1987 Porsche 928 problems
The Porsche 928 is a grand touring car with a 2+2 seating layout manufactured by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 to 1995. Initially conceived to address changes in the automotive market, it represented Porsche's first fully in-house design for a production vehicle and was intended to potentially replace the Porsche 911 as the company's flagship model. The 928 aimed to blend the performance and handling characteristics of a sports car with the comfort, spaciousness, and ride quality of a luxury car. Porsche executives believed that the 928 would have broader appeal compared to the compact, somewhat outdated, and slow-selling air-cooled 911. Notably, it was Porsche's inaugural production model powered by a V8 engine located at the front, and it achieved remarkable top speeds, earning recognition upon its 1978 release by winning the European Car of the Year award. The Autocar described it as a "super car" in 1980.
Conception
In the late 1960s, Porsche had solidified its reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. Amidst the 1970s oil crisis, there were discussions among executives, including owner Ferdinand Porsche, regarding the potential addition of a more fuel-efficient luxury touring car to the company's lineup. Managing director Ernst Fuhrmann advocated for the development of this new model, expressing concerns about the 911, Porsche's flagship model at the time, nearing its performance limits. Fuhrmann believed that expanding into grand touring cars with conventional engines could be essential for the company's future, contrasting with the unconventional sports cars like the 911. The declining sales of the 911 in the mid-1970s suggested a possible downturn in its market appeal. Fuhrmann envisioned the new range-topping grand tourer as a blend of sports coupé and luxury sedan, distinguishing it from the 911 with its more utilitarian interior and pure sports car performance. In the view to please the very important USA market, it switched to front-engined, V8 power and a more spacious interior that included two real child seats (rather than the dog seats in the 911). The goal was to create a model that could compete with offerings from Mercedes-Benz and BMW while also appealing to the American market, which was Porsche's primary market at the time.
Ordered by Ferdinand Porsche to develop a production-feasible concept for the new model, Fuhrmann commenced a design study in 1971, resulting in the creation of the 928. This model marked Porsche's first clean-sheet design for its own model. Previous Porsche models had been iterations or collaborations: the 356 bore similarities to the Volkswagen Beetle, the 911 evolved from the 356, the 914 was a joint venture aimed at replacing the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and 912, and the 924 stemmed from a discontinued Volkswagen and Audi project.
Various drivetrain layouts were considered during early development, including rear- and mid-engine configurations, but many were dismissed due to technical and regulatory challenges. Issues with emissions and noise control, similar to those experienced with the 911, arose from cramming the engine, transmission, catalytic converter(s), and exhaust into a small rear engine bay. After determining that the mid-engine layout lacked sufficient space in the passenger compartment, Porsche opted for a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration.
Porsche engineers sought a large-displacement engine for the 928, and prototype units were initially equipped with a 5-liter V8 engine producing 300 PS (220 kW; 300 hp). There were discussions about utilizing a 4.6-liter 90-degree V10 engine with 88 mm bore spacing, which was a derivative of the Audi 5-cylinder engine (also used in the Lamborghini Gallardo) and based on the Volkswagen EA827 unit. However, this proposal faced objections from the Porsche board due to concerns that it might lead to rumors of a new 911 model with a front-mounted Volkswagen-based engine. Additionally, it is speculated that the board aimed to maintain some separation from the Volkswagen Group.
The resulting all-alloy M28 engine incorporated several distinctive features. Its bore spacing was 122 mm, indicating the use of thick, all-aluminum cylinder barrels without steel liners. The water jackets were notably large, hinting at the engine's potential for racing applications. To maintain a low hood line, the engine prioritized airflow, resulting in the placement of spark plugs at the top of the head. The four-bolt bearings were substantial and received oil via grooves in the block's bottom surface. They were supported by a large one-piece structure forming a lower block, with the cast aluminum oil pan bolted onto this component.
The oil and water pumps were driven by a timing belt. In 1985, DOHC engines introduced a hybrid timing system where the timing belt operated only the exhaust camshafts, while the intake camshafts were driven via an internally-mounted simplex roller chain from the exhaust camshaft. This approach simplified the timing belt layout, requiring fewer components and leading to easier and less costly maintenance. This timing system was later adopted by Porsche 944 and also by Audi and Volkswagen in their belt-driven DOHC engines.
The first two running prototypes of Porsche's M28 V8 initially utilized a single four-barrel carburetor for initial testing. However, the production cars ultimately employed the planned Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. As concerns over fuel prices and availability during the 1970s oil crisis grew within the company, discussions emerged regarding the feasibility of smaller engines to improve fuel economy. There was a proposal for the development of a 3.3 L 182 PS (134 kW; 180 hp) powerplant, suggested by Fuhrmann, but this was met with resistance from company engineers. Eventually, both sides reached a consensus on a 4.5 L, SOHC per bank 16-valve V8 engine producing 240 PS (180 kW; 240 hp) (219 hp (163 kW) in North America). This engine was considered to strike an acceptable balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
By 1973, essential development was finished and a prototype was built and under testing. At this moment, Arab-Israeli war broke out and brought the threat of energy crisis. Sales of large and thirsty cars plunged. It was a big hit to both 928 and Porsche. The project was put into low gear and production postponed until 1977.
