Shawn908

Hi - this is my first post in a 928 forum. I've been looking around at some used P cars (944, 928). Found what looks like a great 928 not too far away. The owner has sent a few pics (all of which support buying...). One question however relates to engine: does the underside of the hood look pretty much as expected for a 25 yr old 928 with a 130k miles?
Thanks for any comments.

Hobibill

25yo underhood insulation is an ugly thing but quite easy to replace. The engine looks good from that picture. Be prepared to spend, spend, spend if there is deferred maintenance.

Hobibill

But that's over 30 years old, correct?

docmirror

Welcome. The under hood insulation pad is missing. This is kind of a good thing, because the old stuff is usually thrashed and making a mess. At this point, you remove the rest of the gunk, clean, clean, clean and put a new custom pad on with a big Porsche logo. Which will inspire you to do up the rest of the car in similar fashion.

Judging by the size of the intake tubes, this may be a Euro version. But - it's hard for me to tell. Give more info on the car so we can better judge.

Shawn908

Thanks for comments - The VIN indicates a US car, 1981 build date. Its a 5 speed which has me more than interested. It does have a 928S steering wheel ("928" on top of an "S") - but considering age I'm guessing someone modified it at some point. I do need to see it in person - plans in the works...

docmirror

OK, good enough. Chances are good it will have electrical gremlins. Test everything electrical. Get back to us with specific questions like the hood pad.

The Deputy

Basically, your looking at a 35 year old car. So, make sure you drive it...and if you can't, because it doesn't run or he doesn't have insurance...you should probably walk away...especially if you are not mechanically inclined to do all repairs necessary. Since engine, trans/clutch issues can be somewhat expensive to repair, parts wise. If it's been sitting, find out for how long and why.

And, are you looking for a project or a daily drive?

Ask for all repair/maintenance records and like doc says...check everything and anything that is electrical for proper operation. Believe me, you may say to yourself..."that's no biggy that that's not working"...but it will become an issue eventually and may be expensive to repair. If the previous owner has not done some of the required maintenance of late, like motor mounts, oil pan gasket, timing belt, water pump, etc, etc. You could be looking at upward of two grand in repairs...doing them yourself. So, double, maybe even triple that and add twelve bucks if you will be paying for these repairs.

Also, look at the car a couple times. Don't just look at it once and make an offer. You will be surprised at the things you didn't see the first time. And you'll still be surprised at what type of things you missed after you buy it. Check fluid levels, conditions of wear-out items like brakes and tires. Mention your location here, and maybe there is another experienced 928 owner close by that can look her over for you. You definitely have to buy these cars right...or you can be in for a long and winding road. It's easy to fall victim to the aesthetics of the car and buy without doing due diligence or looking for every pitfall concerning the car's mechanics.

Good luck,

Brian.

The Deputy

Also, the hood liner will probably be one of the easier repairs to be made. So, if you are struggling with the idea of making such a repair...be warned...that is just the tip of the iceberg.

And, don't be afraid to offer a lot less for these cars, once condition has been taken into account. Some owners over price these cars...just because of the wordage on the bumper. Better for the previous owner to take it on the chin...than you...especially if it were him that let all of the maintenance get out of hand in the first place.

Brian.

M. Requin

And consider contacting MrMerlin for a PPI.

Shawn908

I'm going to go see this car this weekend (pretty excited to see it). Thanks for the feedback on inspection - I'll be as thorough as possible. One question - when driving a 928 of this age and mileage, would there be any telltale driving characteristics indicative of a lurking issue. I don't expect or desire perfection in a sports car - but do like to know as much as possible about any impending work. Helps in negotiation too... However the seller has been very forthcoming so I am hopeful. Thanks for any other tips on any aspect of an amateur PPI.

Also - I do enjoy working on cars so the under hood pad seems like it would be a relatively straightforward start.

OTR18WHEELER

Listen carefully for creaks and moans, check the brake fluid, if it's dark, keep in mind a fluid flush is needed, check the brake rotors and pads, a rusty groovy rotor means a complete brake job.
Vibrations felt in the steering wheel are often more than just an out of balanced tire, wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are all wear items and can lead to the false sense of just a bad tire.
Before you move the car, look for oil spots on the ground.

MainePorsche

Uh oh...no jump post cover...
Forum joke Shawn.
Welcome to the Tank.
Definitely contact Stan (MrMerlin) for a PPI.

The Deputy

Take plenty of pictures and post them here for discussion.

Also, look at the car a couple times, don't make an offer first time around or get sucked into a hasty purchase.

Brian.

worf928

No one's mentioned synchros in a pre-'85?

OP, expect 2nd and 3rd gear synchros to be trashed. You'll need to learn to rev match going up and down, if you don't already.

John Speake

You liken the 928 to a sports car. The 928 is a high performance GT. The 928 was always somewhat criticised for high road noise levels, but other than that it's a very civilised car.

I doesn't look like a Euro car which were all K-Jet mechanical fuel injection. If is was there would be a small dia. fuel pipe going to each injector.

That car looks like a US car with L-Jet fuel injection, and there will be a fuel rail above each "rocker cover" and an electrical connector on each injector.