Porsche 928s - talk to me
Discussion
Great, great cars. My old man has one, and has since 2004ish. Not great off the line but great on the motorway.
Make sure you check the oil pressure carefully if you are seriously looking. My dad bought an '86 S2, where the pressure gauge had been glued at 4.5. Flex plate had failed, allowing the driveshaft to s
t and push the crank, shagging the engine.
Link to minisite/blog of 928 ownership: www.9two8.com
I would seriously love to own one in maybe 10 years time, just hope I can afford one!
Make sure you check the oil pressure carefully if you are seriously looking. My dad bought an '86 S2, where the pressure gauge had been glued at 4.5. Flex plate had failed, allowing the driveshaft to s
t and push the crank, shagging the engine. Link to minisite/blog of 928 ownership: www.9two8.com
I would seriously love to own one in maybe 10 years time, just hope I can afford one!
Edited by Williams99 on Tuesday 13th March 22:36
Also Chris Sanderson at Loe Bank Motors http://www.loebankmotors.co.uk/aboutus.htm
One very big attraction for me is the fact that when it comes to classics, 928 barely rot!
I mean, you look at M635CSI`s, E30 M3s etc and on quiet nights, you can basically hear them rusting away!
It makes a prospective ownership all that more appealing as if its one thing I dont like,its rust..
I mean, you look at M635CSI`s, E30 M3s etc and on quiet nights, you can basically hear them rusting away!
It makes a prospective ownership all that more appealing as if its one thing I dont like,its rust..
flatline84 said:
One very big attraction for me is the fact that when it comes to classics, 928 barely rot!
I mean, you look at M635CSI`s, E30 M3s etc and on quiet nights, you can basically hear them rusting away!
It makes a prospective ownership all that more appealing as if its one thing I dont like,its rust..
On a 928 the galvanised bits and the aluminium body panels don't rot, but everything else does...especially the electrical system.I mean, you look at M635CSI`s, E30 M3s etc and on quiet nights, you can basically hear them rusting away!
It makes a prospective ownership all that more appealing as if its one thing I dont like,its rust..
Interesting thread.. lots of talk, some strange, some not.
Wiring looms rotting?
PVC does not rot. Connections however DO oxidise. If you get a bad connection, any decent auto sparks can find it. A bit lost about the rotting wiring loom TBH..
In my experience, I've owned 3 928's, that's 928's plural and not three nine-twenty-eight 'S's
A 928'S', a 928 'S4' and my latest, a 928'GT'.
Some points I would like to make:
If you buy any car without knowing their specific problems, you are likely to come unstuck. Basic research is all you need when buying a car, the 928 is no different.
As stated previously in this thread; always buy on condition. The mileage makes NO difference on these cars if maintained properly. As an example, the current 928GT I own, made a slight rattling noise so I decided to have the engine torn apart for inspection: Although my car had covered 160,000 miles, once apart the specialist found that the only wear was the cam-chain tensioner, and that despite my request to freshen the bottom end, it was totally unnecessary as the shell and mains showed NO wear whatsoever. The oil pressure was bang on to the specification, and the engine and drive-train felt 'tight'. These cars will munch miles at high revs all day. That is to say they will cruise at silly speeds which is exactly what they were made for. I read an article about the 928 which stated that the engine was designed to be ran flat out all day. I have no reason to disbelieve that statement based on my own personal observations and 'abuse' of the cars that I have previously owned.
These cars are very different from anything else I have owned to date. I cannot explain what exactly it is that makes the 928 special. There are many reasons that appeal; you get a lot of looks when parked and returning to the car, a lot of people ask questions, and I find (subjective) that the car makes you feel special - much as it did with my Ultima GTR. So breaking this down, what stands out from other similar cars? Does the car feel fast? Not really. Does the car feel responsive? Yes and no; it's a fairly heavy car but it still feels agile on the twisties. It does take some getting used to, but once you have allowed for its relatively slow turn in, and understand its characteristics, it's a good weapon to take to battle once you've learnt it. Being as it has a trans-axle, the weight distribution is exactly 50/50. This means when you overstep the mark, a quick flick of oppo' results in a balanced, catchable over-steer which is both rewarding and reassuring when it happens unprovoked.
The 928GT was for me the pinnacle of the series, even though the last model was the 928GTS. The difference was the 928GT has the 5.0 litre V8 developing 330hp whereas the GTS develops 345hp, provided by a longer stroke crankshaft which took the cylinder displacement to 5.4 litres. The 5.0 litre GT has higher lift camshafts which changed the charactorsitics of the engine when prodded with the angry stick, and you can feel the difference when compared to the S4, which shared the same displacement but with the milder cams.. it revs 'like a bd' and it makes the spirited drive more appealing.
