It was during a flight last week, amidst conversations about cars at 35,000 feet, when a colleague mentioned a rumor: Porsches, particularly the 928, supposedly incorporated numerous parts from other automotive manufacturers. While aware of some outsourced components, the notion of significant parts sharing in a Porsche was intriguing. He wisely avoided the cliché of labeling the 928 as “just a big Volkswagen,” instead posing the question with a knowing glance, “Who’s the U-boat commander?” – a question that resonated with a knowing chuckle.
This isn’t about typical consumables like filters, belts, hoses, or even robust components such as batteries and CV joints, which are commonly sourced from external suppliers across the automotive industry. The discussion revolves around major, structural components originating from production cars of other marques, not just generic suppliers.
Here’s a compilation of parts in the Porsche 928 known to be sourced from other automotive manufacturers:
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Automatic Transmission: A robust unit supplied by Daimler Benz. This transmission, known for its durability and smooth operation, was a significant component integrated into the 928’s powertrain.
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Fuel Injection System: Utilizing a Bosch system, this same design was also licensed by General Motors for a large portion of their vehicle lineup starting from 1985 onwards. This widespread adoption speaks to the system’s reliability and effectiveness in fuel delivery.
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Air Conditioning System: The 928’s air conditioning compressor is sourced from Sanden, a supplier also found in mid-1980s Volkswagen models and certain Honda vehicles. This highlights a practical approach to leveraging proven and readily available climate control technology.
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Oxygen Sensor System: The O2 sensor and associated wiring harness are attributed to Daimler Benz. Integrating components from established suppliers ensured quality and compatibility within the engine management system.
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Seat Belts: While crucial safety components, the seat belts are sourced externally. Intriguingly, the clips and connectors bear Volkswagen part numbers, aligning with those used in the mid-1980s Golf.
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Radiator: The cooling system’s radiator is supplied by Behr, a well-known manufacturer with a diverse product range, even extending to household paints. Their expertise in thermal management made them a suitable choice for the 928.
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Steering Rack: Precision steering in the 928 is facilitated by a steering rack from Zundradfabrik Freidrichschafen (ZF), a company with a historical connection to Zeppelin manufacturing, renowned for engineering prowess.
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Brake Servo Fittings: A specific T-connector and vacuum fitting within the brake servo system are shared with Chrysler, specifically found in the Jeep Cherokee. This illustrates component sharing even across different vehicle types and brands.
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Sunroof Motor and Mechanics: The sunroof mechanism, including the motor, is attributed to Rockwell International. Given Rockwell’s scale and production capabilities, it’s logical to assume these components were also utilized in other high-volume production vehicles.
Are there other shared components within the Porsche 928 that enthusiasts and experts are aware of? The extent of parts sharing underscores an interesting aspect of automotive manufacturing, where even iconic performance vehicles like the Porsche 928 sometimes look beyond in-house production for reliable and effective solutions.
