Models

Technical Information and Restoration Parts for the 928

What is the best year?

To best understand the 928 evolution one has to look the times and goals of Porsche in creating the car. Initially the 928 was targeted for replacement of the 911 model. At design time there was no energy crisis and performance was king. The air cooled engine had theoretically been legislated out of production due to ever increasingly strict smog laws.

The first 928s were promoted as low maintenance cars. The electronic ignition, a water cooled engine, and hydraulic lifters all combined to create a longer periodic maintenance schedule.

The initial high price tag discouraged sales and caused marketing to team up with engineering to add features in an attempt to find a market. Frequent changes reduced reliability, raised the sticker price and eventually led to abandoning the model.

The basic trend over the years was more luxury, more gadgets and more power. There are five basic design changes. Cars were produced for the U.S. market and the rest of the world. Innovations were generally designed into the U.S. models first with horsepower advantages for the "EURO" model that had fewer smog restrictions.

1978-79 The first couple years the 928s were almost hand built cars. The quality in many areas was later reduced in favor of higher production numbers in an attempt to capture market share. The features that distinguish the early years are simpler electronics and the CIS fuel injection system. This is a very simple, reliable and responsive injection system that sacrifices fuel economy for performance. A higher performance CIS system was retained on the EURO model until 1983.

1980-84 The 1980 was the first full production model. The injection system was changed to an electronic system that increased fuel economy at the expense of performance. The engine size remained the original 4.5 liter but was increased in 1983 to 4.7 liters. The door locking system was changed from vacuum to electric and a factory alarm system was added as an option. The percentage of cars made with automatics increased and the with the larger engine in 1983 the four speed automatic was introduced. Where the early cars offered the sun roof, right side mirror and power seats as options, most all of the U.S. models after 1980 had these options as standard equipment. Finding that the injection molding of dashes and other interior components had a high flaw rate, Porsche covered the rejects with leather and started offering an all leather interior.

1980-84 S The 'S' model had a small tail fin and increased horsepower in the Euro model. There are a number of Euro models imported to the U.S. and because of the higher performance are in higher demand. The 1980-83 Euro model retained the CIS injection system, had hotter cams and produced 300 HP. All US models after 1983 were S models with the 4.7 liter engine.

1984-86 Euro The Euro model retained the 16 valve engine that used a dual distributor and the LH injection system. The higher horse power and anti locking brakes makes this model desirable and commands a premium in the U.S.

1985-86 - S3 The lack of overwhelming success caused Porsche to redesign the car in 1985. The engine size was increased to 5 liter and 32 valves. The injection system was changed to a state of the art and sophisticated electronic system (L-H Tronic) that monitors all aspects of the engine including timing, quality of the gas and habits of the driver. Six way sport seats with a narrower seat back for better rear and side vision were added. The manual transmission syncros were improved for smoother shifting. In 1986 anti lock brakes were added and mid year in 1986 (starting with VIN # 1000) improved multi piston brakes and better suspension were installed.

1987-91- S4 Again Porsche extended the redesign to many more facets of the car creating the S4 model. Major body style changes were implemented with new front and rear bumpers and lights that added six inches to the length of the car modernizing the look. A larger rear spoiler, wider rear rims and tires were added. Internally the engine was redesigned with better access for service and a better torque curve. More electronics were added with features like memory seats and mirrors, electronic gauges and electric cooling fans.

1989-92 - GT The GT had increased horse power, wider rear wheels, sport suspension and brakes, electronic limited slip differential , a tire pressure warning system and only came with the 5 speed manual. The S4 and GT models were made concurrently.

1992-95 - GTS - The GTS had increased engine displacement of 5.4 liters and increased horse power. Very few cars were produced in the last few years of production and the price was very high.

The Convertible - Porsche never made a convertible in the 928 model. U.S. government regulations almost outlawed the production of convertibles for a period in the late 1970's and early 1980's and many manufacturers discontinued making them. A most notable case was the Cadillac Eldorado. A Texas oil man that loved the Eldorado bought a number of the cars to put in storage when GM discontinued the line so he would have a new one to drive when the old one wore out. Carelli of Costa Mesa. a custom car manufacturer that went out of business in the early 1980's had a design for a 928 convertible and produced several of the cars on a special order basis from 1978 to 1986. It is estimated that 30 of these cars were made. A French company, Jacquemond, still produces a convertible and makes performance modifications to 928's.