Godspeed !

All,

New to the forum. Just rescued a 78 non sunroof 5spd car, found close by. Will be going completely through it . Full interior out etc.

Researching and educating myself on sensible upgrades. I understand the later model(86 on?) manuals had improved shifting as a result of utilizing Borg Warner synchros.

My question is in regard to retrofitting this into my 78. Revised subframe additional updated components?

Thanks in advance,

Godspeed!
Dave

atb

Installed an '89 tranny in my '79. The newer transaxles are a little different in size, but not by much. You'll need a later model torque tube along with a later model crossmember. My cross member was out of an '82 and I think the torque tube might be out of an '84.

AirtekHVAC

Hi dave. I also have a 78 rescue. Please post more details on your car. Vin, color, condition, etc....inquiring minds want to know! Congrats.

James Bailey

when you start restoring a 928 any 928.....you might as well forget about "sensible" But it can be a fun hobby and usually less expensive than flying your own airplane or keeping up a medium sized boat. Key word usually.

Borg Warner syncro boxes are rather rare and becoming quite valuable as replacement parts are becoming NLA. The early transmissions actually shift very well when PROPERLY rebuilt or when they were new just very few rebuilds ever had all the wear items replaced just had syncros put in and sent down the road.....better but NOT RIGHT.

Godspeed !

Thanks, all good info! Do appreciate the input. On the hunt for latter 5spd!
Oh ..................sensible? I'm almost 60 yrs old, with some uh, heart issues who road races bicycles with other muuuuuch younger roadies. Cardio doc loves it. I'm a true testament that the good Lord watches after us ! Ha ha !

Back to the car, after doing bout half dozen vintage BMW's and three Ferrari's for other people, I settled on this car for myself to be a daily commuter car. Just about 95 mile round trip, all interstate. Bike fits great in the back.

Have the ability and technical resources to make it as reliable as it can be. Had a guy come to me after being rejected by several Ferrari shops to get his 348 going again. Was a twin turbo Challenge car, repossessed by some financial institution, buuuuuut before the hook arrived, turbos and many engine management pices bits stolen. He bought it after bank got it. Best part is the two inch dia. wire bundle going through firewall was hacked off clean...........nightmare! He was not aware of all this.....???? Runs great now normally aspirated, Electromotive Tech GT custom install. My real job allows me access to 3d printers, cnc and laser cutting machines etc. Imagine the fun things I get to do ! No longer available Ferrari 400 sunroof visor clips? Many hours later, laser scan of existing original, 3d print in abs , voila! work great. Donated scan file to a guy who is now offering these. Forums are great.

Soooo this thing (928) is going to be fun to work on. Very well built, work arounds and upgrades a plenty. very much enjoy the simplicity of the early model. This car has no accident history, but has been several peoples "You Too Can learn To Paint Your Own Car" subject. Buddy of mine owns a plastic media blasting company. Trade out!

Going to be an interesting journey. Looking forward to sharing and contributing here as things develop!
Will do a seperate post win vin and pics as time allows. Thanks for the info!

Godspeed!
Dave

Wisconsin Joe

Welcome. It sounds like you've jumped into very deep water, but with 'your eyes wide open', which doesn't happen all that often.

Access to 3D technology and a willingness to contribute will make you very popular on here (as your inbox explodes).

There's already a "VIN Check" thread going on, but I don't think they have the info for a 78.

And there's an ongoing "thing" on here that I will start:

THIS...