[OldTee]

2006 is my "glutton for punishment" year. Today I started a major tune up that will include new wires, fixing vacuum leaks, leak down test, new distributor caps and rotors, fixing oil leaks and injector servicing. I am just getting started and I can tell you this is one complex beast. The timing belt was recently done. Her stable mate, ARF, the 911SC has been conveted to a daily driver. Will post some pictures when I resize them.
ARF

[VaSteve]

My brother used to have this roommate that had a 928. There was some common problem with the wiring harness that would melt or catch fire. Anyhow, it happened to him. I stopped by one day while he was working on it. The wiring harness going to the back of the car had to be as big as my arm!

Knowing what I know now about 911s and 944s, I'd like to see a 928 ripped open, but I'm afraid to get too close. Good luck!

[OldTee]

Got some help. Mat DeMaria came by to spread some of his magic. One pic of it open.

[Porsche_Driving_Club]

A close freind of mine owned an 83 928S with over 180,000 miles on it. He owned it since new. He had quite a few electrical issues, but he learned to live with most of them.

Sometimes the car wouldn't start. You would turn the key and nothing. It became a big paper weight. Then he exclaimed, "No problem!" With the casualiness of a daily routine, he opened the door, stuck the key in the door lock and wildly locked & unlocked the door. After a minute or two of this action he would attempt to start the car with no issue. Vroom, to life it sprang. He had lots of issues with his headlights as well. They would shut off while driving it. While continuing to drive, he would cycle them a few times and, whamo, they worked.

It is a great car. He removed the primary muffler and the car sounded great. Very throaty at idle and it screamed at a quick throttle punch. It seemed to have more power as well. I have always wanted a 928, but have been a little afraid of maintaining it due to his experieinces. The car is not perfect, but that is part of its character. There is no car that posseses the feel and driving experience of a 928. Heavy, yet balanced. Torquey, yet yearns for higher RPMs. Luxurious, but communicative like any other Porsche. One most love thier shark-like attitude. The BMW 850s are smoother and more modern, but does not have the personality of a 928. I will own one one day.

Sorry for the book.

[OldTee]

True they are electrical and you need an understanding of electricity/electronics to handle it. There is a pretty good support network and it is needed to provide self support. The 928 is in class of cars that includes Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati and high end Mercedes, etc. You don't maintain those on a Ford budget either. Once settled down, they can run a long time without a problem. A fuel pump, or fuel relay or a computer problem is hard to diagnose without specialized knowledge or an education gained by experience. It is a challenge, but to thoes who decide to make the investment in time and effort the cars are quite manageable and worth it. My 79SC is a simpler car to maintain next to the 928. Courage my good man, courage. It has its rewards.
ARF

[VaSteve]

That's what I like about all these old cars....a great support network. I tried to find info on my BMW. The only posts those people make are: how do I install different headlights or a DVD player. I don't know what I'd do without the internet!

[Porsche_Driving_Club]

Your right. The 928 is worth the effort.

People always compare the maintenance of a 928 to a Ferrari. To be honest a 928 is far more complex than a 308 or 328 Ferrari. These are straight forward cars. The expense of maintenance makes one wonder if a 308 or 328 is worth it. Before I bought my 944 Turbo I was ready to pull the trigger on a 79 308. I happened to stop by Intersport where there was a 944 Turbo for sale. I drove it and it was love at first drive. I haven't regreted it since. I have had a ton of work done to it. In fact, it still needs more (as one can read on other posts). Despite this, the total 944 Turbo purchase & maintenance money is no wear near the cost of the 308 at the time (around $35,000). Plus a 944 Turbo can blow the paint off a 308 (more even with a 328, but handling is still in the 944 turbo's favor).

However, I feel the 928 is worth the money. A truely great grand touring car. To me it ranks up there with a Maserati Bora or a Lamborghini Espada. It fact a 928 is a bargain compared to the cars I just mentioned, even with maintenance expenses. One day I will buy one. I have heard that the 928 network is quite good in the DC area. Perhaps I should get one sooner rather than later.

[Greg]

Old Tee

From the picture it looks like you're well on your way. One suggestion, you should replace the fuel lines. Mine looked ok, but were NOT! When I removed the horseshoe shaped one next to the MAF, I was able to snap it like a pretzel.

Good Luck!

[OldTee]

Thi$ i$ good advice. I called Jeanie and told her to include the line$ in my part$ order.
ARF

[ninetwoeight]

Maybe I have been lucky, but I haven't found the 928 to be particularly difficult - frustrating perhaps but i have found equal frustration with working on my Jeep Grand Cherokee at times...

I think a big part of why people think the 928 is difficult to maintain is that many of them have not had the maintenance performed on them that is necessary for a car of this caliber. Not trying to take sides here but I think the 911 based P-cars have been maintained better over their lifespan because they have been more of an enthusiast car and have received appropriate maintenance. The 928 I think was bought by a lot of people with more money than sense, and didn't maintain them the way a supercar (as it was considered at the time) should be. The sticker on my 87 and 88 928 S4's were in excess of $70K - that is equivalent to $120/$130K today - cars like that require either a very capable owner or a big checkbook.

Anyway - OldTee - looking good there! I did the intake refresh on my 87 this summer - time consuming, but not too bad - here is a pic or 2 of my experience. Also just did an entire suspension and motor mount replacement on my 88 - I think you 911 guys would be pretty amazed at how this big car handles now