The finished car made its debut at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show and was subsequently released for sale later that year as a 1978 model. Despite earning early acclaim for its comfort, power, and futuristic design, sales were initially sluggish. The base prices of the 928 were considerably higher than the previous range-topping 911 model, and the shift to a front-engined, water-cooled design unsettled some traditional Porsche enthusiasts.
Following the departure of Fuhrmann, Peter Schutz, his successor, opted to continue selling both models concurrently, believing that the 911 still had a place in the company's lineup. However, legislative restrictions against rear-engined vehicles never materialized. Although the 928 didn't achieve the sales targets envisioned by Fuhrmann, it garnered a devoted following and enjoyed an 18-year production run.
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Common 1987 Porsche 928 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Porsche 928 1987, several common problems have been identified:
- Electrical Gremlins: Electrical problems are common in older Porsche 928 models, leading to issues with components like electric windows, mirrors, seats, headlights, and central locking. These electrical issues can be traced back to wiring problems, which, although common, are relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Regular checks on these components are recommended to prevent costly repairs.
- Engine Thrust Bearing Failure: A significant issue reported by Porsche 928 owners is the failure of the engine thrust bearing in automatic transmission equipped cars. This problem arises due to excessive pressure on the flywheel and drive plate, causing wear on the thrust bearings. If left unaddressed, this issue can lead to severe engine damage, necessitating the replacement of thrust bearings to prevent catastrophic consequences.
- Timing Belt and Water Pump: Another common problem is related to the timing belt and water pump. The timing belt on post-1985 models is critical, as its failure can result in severe engine damage, including bent engine valves. Regular checks on the tension of the timing belt are essential, and replacement every five to seven years is recommended to prevent potential engine issues. Neglecting the timing belt can lead to costly repairs and engine damage.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and proactive troubleshooting to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Porsche 928 1987 model. Addressing these issues promptly can help owners avoid costly repairs and maintain the performance of their vehicles.
Are Porsche 928 reliable?
If properly maintained by someone who understood the car, second-hand 928s should have no significant issues. Many reliability complaints about the 928 were brought on by well-meaning but ignorant technicians.
Why did the 928 fail?
“It wasn't a sports car and was never meant to be a sports car. It was a GT – heavier, not as nimble as the 911 and built to carry the family on weekend getaways.” In the late 1960s, Porsche engineers believed they had pushed the rear-engine 911 as far as it could go, with slumping sales reinforcing this idea.
How much is a 1987 Porsche 928?
The Porsche 928 1987 prices range from $4,950 for the basic trim level Coupe 928 S4 to $26,510 for the top of the range Coupe. The Porsche 928 1987 comes in Coupe. The Porsche 928 1987 is available in Unleaded Petrol. Engine sizes and transmissions vary from the Coupe 5.0L 4 SP Automatic to the Coupe 5.0L 5SP Manual.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Porsche 928 have?
A 928 S4 debuted in 1987, now with 316 hp, and a 928 GT entered the fold in 1989, complete with a limited-slip differential and available only with a 5-speed. The 928 GTS replaced both the S4 and GT for 1993. It featured freshened bodywork and a bigger 5.4-liter engine now putting out 345 hp and capable of 170 mph.
1987 Porsche 928 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 928 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Porsche 928 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Porsche 928 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Porsche 928.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0JB0929HS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED/HEAT SHIELD FAILED T0 PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO ENGINE FROM HEAT, RESULTING IN A FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL (89V-106). *AK
1987 Porsche 928 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Porsche 928.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
- Summary: INADEQUATE HEAT SHIELD ABOVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER COULD OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: MATERIALS NEAR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, INCLUDING LINES FORAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE AN UNDERBODY FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEAT SHIELD FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH A LARGER, IMPROVED HEAT SHIELD.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: RETURN FUEL LINE HOSE MAY NOT BE OZONE RESISTANT.
- Consequence: FUEL HOSE COULD CRACK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK ANDENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW HOSE WHICH IS OZONE RESISTANT.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Porsche 928 problems:
928 Reliability Myths and Truths - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion ...
Dec 21, 2009 ... 1) Reliability problems with a 928 are almost always due to deferred maintainence. If they are maintained proerly, they are utterly reliable.
**MOST Common 928 Issues AND Fixes** - Page 3 - Pelican Parts ...
Oct 3, 2011 ... **MOST Common 928 Issues AND Fixes**. rjm65. Posts: 480. El ... Porsche 928 electrical short tip! ... 87-88 S4 - 4-auto (US) 5.0L-32v M28/42 316 ...
What are the hard problems with an '87 928 S4 (thinking of getting ...
Oct 15, 2012 ... Hi. Already have a 2000 996. 'been working on cars myself for a while. What are the big known issues with a 928 S4 (say model year 1987)?
AC problems...warm air only... - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
Jun 30, 2013 ... TROUBLESHOOTING THE COOLING FANS ('87 ... As is often the case with a 928, the most common problem ... porsche, recirculation, rennlist, ...
**MOST Common 928 Issues AND Fixes** - Page 2 - Pelican Parts ...
Jul 20, 2011 ... **MOST Common 928 Issues AND Fixes** ... Porsche 928 electrical short tip! ... The manual tells you to drive at 140 kph (87 mph) to measure ...
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