1983-86 928 FAQ
Discussion
If anyone has a few minutes and has this info to hand, can you answer these please with regards the 928 from the 84-86 era.
1.How many versions were there, 928, 928s and 928 s2?
2. Are they homogolations of the original or regional naming conventions?
3. Was there a standard engine spec for each model? what were the 3 sizes and what major differences? (for example carburettors or Injection?)
4. Looking back since they were produced, which version would you NOT recommend, maybe due to reliability, lack of serviceable parts, gearbox other major costly age related mechanical issue?
5. Were they all Auto/SemiAuto or manual?
Apologies if these are simply the same questions in a different order.
Cheers
Jetleon
1.How many versions were there, 928, 928s and 928 s2?
2. Are they homogolations of the original or regional naming conventions?
3. Was there a standard engine spec for each model? what were the 3 sizes and what major differences? (for example carburettors or Injection?)
4. Looking back since they were produced, which version would you NOT recommend, maybe due to reliability, lack of serviceable parts, gearbox other major costly age related mechanical issue?
5. Were they all Auto/SemiAuto or manual?
Apologies if these are simply the same questions in a different order.
Cheers
Jetleon
Edited by Jetl3on on Tuesday 11th October 18:41
1978 PORSCHE 928 AUTO COUPE
1st reg 27-10-78
Mileage 87,550
Mot Exp 11th July 2012
Sorn Exp 29 Feb 2012
Colour Red
Engine Size 4500cc
Interior - Black leather with black and white chequer inserts
Fully refurbished TeleDial wheels with new centre caps.
The 928 S2 went to 4700cc and smarter alloys.
Porsche introduced a refreshed 928 S into the European market in 1979 model year, although it was summer of 1982 and MY 1983 before the model reached North America. Externally, the S wore new front and rear spoilers and sported wider wheels and tires than the older variant, but the main change for the 928 S was under the hood, where a revised 4.7 L engine was used. European versions debuted with 300 PS (221 kW/297 hp), and were upgraded to 310 PS (228 kW/306 hp) for 1984 model year, though it is rumored [and proven on chassis dynamometers] that they typically made around 330 hp. From 1984 to 1986, the ROW (Rest of World) S model was called S2 in UK. These cars used Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection and purely electronic Bosch ignition, the same systems used on the later 32 valve cars, though without the pollution controls. North American-spec 1983 and 1984 S models used, among other differences, smaller valves, milder camshafts, narrower intake manifolds, and additional pollution equipment in order to meet emissions regulations, and were limited to 234 hp (174 kW/230 PS) as a result.
As the faster ROW or "Euro" model was not available in the United States and Canada during the first three years of its existence, a "Competition Group" option was created to allow North American customers to have an S model lookalike with spoilers, 16" flat disc wheels, sport seats, sport springs and Bilstein shocks. Customers could specify paint and interior colors the same way as on a normal 928. The package was available in 1981 and 1982 model years and was canceled in 1983 when the S model became available for these markets. Many cars have had S model features added by subsequent owners, making original "Competition Group" cars difficult to distinguish without checking option codes.
In 1982 model year, two special models were available for different markets. 205 "Weissach Edition" cars were sold in North America. Unusual features were champagne gold metallic paint, matching brushed gold flat disc wheels, two-tone leather interior, a plaque containing the production number on the dash and the extremely collectible three-piece Porsche luggage set. It's believed these cars were not made with S spoilers even though these were available in U.S. during this time period as part of the "Competition Group" option. The "Weissach Edition" option was also available for the US market 911 in 1980 model year and 924 in 1981 model year.
140 special "50th Jubilee" 928 S models were available outside the U.S. and Canada to celebrate the company's 50 year existence as a car manufacturer. This model is also sometimes referred to as the "Ferry Porsche Edition" because his signature was embroidered into the front seats. It was painted meteor metallic and fitted with flat disc wheels, wine red leather and special striped fabric seat centers. Similar 911 and 924 specials were also made for ROW markets.
