peggy

Hi never posted but I have been getting info for years...

I have a 1988 924S that died yesterday. Dealer indicated that the timing belt broke and that the compression in valves was a problem and that it would cost up to $3400 to fix. Car is only worth $3000 maybe!
Any suggestions? Junk it? Sell it for parts? Overall the car is in good shape?! 120K miles

Bart

Where are you located? Also check <a href="http://www.924board.org/." target="_blank">http://www.924board.org/.</a> Lotsa' people there that may be interested if you're selling.

exc911ence

Look into a replacement used engine from a wrecker, sorry, 'recycler'. There are Porsche-only recyclers in the US, I think a big one is called PartsHeaven (www.partsheaven.com) in California, try giving them a call. The 88 924S engine is identical to the 944 engine and Porsche made tons of those. A used, low mileage engine would definately be the cheap way to go, plus, you get to keep your car! As a fellow 924S owner, I do anything to keep my car alive!

icat

My guess is the mechanic will come up with additional fixes that will push the price over the $3400. My dad just bought a one owner 924S in excellent shape with 125k miles for $3250. The car needs nothing. Unless yours is a primo example, I don't think I'd repair it - but this is my opinion only! If it was in my garage, I'd look at parting it out and picking up another.

The engine swap might be another way to go. Try <a href="http://www.oklahomaforeign.com" target="_blank">www.oklahomaforeign.com</a> if your of a mind to keep the car.

Good luck,
<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

CBass

Go to 20th Street Auto, they will sell you a 944 turbo motor that will bolt in with no mechanical mods.

It'll cost about $2500, but you won't get the engine fixed or replaced for any less than that. It'll have a good deal more power as well.

exc911ence

Is that $2500 Canadian??? I'm drooling all over my keyboard!

CBass

Nah, thats american. Still, that's quite nice for a 951 motor. Check out their website, they are a primarily Porsche wrecker, and have the most parts I have seen, including rare stuff, like 968s.

exc911ence

Just read an article (last night) in the March issue of 911&Porsche World mag on this place. I may have to take this year's vacation in Arizona! I could spend days in that yard... drool.

CBass

The best part is, they sell whole cars too. You can get a wrecked 951 for about $4500. That's with the engine, tranny, suspension, brakes, wheels, remaining body panels. Nice, huh? So what's you next planned upgrade now?

exc911ence

Upgrade number one has to be tires. The previous owner slapped on a set of 'Cooper Cobra' tires on the thing just before I bought it. They're too hard and the car drifts all over the place when hard cornering (not that it isn't fun at times) but the worst part is the sidewall is embossed with a snake that goes all the way around the tire! I checked the inside sidewall and it's plain, no snake. Can you believe that someone actually asked to have the snakes showing?!? Gack... it could only be worse if the snakes were done like raised white letters. Mmmm, raised white snakes...

CBass

Did I mention the 951 comes with wheels and tires?

exc911ence

Tell you what, you get the car up here and I'll take the wheels! Name your price.

CBass

My price... hmm.. $4500 plus freight. You can have the wheels.

Chris_924s

Always interested in a "brother" for mine.. Let me know if you want to sell it.... <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

CBass

I don't have one, personally. I was just noting that for a fairly low price, you can get a wrecked 951, and take every good component off of it, and slap it on your 924S.

Check out <a href="http://www.20thstreetauto.com" target="_blank">www.20thstreetauto.com</a>

They have a parts car list, and a builder list. Either way, you can find some good stuff there.