As for the comparison with the dashboards with the 'Vette. The 'NightRider' look also has its appeal. The S4 and onwards features the analoge/digi dash which through the onboard computer is capable of displaying all manner of statistics from, elapsed time, MPG/actual/average, speed in digital, average, range to empty, average. etc etc, there are lots of functions that the computer will display through its three independent digital displays , but I find the digital speedometer and analogue together the best, along with range, and average mpg to be the best combination. You can assign any function to any screen. Of course, it doesn't talk to you, or call you Michael which is a blessing
Performance? Well I have a modified X-pipe exhaust and Piper filter. I have been told (unconfirmed) that with those basic mods I should expect 360 FW horsepower. Where this car comes into its own, is on long journeys - around town it is notably costly to run, with a heavy clutch, and the instant MPG reading on the computer indicating between 9 and 16 MPG
On a run whereby the constant speed is 50 and above, I normally see 24 and above. Engaging cruise at 70 sees 27mpg as long as you don't bite when something else prods you
Performance? A standard 928GT will achieve 60 in around 5, and top speed is circa 170.. not bad for a standard 20 year old car.. of course a modified example will achieve more.
What I have never understood is why people try and compare the 928 series to the Vette? They share nothing in common whatsoever. The Vette is heavier, does not have the same drive-train configuration, or weight distribution, and can in no way compete in the twisties.. of course if the Vette owner was donning a 'tash, and a ten gallon hat, I would be in no doubt of the 928's sub-standard performance, but until such time I am happy to be proved wrong
The Jag is a nicer place to be behind the wheel, as IMO no one does interior better than Jag. The 928 is typical Germanic styling: simple lines and nothing too flash or exciting. The Jag makes a really sexy noise when the supercharger makes itself heard, and the performance in a straight line is very similar. However, around B roads, I was up the chuff of the Jag when in the Pork and I considered the Jags' driver to have a similar driving ability to mine. The Pork gives you more confidence and when on the limit you know where the envelope of grip starts and ends. The other thing which really put me off the Jag was the slush box. Even if you manually prod it through the cogs, it is not engaging, or even remotely fun, and this is said with a semi-sloppy linkage in the Pork with room for improvement. The best thing about the Jaaag was the power delivery though.. when the boost was building it felt epic 
I originally contemplated buying a convertible XKR, but after driving the GT, there was no comparison as a drivers car.
Several years later, and despite some scary bills, I always look forward to getting back into the GT and even utter stupid comments 'to the car' such as "Hello baby did you miss me?" which really says it all
Wiring looms rotting?
PVC does not rot. Connections however DO oxidise. If you get a bad connection, any decent auto sparks can find it. A bit lost about the rotting wiring loom TBH..In my experience, I've owned 3 928's, that's 928's plural and not three nine-twenty-eight 'S's
A 928'S', a 928 'S4' and my latest, a 928'GT'.Some points I would like to make:
If you buy any car without knowing their specific problems, you are likely to come unstuck. Basic research is all you need when buying a car, the 928 is no different.
As stated previously in this thread; always buy on condition. The mileage makes NO difference on these cars if maintained properly. As an example, the current 928GT I own, made a slight rattling noise so I decided to have the engine torn apart for inspection: Although my car had covered 160,000 miles, once apart the specialist found that the only wear was the cam-chain tensioner, and that despite my request to freshen the bottom end, it was totally unnecessary as the shell and mains showed NO wear whatsoever. The oil pressure was bang on to the specification, and the engine and drive-train felt 'tight'. These cars will munch miles at high revs all day. That is to say they will cruise at silly speeds which is exactly what they were made for. I read an article about the 928 which stated that the engine was designed to be ran flat out all day. I have no reason to disbelieve that statement based on my own personal observations and 'abuse' of the cars that I have previously owned.
These cars are very different from anything else I have owned to date. I cannot explain what exactly it is that makes the 928 special. There are many reasons that appeal; you get a lot of looks when parked and returning to the car, a lot of people ask questions, and I find (subjective) that the car makes you feel special - much as it did with my Ultima GTR. So breaking this down, what stands out from other similar cars? Does the car feel fast? Not really. Does the car feel responsive? Yes and no; it's a fairly heavy car but it still feels agile on the twisties. It does take some getting used to, but once you have allowed for its relatively slow turn in, and understand its characteristics, it's a good weapon to take to battle once you've learnt it. Being as it has a trans-axle, the weight distribution is exactly 50/50. This means when you overstep the mark, a quick flick of oppo' results in a balanced, catchable over-steer which is both rewarding and reassuring when it happens unprovoked.