Porsche updated the North American 928 S for 1985, replacing the 4.7 L SOHC engine with a new 5.0 L DOHC unit sporting four valves per cylinder and producing 288 hp (215 kW/292 PS). Seats were also updated to a new style. These cars are sometimes unofficially called S3 to distinguish them from 16-valve ROW "S" models. European models kept a 4.7 L engine, which was somewhat more powerful as standard, though the American-spec 32-valve engine together with catalytic converters became an option in some European countries and Australia for 1985. In 1986, revised suspension settings, larger brakes with 4-piston calipers and modified exhaust was installed on the 928S, marking the final changes to old body style cars. These were straight from the 928S4, which was slated to debut a few months later. These changes came starting from VIN 1001, which means that the first thousand '86's had the old brakes, but later cars had the later systems. This later 1986 model is sometimes referred to as a 1986 1/2 or 1986.5 because of these changes. The name is a little misleading as more than 3/4 of the 1986 production had these updates.
As the faster ROW or "Euro" model was not available in the United States and Canada during the first three years of its existence, a "Competition Group" option was created to allow North American customers to have an S model lookalike with spoilers, 16" flat disc wheels, sport seats, sport springs and Bilstein shocks. Customers could specify paint and interior colors the same way as on a normal 928. The package was available in 1981 and 1982 model years and was canceled in 1983 when the S model became available for these markets. Many cars have had S model features added by subsequent owners, making original "Competition Group" cars difficult to distinguish without checking option codes.
In 1982 model year, two special models were available for different markets. 205 "Weissach Edition" cars were sold in North America. Unusual features were champagne gold metallic paint, matching brushed gold flat disc wheels, two-tone leather interior, a plaque containing the production number on the dash and the extremely collectible three-piece Porsche luggage set. It's believed these cars were not made with S spoilers even though these were available in U.S. during this time period as part of the "Competition Group" option. The "Weissach Edition" option was also available for the US market 911 in 1980 model year and 924 in 1981 model year.
140 special "50th Jubilee" 928 S models were available outside the U.S. and Canada to celebrate the company's 50 year existence as a car manufacturer. This model is also sometimes referred to as the "Ferry Porsche Edition" because his signature was embroidered into the front seats. It was painted meteor metallic and fitted with flat disc wheels, wine red leather and special striped fabric seat centers. Similar 911 and 924 specials were also made for ROW markets.
Porsche updated the North American 928 S for 1985, replacing the 4.7 L SOHC engine with a new 5.0 L DOHC unit sporting four valves per cylinder and producing 288 hp (215 kW/292 PS). Seats were also updated to a new style. These cars are sometimes unofficially called S3 to distinguish them from 16-valve ROW "S" models. European models kept a 4.7 L engine, which was somewhat more powerful as standard, though the American-spec 32-valve engine together with catalytic converters became an option in some European countries and Australia for 1985. In 1986, revised suspension settings, larger brakes with 4-piston calipers and modified exhaust was installed on the 928S, marking the final changes to old body style cars. These were straight from the 928S4, which was slated to debut a few months later. These changes came starting from VIN 1001, which means that the first thousand '86's had the old brakes, but later cars had the later systems. This later 1986 model is sometimes referred to as a 1986 1/2 or 1986.5 because of these changes. The name is a little misleading as more than 3/4 of the 1986 production had these updates.
Thanks, I was hoping for a little less blurb and get to the points of interest, as most of what I read on the net, appears to be written for those in the know, who are already familiar with the marque and terminology, which im not.
However, this does answer 2 of my questions, the early ones are 928, made from 78 and started with a 4500cc and no spoilers.
Cheers
However, this does answer 2 of my questions, the early ones are 928, made from 78 and started with a 4500cc and no spoilers.
Cheers
Layman terms then off the top of my head for UK models:
928 4.5 litre, 240bhp
928S 4.7 litre, 300 bhp, spoilers
928S2 4.7 litre, 310bhp, spoilers
All injected, all available as manual or auto though the majority are auto. The power figures above are not accurate, most proven to give a lot more.
