New owner of an 1988 S4
12-05-2015, 03:19 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
New owner of an 1988 S4
Hi All,
I purchased a 2 owner S4 the day after Thanksgiving from a neglectful PO in the DC area. It has just over 50,000 miles, which seems to be confirmed by CarFax and general condition (engine clean, labels intact, seats show about that expected level of wear). I'm in love and awe, but waiting until I can do the TB and WP, filters, fluids, et al, before I even start her again. There is no way the TB has EVER been replaced let alone re-tensioned, judging by the PO's knowledge of the car he had in his garage for 20 years. The anticipation of waiting for my parts to arrive is just killing me! Anyway, I've been biding my time by chipping away at cleaning grounds, repairing switches, and other minor issues, hopefully next weekend I'll have the parts and time to do the replacement.
I'm a new member to Rennlist but have owned an 1984 911 since 2001. Over those years I've tackled some pretty major jobs including a 915 5-speed rebuild. I'm looking forward to unlocking the mysteries of this new addition.
Thanks to everyone for their generous knowledge-sharing on this site, the knowledge, write-ups and recommendations on this forum have already been invaluable to me during the search process and in building project and shopping lists. Hopefully some of my experiences as a 928 noob will benefit others down the road. Just wanted to introduce myself and say Hey...
Marc
I purchased a 2 owner S4 the day after Thanksgiving from a neglectful PO in the DC area. It has just over 50,000 miles, which seems to be confirmed by CarFax and general condition (engine clean, labels intact, seats show about that expected level of wear). I'm in love and awe, but waiting until I can do the TB and WP, filters, fluids, et al, before I even start her again. There is no way the TB has EVER been replaced let alone re-tensioned, judging by the PO's knowledge of the car he had in his garage for 20 years. The anticipation of waiting for my parts to arrive is just killing me! Anyway, I've been biding my time by chipping away at cleaning grounds, repairing switches, and other minor issues, hopefully next weekend I'll have the parts and time to do the replacement.
I'm a new member to Rennlist but have owned an 1984 911 since 2001. Over those years I've tackled some pretty major jobs including a 915 5-speed rebuild. I'm looking forward to unlocking the mysteries of this new addition.
Thanks to everyone for their generous knowledge-sharing on this site, the knowledge, write-ups and recommendations on this forum have already been invaluable to me during the search process and in building project and shopping lists. Hopefully some of my experiences as a 928 noob will benefit others down the road. Just wanted to introduce myself and say Hey...
Marc
12-05-2015, 08:33 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Adirondack Mountains, New York
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I did something similar a year ago. It's been very rewarding. I got the car caught up on many things last winter, it was a perfectly reliable driver through the driving season, and I'll attend to the remaining items on the list this winter.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
12-05-2015, 11:13 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
welcome Marc. You will love the 928 in subtly different ways than the 911. I have a 1990 and a Boxster. Both are a blast to own and drive but for different reasons.
Oh, and This thread....
Oh, and This thread....
12-05-2015, 12:23 PM
#7
Welcome!
Like stated above, the new visitor tabs are a wealth of information for a new owner. Like many of the owners here, my "barn find" was like yours. 50k miles and very little preventative maintenance. You are in for some chores, but you sound like a good wrench which will help. For those of us who are noob wrenches, these tasks can seem overwhelming!
You are on the right track with the TB/WP/belts. There is a long list of other projects that are best done while you are in there. I would also suggest all fuel lines and PS lines (Greg Browns are awesome). There are car-b-que photos here that will make you cry. Make sure you don't have mouse nests aren't in your air intakes and under your intake manifold (found one under my manifold complete with Atlanta peanut shells).
The bulk of your headaches will most likely be electrical due to relays, fuses, grounds and CE panel. Cleaning grounds and fuses (get quality ones through the big supporters not cheap Chinese ones at the local auto parts store-they can fry your CE panel...another story). Clean your grounds and fuses. Dioxit and Stabilant...trust me.
Get your parts from the big supporters on the site, and tell them what you are doing....they know what you will need.
Let's see some photos of your new car!
Brian
Like stated above, the new visitor tabs are a wealth of information for a new owner. Like many of the owners here, my "barn find" was like yours. 50k miles and very little preventative maintenance. You are in for some chores, but you sound like a good wrench which will help. For those of us who are noob wrenches, these tasks can seem overwhelming!
You are on the right track with the TB/WP/belts. There is a long list of other projects that are best done while you are in there. I would also suggest all fuel lines and PS lines (Greg Browns are awesome). There are car-b-que photos here that will make you cry. Make sure you don't have mouse nests aren't in your air intakes and under your intake manifold (found one under my manifold complete with Atlanta peanut shells).
The bulk of your headaches will most likely be electrical due to relays, fuses, grounds and CE panel. Cleaning grounds and fuses (get quality ones through the big supporters not cheap Chinese ones at the local auto parts store-they can fry your CE panel...another story). Clean your grounds and fuses. Dioxit and Stabilant...trust me.
Get your parts from the big supporters on the site, and tell them what you are doing....they know what you will need.
Let's see some photos of your new car!
Brian
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12-05-2015, 01:56 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Welcome to the deep end of the tank... Pictures please!
12-05-2015, 07:49 PM
#12
Drifting
Marc - Sounds like you are a great fit for a 928 and this community of owners. If you are in the DC area you really should attend Frenzy (get the TB/WP and a flex plate/crank end play check done over the winter and spring first). Frenzy is at the end of September...great event, great camaraderie, and a large portion of the 928 brain-trust attends every year. You will learn a lot and connect with local human resources - and put faces on the names you will come to know in the forum.
If you are nearby and want to check the box next to crank end play and flex plate, I can help out. I have a dial gauge and have helped a few new owners perform this peace-of-mind task.
If you are nearby and want to check the box next to crank end play and flex plate, I can help out. I have a dial gauge and have helped a few new owners perform this peace-of-mind task.
12-06-2015, 01:18 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I did something similar a year ago. It's been very rewarding. I got the car caught up on many things last winter, it was a perfectly reliable driver through the driving season, and I'll attend to the remaining items on the list this winter.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
12-06-2015, 01:21 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I did something similar a year ago. It's been very rewarding. I got the car caught up on many things last winter, it was a perfectly reliable driver through the driving season, and I'll attend to the remaining items on the list this winter.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
If you live in the vicinity of DC, then you should mark your calendar for Frenzy next September.