The 928GT was for me the pinnacle of the series, even though the last model was the 928GTS. The difference was the 928GT has the 5.0 litre V8 developing 330hp whereas the GTS develops 345hp, provided by a longer stroke crankshaft which took the cylinder displacement to 5.4 litres. The 5.0 litre GT has higher lift camshafts which changed the charactorsitics of the engine when prodded with the angry stick, and you can feel the difference when compared to the S4, which shared the same displacement but with the milder cams.. it revs 'like a b
d' and it makes the spirited drive more appealing.As for the comparison with the dashboards with the 'Vette. The 'NightRider' look also has its appeal. The S4 and onwards features the analoge/digi dash which through the onboard computer is capable of displaying all manner of statistics from, elapsed time, MPG/actual/average, speed in digital, average, range to empty, average. etc etc, there are lots of functions that the computer will display through its three independent digital displays , but I find the digital speedometer and analogue together the best, along with range, and average mpg to be the best combination. You can assign any function to any screen. Of course, it doesn't talk to you, or call you Michael which is a blessing
Performance? Well I have a modified X-pipe exhaust and Piper filter. I have been told (unconfirmed) that with those basic mods I should expect 360 FW horsepower. Where this car comes into its own, is on long journeys - around town it is notably costly to run, with a heavy clutch, and the instant MPG reading on the computer indicating between 9 and 16 MPG
On a run whereby the constant speed is 50 and above, I normally see 24 and above. Engaging cruise at 70 sees 27mpg as long as you don't bite when something else prods you Performance? A standard 928GT will achieve 60 in around 5, and top speed is circa 170.. not bad for a standard 20 year old car.. of course a modified example will achieve more.
What I have never understood is why people try and compare the 928 series to the Vette? They share nothing in common whatsoever. The Vette is heavier, does not have the same drive-train configuration, or weight distribution, and can in no way compete in the twisties.. of course if the Vette owner was donning a 'tash, and a ten gallon hat, I would be in no doubt of the 928's sub-standard performance, but until such time I am happy to be proved wrong
deadslow said:
Has anyone on here with 928 experience also driven a Jag XKR 4.0? If so, what is the comparison?
My friend has an XKR and it was also a car I considered as I love Jagwaars The Jag is a nicer place to be behind the wheel, as IMO no one does interior better than Jag. The 928 is typical Germanic styling: simple lines and nothing too flash or exciting. The Jag makes a really sexy noise when the supercharger makes itself heard, and the performance in a straight line is very similar. However, around B roads, I was up the chuff of the Jag when in the Pork and I considered the Jags' driver to have a similar driving ability to mine. The Pork gives you more confidence and when on the limit you know where the envelope of grip starts and ends. The other thing which really put me off the Jag was the slush box. Even if you manually prod it through the cogs, it is not engaging, or even remotely fun, and this is said with a semi-sloppy linkage in the Pork with room for improvement. The best thing about the Jaaag was the power delivery though.. when the boost was building it felt epic I originally contemplated buying a convertible XKR, but after driving the GT, there was no comparison as a drivers car.Several years later, and despite some scary bills, I always look forward to getting back into the GT and even utter stupid comments 'to the car' such as "Hello baby did you miss me?" which really says it all
bqf said:
Should be able to get a very tidy 928 for £10k, and run it relatively cheaply. These cars need to be used every day though, so it's not a lay up and leave machine.
If something big happens then yes, you will get a big bill, even from an indy. However that is true of most 30 year old cars, and 928s are better built than most.
They are due to become collectable very, very soon. The car storage place where I laid my AMG up for the winter had 3x 928s in storage (with a regular use programme). Owners patiently waiting for them to do the decent thing and start rocketing in value......
Great buy, if you get a good one.
for 10k you can get a decent 911 carrera. two cylinders less but more reliable, nicer to look at, considerably cheaper insurance. also will increase in value if you get a decent 3.2 with the G50 gearbox. If something big happens then yes, you will get a big bill, even from an indy. However that is true of most 30 year old cars, and 928s are better built than most.
They are due to become collectable very, very soon. The car storage place where I laid my AMG up for the winter had 3x 928s in storage (with a regular use programme). Owners patiently waiting for them to do the decent thing and start rocketing in value......
Great buy, if you get a good one.
Bought an S4 on Saturday
Contrary to all the good advice on here and my usual sensibility I drove it and just bought it there and then. However it was from a dealer who is a friend and was owned for the last 10 years by a PHer FWIW it has a massive folder full of receipts and history and a pretty full service record by OPC and then Indie.
