Thinking about getting a 944 Turbo or NA

[StraightSix]

I'm going to present a slightly different opinion than pretty much every other poster in this thread.

First off, I own a 1984 944 N/A and have owned it since about 2001. I have had the engine in and out of the car a few times, and replaced brakes, removed and regreased half shafts, and pulled the transmission out of a parts car. So, I have a fair amount of wrench time on mine.

I think 944s are pretty good cars and a definite value in the market for sports cars. There is a caveat, if you do buy one, whether a N/A, a turbo, an S, an S2, etc., be prepared for the parts to be expensive and not stocked at your local parts store. The best parts prices are to be found online at places like http://autohausaz.com, http://pargon-products.com and http://pelicanparts.com.

The Turbos are more difficult to work on because the turbo resides under the intake manifold. But, there is much more potential for ridiculous power from 944 Turbos as the aftermarket caters to them better.

The N/A cars can be plenty of fun. The early cars were rated at 150hp here in the states. They are very well balanced, with a 50/50 weight distribution, iirc. They aren't rocket ships, but to call them dogs is a bit harsh, imo.

NASA actually has two different racing classes dedicated to 944s, Spec944 and 944Cup.

[DirtyMechanic]

I'm going to present a slightly different opinion than pretty much every other poster in this thread.

First off, I own a 1984 944 N/A and have owned it since about 2001. I have had the engine in and out of the car a few times, and replaced brakes, removed and regreased half shafts, and pulled the transmission out of a parts car. So, I have a fair amount of wrench time on mine.

I think 944s are pretty good cars and a definite value in the market for sports cars. There is a caveat, if you do buy one, whether a N/A, a turbo, an S, an S2, etc., be prepared for the parts to be expensive and not stocked at your local parts store. The best parts prices are to be found online at places like http://autohausaz.com, http://pargon-products.com and http://pelicanparts.com.

The Turbos are more difficult to work on because the turbo resides under the intake manifold. But, there is much more potential for ridiculous power from 944 Turbos as the aftermarket caters to them better.

The N/A cars can be plenty of fun. The early cars were rated at 150hp here in the states. They are very well balanced, with a 50/50 weight distribution, iirc. They aren't rocket ships, but to call them dogs is a bit harsh, imo.

NASA actually has two different racing classes dedicated to 944s, Spec944 and 944Cup.

even by todays standards. some hardcore Pcar owners and enthusiasts say the 944 is one of the best handling pcars.

[StraightSix]

even by todays standards. some hardcore Pcar owners and enthusiasts say the 944 is one of the best handling pcars.

I would agree with that statement. 944s really don't have any bad habits as far as handling goes. Even bone stock, with a bad rubber centered clutch (felt like there was driveline slop), my car was very easy to balance mid-corner with the throttle on track.

[mushroom_toy]

I'm going to present a slightly different opinion than pretty much every other poster in this thread.

First off, I own a 1984 944 N/A and have owned it since about 2001. I have had the engine in and out of the car a few times, and replaced brakes, removed and regreased half shafts, and pulled the transmission out of a parts car. So, I have a fair amount of wrench time on mine.

I think 944s are pretty good cars and a definite value in the market for sports cars. There is a caveat, if you do buy one, whether a N/A, a turbo, an S, an S2, etc., be prepared for the parts to be expensive and not stocked at your local parts store. The best parts prices are to be found online at places like http://autohausaz.com, http://pargon-products.com and http://pelicanparts.com.

The Turbos are more difficult to work on because the turbo resides under the intake manifold. But, there is much more potential for ridiculous power from 944 Turbos as the aftermarket caters to them better.

The N/A cars can be plenty of fun. The early cars were rated at 150hp here in the states. They are very well balanced, with a 50/50 weight distribution, iirc. They aren't rocket ships, but to call them dogs is a bit harsh, imo.

NASA actually has two different racing classes dedicated to 944s, Spec944 and 944Cup.

Good info, and yeah I had read about the turbo being under the manifold. XD