There's no 'one to watch' but choose very carefully. They're fantastic cars but need proper maintenance. A bad one is financial suicide.
928 4.5 litre, 240bhp
928S 4.7 litre, 300 bhp, spoilers
928S2 4.7 litre, 310bhp, spoilers
All injected, all available as manual or auto though the majority are auto. The power figures above are not accurate, most proven to give a lot more.
There's no 'one to watch' but choose very carefully. They're fantastic cars but need proper maintenance. A bad one is financial suicide.
The 928 was an awesome car. I've sold lots over the years but none for a while now. There are very few good ones left!
They are quite an undertaking to keep on the road couple that with a low intrinsic value and you can see where the problem lays. Who's going to chuck £3,000 on a year's maintenance when the car is only worth £5k.
I always had a soft spot for the S2 it felt more lively than the later S4 version. That said if you're going to buy one these days it will most likely be an S4.
As I type this I just fancy hopping in one and going for a blast! In terms of sense of occasion to drive I'm struggling to think of anything which came close, certainly one of the seminal moments when you pulled the thick door closed, turned the key and that V8 sprang into life. The initial fear of a slightly ungainly car coupled with a bit of a delay in power delivery but push on, grow a decent set of b
ks and commit the car to some corners and eventually a 928 would let you become good friends.
Henry
They are quite an undertaking to keep on the road couple that with a low intrinsic value and you can see where the problem lays. Who's going to chuck £3,000 on a year's maintenance when the car is only worth £5k.
I always had a soft spot for the S2 it felt more lively than the later S4 version. That said if you're going to buy one these days it will most likely be an S4.
As I type this I just fancy hopping in one and going for a blast! In terms of sense of occasion to drive I'm struggling to think of anything which came close, certainly one of the seminal moments when you pulled the thick door closed, turned the key and that V8 sprang into life. The initial fear of a slightly ungainly car coupled with a bit of a delay in power delivery but push on, grow a decent set of b
ks and commit the car to some corners and eventually a 928 would let you become good friends.Henry
Repeating some of the info, but hopefully more specifically:-
Jetl3on said:
If anyone has a few minutes and has this info to hand, can you answer these please with regards the 928 from the 84-86 era.
1.How many versions were there, 928, 928s and 928 s2?
Three and a half, the three you've mentioned above plus the late '86 S2 which had the newer running gear (suspension & brakes) same as the S4. For the actual years you've mentioned, '84-'86, only the S2 was available in the UK.1.How many versions were there, 928, 928s and 928 s2?
Jetl3on said:
2. Are they homogolations of the original or regional naming conventions?
The S2 is a UK only designation, it was an upgrade over the 928S in that it had electronic instead of manual fuel injection (and an extra 10BHP), ABS and a four-speed autobox instead of a three-speed one.Jetl3on said:
3. Was there a standard engine spec for each model? what were the 3 sizes and what major differences? (for example carburettors or Injection?)
310 BHP for the S2 (vs 300 for the 928S and 240 for the 928) no carburettors, the earlier cars had a single distributor set-up but from the S2 onwards it was a dual coil, dual distributor. All cars up to and including the S2 were 16 valve, '87 onwards are 32 valve. Jetl3on said:
4. Looking back since they were produced, which version would you NOT recommend, maybe due to reliability, lack of serviceable parts, gearbox other major costly age related mechanical issue?
Swings and roundabouts, the earlier cars are simpler and better built (and have a more "pure" shape IMHO) but 240 hp can feel a bit lethargic compared to 300 and I believe the manual fuel injection can be a pain to troubleshoot although the S2 suffers from MAF ageing etc. etc. The usual advice is to try lots of different ones and buy on condition since they vary hugely due to how well they've been cared-for in the 25+ years since they were built. The main dangers in 928 ownership are thrust-bearing failure and cambelt failure, neither of which affect the earliest cars (although the S2 is vulnerable) and both of which can be avoided through preventative maintenance.Jetl3on said:
5. Were they all Auto/SemiAuto or manual?
The majority 80%+ (ish) were automatics, with a slightly higher percentage of manuals in the early years.