It's my only real classic, and frankly was blown away by how solid a 24 year old car could be. It isn't as big as I had envisaged, and actually shrinks around you when you drive it particularly when hustled along. It's definitely a GT and not a sportscar but still mightily capable. The idea is to keep it for a year and see, if I'm driving it regularly, it stays, if not, she'll go to a better home.
It's booked into GT One in a couple of weeks for a service, belts and a new water pump (apparentley the recommendation is a new one with every belt change).
I have been asked whether I want OEM or official Pork pump (£300 or £800!!) anyone have any view on that??
Contrary to all the good advice on here and my usual sensibility I drove it and just bought it there and then. However it was from a dealer who is a friend and was owned for the last 10 years by a PHer FWIW
it has a massive folder full of receipts and history and a pretty full service record by OPC and then Indie.It's my only real classic, and frankly was blown away by how solid a 24 year old car could be. It isn't as big as I had envisaged, and actually shrinks around you when you drive it particularly when hustled along. It's definitely a GT and not a sportscar but still mightily capable. The idea is to keep it for a year and see, if I'm driving it regularly, it stays, if not, she'll go to a better home.
It's booked into GT One in a couple of weeks for a service, belts and a new water pump (apparentley the recommendation is a new one with every belt change).
I have been asked whether I want OEM or official Pork pump (£300 or £800!!) anyone have any view on that??
The Vette is indeed heavier. A whole 9 pounds heavier though I'm fairly sure any Porsche option would make the 928 heavier. Having driven both and chosen the Vette, I found the 928 felt far heavier to drive and I never had any issues with the Vette in the twisties though was never inclined to drive on the edge of oversteer which so many PH'ers claim to do. I don't know, maybe it was the ten gallon hat acting as a wing, we may never know.
Ultimately, they are both GTs so are comparable but the Vette sounded better, offered more drama and had a detachable roof. The running costs were also far lower. I suppose it depends at what point you buy the car but i also only lost £1000 in depreciation in 3 years so was more than happy with that when balanced against the low running costs.
Ultimately, they are both GTs so are comparable but the Vette sounded better, offered more drama and had a detachable roof. The running costs were also far lower. I suppose it depends at what point you buy the car but i also only lost £1000 in depreciation in 3 years so was more than happy with that when balanced against the low running costs.
This thread is making me want to trade in my (beloved) 944 S2 to buy a 928 ... but a couple of comments:
LordFlathead, given the transaction configuration is the same as that of the 944, I'd expect the handling characteristics to be broadly similar, and the 944 is difficult to get out of line, but if it goes more then slightly wide you need to be a complete driving god to catch it. If (and this is a few 'ifs') the 928 is similar, and if you are catching it with 'a dab of oppo' then I'd suggest that you aren't getting it that far out (which is a good thing!) The 'dumbell' weight layout is what makes the car so stable, but is also what makes it very difficult to catch when it is getting a bit lairy. Lovely looking car BTW!
Fuel consumption: has anyone done an LPG conversion on a 928? That would seem to be the ideal way to save some money, and would give you an exceptional long-distance high-speed GT which doesn't cost the earth to run.
Oli.
LordFlathead, given the transaction configuration is the same as that of the 944, I'd expect the handling characteristics to be broadly similar, and the 944 is difficult to get out of line, but if it goes more then slightly wide you need to be a complete driving god to catch it. If (and this is a few 'ifs') the 928 is similar, and if you are catching it with 'a dab of oppo' then I'd suggest that you aren't getting it that far out (which is a good thing!) The 'dumbell' weight layout is what makes the car so stable, but is also what makes it very difficult to catch when it is getting a bit lairy. Lovely looking car BTW!
Fuel consumption: has anyone done an LPG conversion on a 928? That would seem to be the ideal way to save some money, and would give you an exceptional long-distance high-speed GT which doesn't cost the earth to run.
james280779 said:
for 10k you can get a decent 911 carrera. two cylinders less but more reliable, nicer to look at, considerably cheaper insurance. also will increase in value if you get a decent 3.2 with the G50 gearbox.
Incomparably different car. I'd also suggest that, although they are completely different, the carrera (not 911!) is some way inferior to the 928. Bear in mind that Porsche wanted to phase out the carrera in favour of the 928, and put their efforts into making a new 'halo' model. They didn't succeed in this, but did succeed in making a hugely under-appreciated, under-valued GT which sadly died a death. Boshly said:
Bought an S4 on Saturday
Bravo! Boshly said:
I have been asked whether I want OEM or official Pork pump (£300 or £800!!) anyone have any view on that??
They will almost certainly be identical, in all but the box they are supplied in (Pork part = Pork box, OEM part = Laso box). You could probably import one from Germany and save more money still if you were so inclined. Congrats on the new purchase - enjoy it!Oli.
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