928SBC

So, as of this week, I find myself to be the bemused owner of a Guard-red 1980 (or maybe 1982 - more on that later) Porsche 928. Normally, that would be cause for celebration. But, as the kids say on FaceTube, it's complicated.

Here goes:

As my username suggests, the car has had an SBC swap. Specifically, a 327 Chevy. It appears to have been built, but I'm not sure yet, because the car's still on it's way across the country. But at a minimum, it has a nice Edelbrock aluminum intake with a pretty sizeable Carter AFB sitting on top.

The swap in itself isn't so shocking I guess (though it might cause some Teutonic harrumphing in the editorial offices of Excellence)... But there's more:

This particular car has a 3-speed automatic gearbox. It also has a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Not a typo. Two gearboxes. The author of said engine swap decided, for reasons he has apparently taken to the grave, to cut down the torque tube and insert a GM 3-speed auto between the SBC and the rest of the driveline.

At the same time, he locked the 928 automatic transaxle into high gear, which i believe (hope???) is 1:1, yanked out the factory shift linkage and then howled at the moon and ran into the forest, tearing at his clothes like a ferocious wild animal, never to be seen again (that last part is an assumption, but it seems reasonable).

The weird thing (Ok, one of the weird things) is that, by all accounts he did a really good job of it. He was a machinist by trade, and all the adapters are beautifully welded, painted and fitted.

OK, the upsides: the body is in amazingly good shape (as in zero rust - even surface), as is the interior (new dash pad, new headliner, no tears in the seats, etc). The aforementioned SBC *looks* very clean and is said to run strong. Lighting up the rear tires is, in the words of the previous owner, "not a problem". And finally, the kicker - this bastardized beauty was mine for less than two grand.

So, my little drama queen descends from the roll-off and into my driveway in about a week's time. Between now & then, I welcome any advice, ideas and, yes, scorn, that you might have for me.

Thanks.

siscogts

are you jokin'?
previous owner welded , Painted and fitted really well an atomic bull**** on a beautiful car. not the chevy engine ....the double transmission.

for 2 grands IMHO it is a kind of bargain, you can fix this without big drama if you have DIY skills and passion....
My 0,02....

Francesco

928SBC

@Francesco - Yep, can't argue with you there. I'm fine on the DIY (been building cars since childhood) And I actually like the idea of the swap (I'm assuming the previous motor was blown anyway). but that Chevy auto has got to go.

I've already sourced a "proper" torque tube (reconditioned on 928 International) to replace the cut-down one. Replacing the linkage and the shifter is a little pricey, but manageable. The big worry is the condition of the original transaxle. Hoping that it isn't ruined (that might be the one rational explanation for what was done). If so, it seems the going rate for a rebuilt one (with donor) is about $2500. Then my bargain is looking less so.

But, hey, it's an adventure...

linderpat

Welcome aboard. It'll be interesting to see this. $2K for a shark experiment ain't bad. I am anxiously awaiting that double tranny picture, and to hear if it works. Apparently you bought the car sight unseen? Look up 77Tony's thread on his early SBC conversion. While I am not typically a fan, some do it right, and his is stunning. I'm sure he'll jump in on this at some point.

Randy V

Welcome to the forum - I enjoyed your writing style.

Where are you located?

How about posting up any pics you may have?

928SBC

Thanks guys.

@Ed - not *quite* sight unseen as there were some pics on the eBay listing (which were simultaneously exciting and terrifying). Once it lands, I'll take a bunch and post.

@Randy - I am in Connecticut, but the car's first port of call is Cape Cod, MA. My Dad retired up there and has some shop space, with all the goodies. His retirement gig is fabrication and other metal work for custom cars (lucky for me).

rnixon

Wow, that's a real Frankenstein car. If you like it, and it runs well, just enjoy it. It's not my cup of tea (especially using a carburetor), but you seem to like it and it was very cheap. Putting it back to standard would not be economical IMO.

P.S. Pictures, especially of how he found space for a second gearbox!

123quattro

Damn, you hit the lotto! You have the only 9 speed car existence! Way cooler than a lowly six speed conversion.

Good luck and welcome.

siscogts

With your father space and skills, you can fix the car soon. Wellcome and enjoy your car.
I agree that 9 speed are good and exceptionally rare.. . Just with one gearbox... Or with a truck.

FBIII

+1
Before you take it apart find away to methodically shift thru all nine gears. That should be a hoot. You will probably need a chart to determine gear mixes to achieve an ascending order.

PelicanParts.com

Can't wait for pictures! Welcome and congrats!

Mark/Pelican Parts

Alan

You sure he hasn't just melded a chevy auto trans/torque converter to the Porsche differential at the back... that would at least make some sense here....?

Alan

NC928S4

Looking forward to your progress getting her up to snuff. This community is the place to be with lots of deep expertise making the the journey enjoyable!

Best of luck

928 at last

No matter which way you look at it....this is gonna be good. Nine speed.....hmmmmm.

Don Carter

Wow, my brain hurts just thinking about this one...

Aren't we talking 100's of lbs of extra weight? Why? Guess we'll never know.