Google [bot] said:
Jetl3on said:
Hi, when you say the earlier cars as being of a more 'Pure' shape, to my untrained eye all of the 928/s/s2 look the same, or have I got that wrong? Or do you mean between the S2 and S4?
Scroll up to the 2 pictures above. non-S = no spoilers. Cleaner.dictys said:
This my mine and a fellow PH's S4's going for a spin in the desert, one 1989, the other 1990, both with 5.0 32 valve engines
Speaking of engines, the feedback has been positive, apart from performance, is it fair to say they are all pretty good, regardless of displacement or number of valves/cylinder, either 16v or 32v would do if maintanined?Edited by Jetl3on on Wednesday 12th October 09:09
Henry-F said:
There are very few good ones left!
I found a similar situation and that was over six years ago. I was after a manual S but would have happily purchased an auto as the manuals are thin on the ground. I looked at about six or seven over a year and didn't find the right one for one reason or another. Still, I haven't been put off and may go back on the hunt again and include S2 & S4's next time to broaden my options. Great cars.Edit:
@ the OP. Worthwhile buying 'Porsche 928: The Essential Buyer's Guide' by David Hemmings
Edited by Johnboy Mac on Wednesday 12th October 09:50
Jetl3on said:
Speaking of engines, the feedback has been positive, apart from performance, is it fair to say they are all pretty good, regardless of displacement or number of valves/cylinder, either 16v or 32v would do if maintanined?
The engines are pretty bulletproof if the maintained. On the 32v if the timming belt goes it causes major valve damage. This should be replaced every 5 years despite the mileage then retensioned 1k later.Edited by Jetl3on on Wednesday 12th October 09:09
You should go to the 928 section on Rennlist forums where there oodles of knowledge of 928 of all years.
My car was purchase at the bottom end of the price range, but I wanted a particular colour and no sunroof and as there are only around 12 928's out here my choice was limited to say the least.
In 18 months I have had to do the following restoration jobs, however I expect many years trouble free motoring from now on (a prayer to the 928 gods)
1) Timing Belt
2) New Porsche Water Pump
3) Rebuilt Steering rack
4) Rebuilt Steering Pump
5) Intake refresh including replacement idle valve, knock sensors etc
6) Renew Fuel Hoses with S/S braided and Roger's U bend.
7) Flex Plate Check and Release
8) Fuel Pressure Gauge
9) Complete Fluid Change
10) Clean C/E panel and replace all fuses / some relays.
11) New Filters
12) Fixed A/C Relay
13) New A/C hoses and pressure switch
14) New Vacuum Hoses
15) Restored leather and steering wheel
16) Respray Hood and Roof
17) Hood / Hatch Struts
18) Restore rear Luggage Cover
19) Fix rotten rear light fixing
20) Fixed various interior trim pieces
21) New Head Unit
22) Clean ground points
23) Renew Motor Mounts
24) Replace Battery
25) Install PKlamp
26) Fit New Tyres
27) Fix transmission shunt
28) Fix A/C Blower
29) Fix Rear Hatch Latch
30) Replace coils, rotors, wires and plugs
31) Replace Torque Tube!
Edited by dictys on Wednesday 12th October 11:43
Your timing is impeccable, as you've just missed the largest annual 928 event at Tilford, Surrey on 1st Oct. Around 40 cars rocked up which is a big deal in 928 circles.
But don't worry - there's also a big meet at Merry Miller pub in Cothill near Oxford in Nov. Can't recall date but it's same Saturday NEC Classucs show is on, so something like 12th?
Check the 928.org.uk site fir details and join the mailing list from that site. You can then quiz hundreds of owners who never tire of talking 928s.
But don't worry - there's also a big meet at Merry Miller pub in Cothill near Oxford in Nov. Can't recall date but it's same Saturday NEC Classucs show is on, so something like 12th?
Check the 928.org.uk site fir details and join the mailing list from that site. You can then quiz hundreds of owners who never tire of talking 928s.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff