Wisconsin Joe

Well, first off, a "properly sorted" 928 makes a really nice DD. The suspension and brakes (especially on an S4) are pretty good, even for being as old as they are.

Most of the "unreliable" perceptions come from the cheap buy in, then no proper maintenance, complaints about parts prices, then it stops working. Despite being able to get a running example for not a whole lot of money, they are still 'exotic' cars.

You say the car you are looking at has a nice body, but bad motor. Hows the interior? Electricals? Do you know what's up with the motor? Depending, you could either fix the motor or replace it. Motors are out there, although any used motor will need a fair amount of work before you should trust it. Rings & bearings are usually in decent shape, but all the gaskets, including the heads should be replaced.

The advantage of doing it that way is that the car is already set up for it.

If you decide to swap in a SB Chev, there is a lot of stuff that needs to be done. Tony's "Just Peachy" thread shows how a properly done swap is performed, and how much work it really is.

Whatever you decide to do, post pics of the car if/when you get it. The 'usual suspects' on here will be willing to offer suggestions and answer questions about what you want to do.
I'm enough of a purist (just barely) that I wouldn't do a swap like that. But I think Just Peachy is an amazing car. In the end, it's your car (or will be) and your choices.

drwhosc

I know folks have swapped Engines in, no issues there. Lots of adaptors out there. there is even a swap for a modern vet transmission, so no problems there. Will be some fabrication for this project, but nothing too out there. The oil pan is a a bit of an issue, so do some research there. You may have to get one made up. the lower engine cross member is right in the way. There is a ton of room in the engine bay.

I would leave the steering and suspension alone. You will want to update/renew some of the components. When you do pull the engine, that is the time to redo the suspension. the rear suspension is somewhat unique in design, and should also be preserved with a refresh.

The electronics should be checked out. Fairly complex, but made up of some very stout components. Learn about the Central Electric panel. it all comes together there. Very heavily relay based, and has lots of sensors that work through the Central warning module. Most of these can be bypassed, but you may have to pull some warning bulbs from the console. Also think about where you can put some gauges to follow your engine performance. Some folks are doing some things with a LCD screen in the center console, and when you go with your engine management system, you will get all your sensors and may be able to use a LCD display.

The HVAC system is something that you will need to think about RnR ing as well. Flaps are vacuums actuated, and prob shot so that will be some work as well.

Generally they are pretty good about not rusting, but check the rear windows, and assess the windshield for pitting a scratching.

Bottom line is the 928 is a great car, if you want to go this route, I think you are looking at about 20K to make the conversion, and you should rad about RnRing the suspension, Invest in a bottle of DeOxIt. and redo the HVAC.

Good luck. These are great cars, but they are a bit old. They are quite stout, and the drive is incredible. The harder you push these cars, the better they do. Hope this helped.

docmirror

IMNSHO, $20k is about right for the whole car converted.

$5k for the tub, $1200 for the kit, another $2k for various gadgetry not included like exh, big rad, elec controls, hoses, machining. Then the lump. A carbed SBC will be around $10-12k plus acc putting out 450-480HP. If he wants to go LS6, with FI it's gonna be > $15k pluss acc.

This is presuming the OP does every bit of wrench turning. Labor on a job like this could add $4-5k quick.

diesel1

Thanks guys, all very helpful feedback. It's sounding like this is something that could be done within my budget range (40-50k.) I will not be working on the car myself as I do not have the time or experience to pull off a project of this size or complexity.

drwhosc

Labor will be considerable. You will need to do your homework and find a shop that does conversions. This is not a job for just any mechanic. You will need to get references from folks who have used the shop in the past. Get a cap on the project in terms of hours of work and time. Don;t prepay for Crap. See the work then pay.
The key to a good vs bad experience is to find the right person to do this job.... It is very doable, but too many people over promise and under deliver...

Bigfoot928

do it yourself..... it may take a while.... and more than 20K.... check out the site in my signature

James Bailey

Sorry but you are all smoking dope if you think a full Resto-mod is anything under $100,000 ...

Dinsdale Piranha

Want a v12 6spd 928?
I have one that I would consider selling.
Regards, Dinsdale

docmirror

One COULD spend $100k on the job, but I'm quite sure I could come in under $20k for a Chebby928. It might not be a runway model, and it might not go much faster than a stock S4, but I could do it for that price as long as I twisted the wrenches. I have a torch, and a MIG, and a pen. I can rent the rest.

Dinsdale Piranha

Really?
I bet the Craiglist ad would be epic!

drwhosc

Lots of info on the LSx swap on the internet. I know a few people who have done it, and not too bad. here is a link to the transmission swap. Can get auto or manual, and it comes in a kit... Yea I think it can be done for 20K if you do the work. that is just the entry for the parts...

http://www.928motorsports.com/parts/...pgrade_kit.php

Again, find someone who knows how to do this if you are not going to do it yourself. You can ship cars fairly inexpensively compared to the headaches of someone using you to learn on for the first time.

Bigfoot928

+100%

xschop

Piranha Brothers Garage, ask for the Coyote treatment.

Lloyd

I like the idea of a "Resto-Mod" or "Rat Rod" concept. I think if you want something unusual or "custom"....you either go "the performance route" with different engines, turbos, superchargers ect OR go "the cosmetic route" with modifications to the body, suspension, interior. I've done the Chevy route specifically for a race car and it works great . However, it is more work and $$$$ than most people realize. It comes down to time and money. (I am running out of both.) I would probably go for a more cosmetic concept. The "Rally Car" concept mentioned in another thread is very interesting. I've got a ratted out car that would make a great Rat Rod, but the artistic theme of the build has not been identified. (Maybe a WWll Messerschmidt plane) Granted it will be a true hobby, having nothing to do with the value of the car.

Getting back to the original question--I would diagnose the non running condition and fix the problem or buy a replacement engine. The later model 928 is a much better car with the original engine.

docmirror

I forgot I have a 412CI Chebby cast iron sitting under my workbench. I"m half way there! It was an old project for a boat I was building and never finished. The short block is ready, all I need are a couple of Dart heads, and some tin and it's a runner.

Now all I need is the donor $5k 928 5sp with perfect paint and int.