. So, I will be saving and learning all I can about the Shark. I have numerous lists and notes going now. I have a favorites folder devoted solely to 928 related links and sites. Each time I read something useful, it gets noted or bookmarked.




paalw - thanks for waving an unobtainable carrot in front of me
Your 928 sounds sweet.


Wisconsin Joe - Thanks for the compliment. This is my first Porsche, but not my first mistake. I learned years ago to research and make a plan when doing a project. It saves heartache. Notice I didn't say saves money. I am capable, and have proved this, of spending ridiculous money on my projects. So, I understand I will be getting ZERO return on my 928. Don't care...

I completely understand about parts and services. From my current/past projects, I know how/where to get parts. I know which ones are safe, which are deals, and what brands to use. For my 928...I have no clue.
From reading the forum, I have learned that the safest, most cost effective method for parts and services for my 928 will be the established members of rennlist. Notice I didn't say 'cheapest'.
I already have the 'Big 3' bookmarked, and have a running list of others recommended on rennlist. Years ago, I was all about 'cheapest'. That was by necessity, but it led to many painful lessons. Now, I have the knowledge, experience, and more importantly, the financial wherewithal to do it 'right'.
Don't get me wrong, I am not rolling in money or trying to imply that I am. I do have the disposable income to buy and maintain a 928, I just have to be careful how and when I spend. Having said that, I am not afraid to spend money. For example, I mentioned having the transaxle overhauled by Greg. That will be something like $2500. That is alot of money to me. However, it has to be done, and it has to be done right. So be it...
And, by going with the established vendors, I can get help for being a newbie. When I order parts for a TB/WP job, they will send me everything I need, not just what I thought I needed.


SteveG - I would love to go to Frenzy, but it isn't going to happen this year. DC is a bit of a hike for me. Part of the reason I can go after a 928 is a decent hourly wage. The other, more sinister part is that I work ALL the time. My normal schedule is 19 days on, 2 days off.
So, my weekend time is limited, and all events have to be well planned in advance.

Now, SITM is a whole 'nother ball of wax...


killav - Thanks for the heads-up! PM replied to.


rnixon - I intend to do that in the near future. Now that I am committed, (or should be committed), I want to start reaching out to other members in the Carolinas. I want start really looking at and getting to know 928's. I want to experience all the model years, though I have my heart set on an OB. Truthfully, I am drawn to the (relative) simplicity of the earlier versus later 928's. I am a little intimidated by complexity of the post 1990 928's.


Randy V - Thank you! I figured I'd lay it all out on the table and see what happens. I don't do this kind of thing for kicks, I do it because I am a GEARHEAD!


MainePorsche - I completely agree. If it wasn't for this forum, I would not be tackling a shark. I too enjoy the entire process. Its all part of owning a car!


checkmate1996 - how do think this WTB marketplace ad will fly?
"Sick of pouring all your money into your early 928? Are you just about done with all the important parts, but now want to give up? Are you going for a later GTS instead?
GREAT!!! Sell me your project...cheap!"



Ducman82 - Thanks! And, your avatar is great!



Again, thanks to all of you who have welcomed me! I very much appreciate it. I will continue to devour this forum. Occasionally, you might see me comment or question on one of your posts. Its all part of the learning process for me.


Seth K. Pyle

Jadz928

Hi Seth,
Welcome to the group!
Best thing about our community is the opportunity to share our insanity w/o judgement. The support here is amazing in so many ways!

Second best is the breadth of knowledge, which yields a high-level of accessibility. For instance, Roger @ 928sRus sells new Laso water pumps for about $435... so I just saved you $450. Accessibility.

I love your enthusiasm! Have fun with your search.
Let me know if I may help in any way. Always good for a consult, and usually have early 928s 'in stock' and available.

checkmate1996

You had me up until the 'cheap' part!

SteveG

Sky: I haven't priced a WP lately, so you might be right, but do check with Roger T., or 928 Int'l before you buy -- and get their recommendation on make as well as price.

But overall, yes, you will find parts are not cheap (and don't buy a cheap WP b/c there is a difference). It's a tricky game, radiators were over a thousand and then 928 Int'l got a new line for under $500. So now my used, but very functional original radiator is worth half the 450 I thought I was going to get for it.

