Eric

I am selling my 86 951 and was going to replace it with either a 928 or an 88 turbo S when an 82 931 happened to cross my path. Having owned a 79 924 (many years ago) and currently driving the 951 I am aware of the "normal" problem areas with a 924 and the "normal" problem areas of a turbo, but are there any particular/unique problems I should be concerned with for a 931? I have checked out 924org, any other good resources? How about the cost of yearly maintainance? Hopefully I can get in cheap(although current asking price is WAY high at 5,000) and use the leftover $$$ from the 951 sale to do some upgrades. Any info appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

BigPorscheGuy39

Unique problems:

1. Some say the head doesn't drain properly on their cars.
2. Head oil drain pipe ($400 USD) tends to break.
3. Cooling the head is a problem. Many install a 2nd oil cooler.
4. Drum brakes suck unless you have the M-471 package or drive slow.
5. Clutch and brake reservoir are the same. Bad design.

Aside from that they're great but they still have many of the same problems as the 924.

Eric

BPG,

Thanks for the info. So the engine is a "non-interference" design like the standard 924? I thought all 931s had the M471 option as standard--I learn something everyday. Another question--I know the "value" of the 931, but what have they been going for in the "real world"? As I said, the guy is aking 5,000--which I think is an INSANE amount for even a garage-queen, I was thinking that 2-3,000 is more reasonable, or am I insane ?

Thanks again,
Eric

BigPorscheGuy39

No. The 931 is, unfortunately, an interference design (I just experienced 'interference' first hand recently... ). And yes, the 924 was a non-interference design.

Yeah, it was rumoured that the 931 has the M-471 package standard, but that's not true. I've had two of them without the M-471 package, and they use drums rear and disc front. I guess there were more M-471 packages sold in the States than here in Canada.

Recently here in Canada I've seen them go for $10,500 and $12,500 CDN. If it's mint at $5000 US with good maintenance records then it's probably a good car. And worth buying.

I think if I had to do it over again, I'd have a shop check out my 931 before buying it...just so I could be prepped as to what might follow.

Note: Take the car out for a ride. Run the heck out of it in 3rd gear and rev it from a lagging to say 5500 rpm...now...if you hear a low tone 'growl'...the car needs bearings. It's a really easy test. Remember, guys run the crap out of these cars. The test just discovers how badly it's been hammered.

The interior tells the story. Typically the interior takes the first major hit...so the interior is a good indicator. If it's good, the rest 'might' be good. If it's bad, drop the car and move on.

Tabor

The North American 1980 931s are the only 931s to come without 4-wheel discs. All of the RoW 931s and the North American 1981-82 931s came with 4-wheel discs.

Lars

Drum brakes were only a rare thing that occurred on a few 80 931's. I was unforunate enough to get one of those cars. The 1982 931 is the best year of the 931 to get. Some say the turbo isn't as big as the 80 931...for town driving it don't matter a hoot.

Second hand 80 931s have gronchy transmissions, poor exhaust manifolds, and oil blowing turbos. The 82 can have this, but is much less liekely to.The 81 931 is a good choice, but the 82 is even better. The fresh air blower fan, heater controls, signal wand, wiring, wiring holders, are all nicer on the 82.

BigPorscheGuy39

Oh come on Lars the drum brakes on the 924 Turbo are more than adequate for any street application. They only suck if you're tracking it, wouldn't you agree?

Tabor

Lars,

Late 1981 931s are basically 1982s. The 1981 931s went through 3 turbo revisions.