skpyle

Hello All!

I want a Porsche. There, I've said it. Specifically, a shark, an OB 928.

My name is Seth K. Pyle. I am a 41 year old, ex-Navy, Industrial Multicraft repair technician. I live in Blacksburg, SC, near the SC/NC border. I have been a gearhead since a teenager, and am no stranger to working on things. I have worked on cars/trucks/bikes/turbines/small engines, from really nice to really junk. This is what I do. I get paid to repair things, then use that pay to feed my addiction to repair my own things.

Subconsciously, I have always liked the 928. The 911 is interesting, but not for me. I am attracted by the intent as a larger, more comfortable Autobahn cruiser. A proper GT. Or, if the 911 is the hyperactive racer with a 9mm in his belt, the 928 is the slightly more mature brother with a .45 in the pocket of his dress pants.

However, the 928, or any other Porsche for that matter, has always been well out of my price range. Now, I am making a good living, and am far more financially secure. So...

Several months ago, Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine, December 2013 issue, ran a feature on the 928. There was a nice little interview with Mark Anderson of 928Intl. At the end of the feature, the buyer's guide implied a nice early 928 could be had for around $8,000.

I realized...I could afford that. I let this idea tumble around in my head for a few months. Then, in early summer, I decided "to hell with it, I am getting a 928."

Since then, I have found and joined Rennlist.com. This forum has been the key. Due to the overwhelming pool of knowledge and willingness of members to help each other, I have no doubt I will be able to own, repair, and maintain a 928. I have ravenously devoured page after page of this forum. I have yet to see a repair that I would not tackle. Ummm...except for the Mercedes automatic transmission. I'll pass on rebuilding that.

I have gotten a good feeling for what an old 928 is going to need in terms of care and feeding. Answer: ALOT. I have a decent idea what to watch out for and what to avoid. No cheap Porsche for me. Regardless of what I find, there will be a PPI done before my money leaves my hand.

I have learned a great deal and taken inspiration from many of you on rennlist:
Dr. Bob
Alan
ROG100
GregBBRD
Mr.Merlin
Dwayne
Guy
Many others...

SharkSkin's website has been a big help in showing me that I can deal with an early 928. In fact, if he would sell me his OB, my search would be over.

I understand there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche. I have read all the FAQ's for new members, and have no issue with them. I am not frightened off by expensive parts or repairs, and am not afraid to spend money when required.

I am willing to spend the money to buy the correct manuals, buy the right parts, and tools as necessary. I have never been a gearhead for the money. Which is good, because I have never made any money as a gearhead. All my projects have been labors of love. This one will be no different. Just more expensive.

This is not a pipe dream, nor a whim. I didn't see a pretty picture of a 928 and say, "Gee, that is pretty. I want one." This is a result of me deciding that I am not getting any younger, and I should go for my dreams. I am willing to put the money, blood, sweat, tears, and money into a 928. I have always had cars and trucks. However, I have never had anything like a 928. I want one...bad! The 928 is such a beautiful car, and I love the fact that it is V-8, rear transaxle. The engineering that has gone into this car is fascinating. Frustrating, but fascinating.


So, for those of you still reading, here is my plan:

I have set what I think is a realistic budget of $13-15,000. I believe $8-10,000 will get me a nice, good condition OB 928. Then, another $5,000 in consumables to get it to a nice driving condition. Then, work on it as I go.
I have rearranged my finances and set up a slush fund to save for this project. It is going to take me a couple of years to get my budget up, but it will be worth the wait.

I have narrowed down what I want:

-OB. 1978-80 US or 83 Euro. I want CIS. I know the L-Jetronic and LH-Jetronic are much better. I am fascinated by the K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection. When I am knee deep troubleshooting a cranky CIS, I am sure I will regret this decision. Too bad.
I also favor the earlier tail lights and front end light treatment.

-5spd manual. Everything I have ever owned has been an automatic. I can drive a manual. I want to be able to DRIVE a manual!

-sunroof delete. I am 6' 2" well on the wrong side of 300lbs, so I want as much room as I can get

-15" Phone Dials. I know they are anachronistic and it is difficult to get rubber for them, but I love the way Phone Dials look on an early 928.

Everything else is variable. I am not sure about exterior and interior color yet. I am making it up as I go.

Upon purchase, I plan to:
-replace all rubber lines, etc...
-TB/WP
-do what it takes to get it running
-deal with immediate issues from the PPI

In due time, I plan to:
-intake refresh
-rebuild fuel distributor, MAF, and WUR
-new injectors
-silicone oil pan gasket
-motor mounts
-clutch
-clutch/brake master cylinders
-overhaul the brakes

I am kicking around the idea of upgrading to S4 brakes...


Thanks for listening. I await any and all comments/concerns/brickbats/etc...

Seth K. Pyle

skpyle

Right now, I am concentrating on saving money and learning as much as I can. I will be joining the 928 Owner's Club in the near future.

At this moment, I am not actively searching for an OB 928. Once I get around $4-5,000 of my budget together, I will start attending 928 events and such in the Charlotte NC area. I will start meeting other members and start actually seeing/touching/sitting in/ and hopefully riding in a 928. That is a possible sticking point. I have never actually seen a 928 in person, let alone sat in one. I am pretty sure I will fit...

