Porche 944 question

[David]

Purchase prices for good ones start around $7000, excellent ones probably around $9000 - check insurance rates - clutch jobs 12-18 hours, depending on skills/tools/crossover pipe design. Lose a timing belt - $600 in parts, can run to over $2000 for shop repair. Clutch kits around $600. Tight engine compartment. the year you want depends on what you want to do with the car.

The newer the year, the heavier it is, but the newer the year, the better the suspension and the more hp (generally)

There are several differences between model years. '86 is the lightest, having no airbags or ABS. There are also some slight suspension differences. '87 and '88 are the same (with exception of S models), whereas '89's are, indeed, built to S specifications.

Just a few factors:
abs - 87 and up
lsd - optional 
bigger turbo - 88 and up

"there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche"
so buy the absolute best one you can afford, it will pay off.

951's will be *extremely* reliable if routine maintenance is kept up with. There are many owners with 200 and 300k miles on their cars and they still perform excellently.

Routine maintenance is key, however. The most important things these cars require is a belt change every 30 to 45k miles. Rubber parts wear out rather quickly due to high underhood temperatures, so they are most noteworthy - Motor mounts, fuel lines (!), vacuum lines, hoses, et cetera. There are many miscellaneous things that should be watched too - Wheel bearings, ball joints, CVs body seals, and so on. Additionally, clutches are by no means an easy job.

Aftermarket support is very good, as they have a cult following and make excellent race cars. I would go so far as to say that you could make a 951 with at least 50% aftermarket parts. While there is sometimes not a broad selection of non-OEM parts, those offered are always very high quality. Prices can be somewhat high compared to those for other brands, but again, they are generally good.

When potentially buying one, it is imperative that you get a PPI done by someone qualified to assess the car. They are wonderful machines, but as I said earlier, they have many quirks. If you'd like a brief rundown, however, check out http://www.clarks-garage.com.

An increase in mods is directly connected to a decrease in reliability. Buying power packages from companies is the best bet for power and reliability.

rennlist.com is where we all hang out.

Dave
1987 CGT 2.3
SE Virginia

> 
> From: "Ben Swann" <benswann at comcast.net>
> Date: 2004/12/15 Wed PM 02:43:05 EST
> To: <quattro at audifans.com>
> CC: Ben Swann <benswann at comcast.net>
> Subject: Porche 944 question
> 
> I'm contemplating getting a '87 Porche 944 S(non-turbo) 5 speed trans.  It is in good shape but the Red paint has oxidized and needs major compounding or maybe paint, but I did not see any rust and no noticaeable dings.  Major mechanicals are in good condition, but need some exhaust repairs, timing belt, window switch fix, among some other minor by my standards fixes.  The car ran and drove well and appears to have been well maintained.
> 
> I'm trying to see what kind of price these tend to go for.  Anyone know?  Any major caveats?  Once fixed to near pristine condition, what could I get for it without major haggling?
> 
> Ben
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