Thinking about getting a 944 Turbo or NA

[mushroom_toy]

Well, I know what some people will say about the 944 not being a pure Porsche, but honestly I have loved these cars ever since I first saw them when I was little. I have a couple leads on some, and I think I can get a pretty good deal on one. Ive been reading up on some of the common problems and maintenance, etc, and I think I can be ready for this. In my current situation Ill have to take out a small loan, but thats no biggie as the car will be collateral, and ill have the loan payed off in less than 6 months probably. I have read about a lot of common problems, but I just want to get some more input from people that have been around or own these cars. Im more of a Jap car guy, than a german one so, help me out.

Either way Im definitely thinking about getting one, and probably will. It will only be a weekend/dining, etc car, and I will still have my daily driver Honda and my truck.

[DirtyMechanic]

get a turbo S2... N/a is a complete waste.

[On_Her_Face]

get a turbo S2... N/a is a complete waste.

i disagree, get the N/a model, take out the motor and swap it with a LSX!!!

Do it or don't buy it

[mushroom_toy]

Well mostly ill be buying whatever I get the best deal on, but right now the best deal I have is for a turbo, but its an 86-87 I believe.

[Spektrewing386]

go for it, very sexy cars.

[Fr33way]

Well mostly ill be buying whatever I get the best deal on.

Not exactly the way you want to shop for a Porsche or any labor intensive car really.

I agree with Dirty Mech unless you have some non-Porsche power planned for it. The N/A is a f'uckin dog. Try to check out some S2s or Turbo S models if you can. Don't half a'ss it just to say you own a Porsche. (Not saying you are)

[mushroom_toy]

Not exactly the way you want to shop for a Porsche or any labor intensive car really.

I agree with Dirty Mech unless you have some non-Porsche power planned for it. The N/A is a f'uckin dog. Try to check out some S2s or Turbo S models if you can. Don't half a'ss it just to say you own a Porsche. (Not saying you are)

Im ready to dive into the labor intensive world of porsche. I do all my own work, so it shouldnt be that bad. And I test drive all the cars I buy. If I like it, Ill buy it if not then ill look further.

[DirtyMechanic]

i disagree, get the N/a model, take out the motor and swap it with a LSX!!!

Do it or don't buy it

then he might as well get a 928... lol nvm 6k for a valve adjustment.... lol

[IDCoconut]

If you're looking for quick bolt-on power, get a turbo. Not a lot of bolt-on stuff for S2's along with motor parts. The S2 is right at nearly 11:1 compression ratio, so you can't boost too high with factory motor.

There is an australian that boosted an S2 cab, he produced 435rwhp before his rings gave out. He used a K27 @ 9psi. The car was full boost @ 2500rpm, lol.

Big power can be made with a hybrid 8valve 3.0 turbo, but be ready to spend thousands, even if you do your own work.

Or you can just buy a turbo. There are so many companies that have 300+hp kits for the turbo it's ridiculous.

[mushroom_toy]

Yeah The more and more I keep thinking of buying one, the more and more the shock sets in or not wanting to spend any money. So Who knows, if I get impulsive I might just end up with one soon, but if not, I guess my money will be going into my dd.

[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.

[IDCoconut]

^^don't have to hide it, it shows most of the time when similar equipment is put into the car and its well prepped!

Well prepped 951's did very well in GT3 : PCA Club racing until the rule change this year. Most of the big dogs will probably be moving to GT2.

Mushroom,

if you want to see some in action, there's an autocross tomorrow, Sunday, @ White Water in Marietta, GA. Scheduled 80cars or so. I'm running my daily driven S2 for its first time.

[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

[mushroom_toy]

^^don't have to hide it, it shows most of the time when similar equipment is put into the car and its well prepped!

Well prepped 951's did very well in GT3 : PCA Club racing until the rule change this year. Most of the big dogs will probably be moving to GT2.

Mushroom,

if you want to see some in action, there's an autocross tomorrow, Sunday, @ White Water in Marietta, GA. Scheduled 80cars or so. I'm running my daily driven S2 for its first time.

I would definitely come if I didnt have to work.

[On_Her_Face]

then he might as well get a 928... lol nvm 6k for a valve adjustment.... lol

lol ya when you told me about the 6k for the valve adjustment i almost choked on my chicken wings