My only concern for a repair shop is somewhere that can do a proper 928 alignment. I am hopeful I will find someone in the Charlotte NC or Greenville SC areas.

Until then, there is money to be saved and information to be learned...

Seth K. Pyle

Tazzieman

Best of luck mate, 928's an itch that must be scratched - as it has been for me. 928s are bad boys indeed, and really the only GT of that era you can daily drive without fear. IMO - as some Nissan owner will have a different viewpoint...
Alignment - there's plenty of info on the proper way (incl factory recommendations) , read , print and stand over your alignment tech to make sure it's done well. It's the toe adjustment that matters most.

medipedicman

Welcome Seth. There are a several owners in your area that I am sure you will meet over time. Here is one a OB lover very close to you:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ue-thread.html

And if OB is your thing then you should get to know Jim Doerr:

http://www.928classics.com/

Welcome again and good luck

Jetdriver69

Sounds like the idea I had for a father/son project. But the budget can soon spiral out of control, even if you do get a decent condition example.

If you want an OB 5 speed, plan on the synchros being shot. I've had two and that's just the way it is. Either rebuild the gearbox or live with the gear clash.

There is no such thing as an inexpensive 928 part, it is all relative and don't buy from anyone but "our suppliers". It usually doesn't end well, costs more in the end and the quality of the part can be questionable.

Most jobs take much longer than the WSM implies, unless you have done it more than twice.

You will always find one more thing that needs to be done or you want to do. It is like crack.

Rennlist will become your most visited site.

My advise is to find a guy who has put a ridiculous amount of time and money into his OB and wants out or now wants a GTS. Don't get me wrong, you will still work on her, but all the the expensive, time consuming work will be done. You will be ahead money wise if you can find such an example.

But in the end, everyone appreciates the car and the work you have put into her. Is it worth the addiction? The jury may still be out on that one. Just ask my wife...

But take your time in your acquisition and PPI the hell out of your chosen car! Enjoy the ride.

linderpat

welcome Seth. You have the right idea and your budget is spot on. The only tweak I would make to your plan is to go with the stock 16" phone dials. Generally, the 5 speeds ahd the 16s, and the autos had the 15s. The 16s are a deeper front side cut and look more agressive. Also, the early cars have solid motor mounts that generally do not need to be replaced.

Here's a pic of the 16" phone dials:

curt_928

If you're down in Charleston you can have a look at my 79..

WyattsRide

Sounds like you are a perfect candidate for a 928! Good luck in finding your car. It will be a fun search and in the end when you find it, it will even be more fun. Attend as many local 928 gatherings as you can. Pick the brains of the owners. They may even let you drive their cars and you'll learn even more.

Looks like Ed (linderpat) beat me to the 16" phone dial wheel information. In case you didn't know it, Ed is the owner of that beautiful 928 featured in HS&E issue #100. He's too shy and modest to point that out.

paalw

I have what you want except the phone dials. 83 Euro, 5-speed(G28/10), no sunroof, gp white on navy blue.
Unfortunately it blows your budget, and it's located on the other side of earth...:/

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ro-s-83-a.html

Wisconsin Joe

Welcome. It's nice to see someone jumping in with their eyes wide open.

I agree with Linderpat that the 16" Phonies look a lot better than the 15"
And Jetdriver69 is absolutely correct about parts sourcing. The "usual suspects" might be a bit higher priced than some E-Bay "deal", but you will be certain that the parts will be as promised (no counterfeits), return polices are clear and fair, the knowledge of the vendors is amazing (tell Roger "I need all the parts to... and he'll send exactly what you need in one box), and lastly, most importantly, they make the effort to source parts that are "NLA" from Porsche. The new radiator form 928 International is just the latest example.

Keep looking and be patient. The right car is out there, you two just have to find each other.

Now - Say it with me - "Hi, my name is Seth and I want a 928."

SteveG

Seth et al.: I'm surprised no one suggested Seth get to Frenzy. I understand budget constraints, and that he has even set the amt he should have before attending events, but he shouldn't deny himself the GTG in his neck of the woods. You don't have own one to go an hang out. Owners love to talk about their cars.

WyattsRide

Good point Steve. If Frenzy is in your range of traveling, it would be a great event to open your eyes on what 928s and their owners are all about..... You may turn and run away screaming though...

Ed's car, BLUMAXX will be there!

Check the sticky at the top of the page. FRENZY 18

killav

To the OP,

I just sent you a PM (Private Message).

rnixon

Welcome Seth. You've aced your homework! You have a good budget, appreciate the need for a PPI, realistic expectations on how much work will need doing upon purchase and know exactly what you want.

If you haven't already, get as many test drives as you can, including models / years that you have ruled-out. The cars were modified throughout the production run - Porsche clearly thought that they were improving them. With that in mind, I'd suggest that you drive an 86.5 and compare it to earlier cars. You may have to search for a long time to find a car that matches your current criteria, but that can be part of the fun too.

All the best for your search.

linderpat

Yep, Blumaxx will be there. Looking forward to it and seeing everyone. It is a great place to go to see these cars. Also, Sharks in the Mountains (SITM) real close to you near Asheville. That is in June of each year, and is a great party hosted by one of our very own great vendors, 928 Specialists.