Positive spin: Most things "wear" but once done, you probably won't be replacing a WP for a long time. Maybe never.

skpyle

I have had a flash of brilliance. A member clued me in on a 928 that matches my want list. Unfortunately, my budget won't support it...yet.
However, I now have an idea for color. That Petrol Blue with Cork interior 928 was GORGEOUS!!!


Jim Doerr - thank you very much for the welcome! I have definitely been to your website. I WILL be doing business with you in due time. Thanks for your wealth of knowledge on early 928's!
Once I have my budget up to operating speed, I will contact you see if you have any suitable 928's.
Thanks!


Checkmate1996 - I know, I know... However, I can't very well ask someone to sell me their abandoned project...expensive?

Question for you: which part of Columbus do you call home? I grew up in midwestern Ohio, and spent a wicked year at OSU...


SteveG - Thanks for the heads-up. I have realized that the ONLY two 928 water pumps that should be considered are the Laso and the Porsche. I read the horror story thread about the gentleman with the 32V and the cast iron impeller/mill water pump and the subsequent undesirable machining of his block...

Since I don't really understand parts for 928's yet, I am going to keep researching with the basic philosophy of "if its cheap, its probably not the right one."
Having said that, I am in this for the long haul. I generally prefer to get as much of the mechanicals done on a project as soon as possible. For example, when I have the transaxle overhauled, I will overhaul the TT with Super Bearings and install a new double disc clutch with all the trimmings. I have already found a buyer for both my kidneys to pay for this...

Seriously, thanks again for your advice and insight!

Seth K. Pyle

checkmate1996

Seth,

I live in Powell, Ohio just 20 minutes North of OSU. Sandwiched in between Dublin and Worthington.

Regarding your ride, I'd suggest not finding an abandoned project car but one that is already taken care of...trust me...you'll have more fun doing upgrades than doing waterpumps...

skpyle

Heh-heh...I remember Dublin and Worthington.

Yeah, normally I enjoy resurrecting the dead. However, reading between the lines on rennlist, an abandoned 928 NEVER starts with a splash of fresh gas and a set of plugs, then drives merrily into the sunset.
You either work on it for years, mortgaging everything, including your soul, to eventually drive it. Or, you work on it for years, throwing money down a hole, until your soul is crushed, and you give up.

I'll pass...
My goal is to find the best early 928 I can afford, and start from there.

Thanks!

Seth K. Pyle

skpyle

Well, well, well...

My head is spinning and my mind is blown. I have just gotten home from SITM 2015.
Ye gods that was entirely too much fun!

More importantly, I learned so very much. My goals/dreams/desires/obsessions have changed now.

I no longer want a 1983-1984 4.7L 16V 5spd. I now want a 1986.5 5.0L 32V 5spd with the factory S4 brakes and suspension.

I met Jeannie and Dave, who treated me like family, and explained to me the merits of later 928's.

I met Hans, and he patiently explained to me how and why the later S4 brakes are better.

I met Gordon, who let me drive his 1987 S4. I got an inkling at that point. THEN, I met Chuck Urban. He took me for a ride in his black 1986.5 and showed me the facts of life.

I am ruined now.

So now, back to the daily grind to add money to the slush fund. Soon, I will have my own 928.

ltoolio

Welcome, and thank you for your service to this wonderful country of ours!

skpyle

Thanks, Itoolio!

Seth K. Pyle

bureau13

Ha ha yes to the '86.5! I think this may make the 5-speed a little more rare, but they are out there. That's the model I decided I wanted last summer. I did tons of stuff wrong and had a smaller initial budget than you, but got incredibly lucky when I found a silver '86.5 5-speed that needed some TLC. The PO was very experienced and fixed up a number of things for me before delivery. Even so, I've had to address a number of things...I'm still addressing them, actually...but these cars are amazing. I could certainly have never embarked on this journey without the assistance of all these fine folks on Rennlist, and our great vendors/enablers The point is, the car you're looking for is out there...if you can be patient, you'll probably have to compromise less. I'm not so good at that patience thing, but like I said...I got very lucky.