Porsche 928

The Evolution of the Porsche 928

An 18-year production run

The Porsche 928 was a luxury GT car produced from 1977 through 1995, with the biggest changes being driven by enhancements in power and drivetrains, suspension adjustments, rearrangement of options and packaging. The most significant visual change came after 1982 when several aerodynamic modifications were implemented to reduce drag while increasing downforce at high speeds.

The Porsche 928 is most easily recognized by its lack of a rear spoiler, which gives the car sleek lines as it sits flush with the body. It also features signature Lamborghini-like 5 hole wheels and power coming from Porsche’s 1st 8 cylinder 4500cc (219 hp for US), made famous not only because it was an internal design that would lead way to development of motors powering models such as the 944 and 968.

In 1981, the U.S.-only Competition Package was introduced for the Porsche 928 in America to increase power and performance of its engine which had a displacement of 4.7-liters with either around 300 hp or 229 hp depending on where it was being sold at that time. Europe saw an addition called S as well but the USA didn’t receive this update until 1983.

1983-1986: 928 S

The 928 S launched in Europe, but did not reach the U.S until 1983 with a bigger engine and platter wheels along with larger spoilers among other differences from earlier models. The V-8 received an update for 1985 to provide four valves per cylinder which increased power to 288 hp before being rolled out elsewhere later on that year while having different changes compared to previous engines such as color of side panels altering between matte black polyurethane or plastic depending on where it was manufactured while also receiving turn signal indicators outside North America first.

1987-1991: 928 S4

The 928 S4 featured a 48-valve, 5.0 liter V8 engine for 316 horsepower in all markets. The new pistons, cylinder head with more aggressive camshafts and larger valves allowed the 10.0 compression ratio to produce high power output of 316 hp . Cosmetic changes included rounded front turn signals featuring auxiliary lights as well as foglight assemblies integrated into the bumper at the rear end to modernize it cosmetically while flushing taillights replaced four chambers design that sat flush with bodywork rather than being concave.

The 928 GT was a sportier variant of the Porsche 928, introduced by Porsche in 1989. The new model came with numerous changes such as: dogleg manual gearbox, 330-hp version of its 5.0L V8 engine and more aggressive suspension along with special seven-spoke Club Sport wheels to name some features among others that made it an attractive choice for buyers looking for high performance sports cars at affordable prices than could be found on competitors’ models like BMW M3 or Mercedes 190E 2.6 AMG.

1992-1995: 928 GTS

The Market

If you bought a Porsche 928 for the same price as used Honda Civic, it doesn’t mean that parts and labor will be cheap. It is said if Porsche maintenance costs don’t break your bank account, then Ferrari ownership might make sense soon enough. Prepare to have some jaw-dropping moments at the counter when ordering replacement parts for this car!

Purchasing the newest or best-maintained example will be a great way to save money in the long run. If you have the confidence, try wrenching on your own so that you don’t need to hire someone else and pay them. Your best option however is to head right to the 928 Forum right here on Open Road and ask questions as you can be helped not only during the purchase phase but also if something should go wrong during ownership or if it’s time for scheduled maintenance like an oil change or other service.

Here’s a quick list of to look out for:

  • Timing belt and water pump service

The 928’s V8 engine has a rubber timing belt that becomes more brittle as it ages. This means the car owner must replace this component every five to seven years or every 60,000 miles—whichever occurs first. However, specialist shops recommend changing out belts at an even earlier interval of 45K miles for maximum safety and longevity from premature failure. It is best practice to change both components if they are being removed so check your water pump while you’re in there! Is the front of your engine oil and dirty? You may want to consider new seals while you’re in there. By the way, prepare yourself for hearing “while you’re in there” quite often during this process!

  • Wheel alignment

The 928 is known for its finicky suspension and it’s recommended to seek out a shop with experience when the job needs doing. By now, every single one of these cars will be due for new bushings which can take an entire day because they require such large presses and lots of time.

  • Air conditioning

Many cars from this period are non-operable due to the use of outlawed R12 refrigerant. The cost for replacement with eco-friendly R134a can be costly, but fortunately many people have already done so when upgrading their systems.

  • Power steering leaks

If you need to replace your power steering rack, be sure to budget accordingly since it is a much more involved job. Sometimes the hoses may leak and only require replacement of that part but if they are all that needs replacing then parts and labor won’t cost too much. Power steering racks often leak so even though stop-leak products can work for short periods of time eventually replacements will have to happen anyways.

  • Rust, and body panel fitment and paint 

Porsche 928s are well known for their rust resistance because of the extensive use of aluminum in its construction. Steel is used throughout the car’s body, but it has all been galvanized to prevent corrosion. Porsche experts warn potential buyers that if they see significant rust on a particular model then something bad happened before and should not be trusted with close inspection – which makes sense considering how expensive this luxury sports car can actually get! As expected given enough time without proper care, factory paint will begin deteriorating so expect some age related issues along those lines as well while paying special attention underneath any existing water collection areas or rain gutters where one could easily develop small cracks over an extended period due to moisture buildup beneath them.

Also please check the 928 Resources Page for more information.

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