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New to me 1988 944 base coupe... questions / comments
I already posted a couple questions last week but I took some time to shoot a couple pictures today.
The car is dirty as I have driven it a bit in the rain to get it home.
1988 base coupe miles in the low 80's, standard interior but has some sort of side skirt kit, boxster 17's and what looks like a euro front bumper.
Anyone recognize the body kit or bumper? Also being an 88 wouldn't it have air bags?
Every single service record from new in a folder !!!
Clean carfax (for whatever that's worth) consistent miles on the carfax.
Belts done in 2016 7k miles ago. Hatch done recently. Well cared for.
Could use an alignment and its a little rough at first idle.
Paint is a little oxidized and could use a good polish and wax.
Interior is excellent sans shift ****, NO cracks in the dash!!
Runs and drives fantastic.
Dash lights are a bit dim.
Thoughts? Questions? Feedback on any "must do" before I start using it?
Thanks!!
Looks great, even the script insert seats look like they are in good condition. If it’s recently had the belts done, running great and there’s no dash cracks you’re half way there. Those rocker covers were a dealer option back in the day and that bumper is just is regular US bumper that’s been modified and had the shocks collapsed. Personally I’d buy an unmodded good used one to replace it and refit the bumper shocks.
Buy yourself a spare DME relay, do your fluids and filters and check your fuel lines (x3 in the engine bay) and then just enjoy it!
The only 944s to receive airbags standard was the US-market 944 Turbo (MY87 and newer) and US-market S2. They were optional on all other 944s, starting in MY87. If equipped, they were always both sides AFAIK.
I've seen them as an option, but it is extremely uncommon. It was one of the most expensive options available on the 944 series; adjusted for inflation it cost about 6,300 USD.
Rear valance is factory from an S2 or Turbo. The rocker panels could be factory Tequipment, but could be replicas. It was possible, but unlikely, to option a car from the factory this way. (The bumper is an aftermarket modification).
Great looking car....
Your car is far from a base unit. It had the alarm as an option, a stereo, ( altho the one now is non o.e. ), a sunroof, cruise control, and rub strips. It may well have other options which can be determined by decoding the white build code tag under the rear hatch, by taillight on left, under the carpet. Look for 220 and 456 or 474 denoting limited slip and sport shocks and swaybars, both good options to have.
The Script seats are nice to have as well. Also get some product made by Lexol known as Vinylex and treat your dash so it dries out no further and keeps those very small cracks in check from spreading. Keep the dash out of the sun and covered with a white towel when it is exposed.
All series two cars could have the rear spoiler under the bumper by checking that option, but few were ordered. It did come standard first on the turbo, then the S2 as noted by previous postings. I have one 944 trimmed this way from new and two more added later with N.O.S. parts. I like the look but the piece IS heavy and if driven in salted or chemical laden roads, will add to the worry of holding moisture and causing rust. Just as the side sills will. Keep them cleaned from below and constantly check for this.
If a non-Turbo/non-S2 944 was optioned with the rear valence, did it also then get the Turbo/S2 sills?
No the sill/rocker extensions were a separate item, in fact 4 separate pieces ordered individually. Btw they also require extra welded “studs” to the body in order for them to fit correctly. Also you could order the turbo/S2 rear diffuser for fitment by the dealer after delivery, ie: not originally optioned at the factory but fitted before initial collection. The part came with a template so you (or the dealer) could accurately cut the mounting holes.
Interesting. Seems odd to option one but not the other when it seems to be an integrated package deal on the Turbo/S2. I wonder what the effect of no sill extensions is when running a rear valence?
Interesting. Seems odd to option one but not the other when it seems to be an integrated package deal on the Turbo/S2. I wonder what the effect of no sill extensions is when running a rear valence?
No effect as the diffuser wasn’t tested with the sill extensions at least not on the initial patent anyway.
Interesting. Seems odd to option one but not the other when it seems to be an integrated package deal on the Turbo/S2. I wonder what the effect of no sill extensions is when running a rear valence?
As far as use between the N/A and S2, turbo models, I believe I read somewhere a long time ago, the need for the controlled effects of rear down force and airflow was more of an issue with the higher terminal speed of the latter two. Thus the need for the airfoil on the under tray to work in harmony with either the rubber fin style spoiler or the bridge spoiler as seen on euro models, last of the 944s, and 968s.
Thanks for all the good info. The car is up at the farm. When I get back there tomorrow I'll check the options tag. I am from the air cooled 911 world where that tag resides under the front bonnet.
Anyone have a spare 1988 owners manual. Really odd but every service records from new but no owners manual.
They can be found on eBay but prices are all across the board. Some prices are dependent on condition, but there are lots of books priced in the stratosphere.
Did you get an Owner's Warranty book ? Sometimes there is also a duplicate white tag on those pages corresponding to the one on the body near the left rear lite. It would also contain all the option code numbers as long as the VIN number on the tag matches. Sometimes they got switched around at the dealership service counter or replaced later with another.
If you are lucky and look hard enough, there are even some which appear as NOS and are brand new.
Build sticker from the rear hatched by the drivers side tail light..... no 220 ( i know that one, Porsche still uses it) I don't recognize any of the other codes... anyone know them?
Did the original Blaupunkt Reno audio unit (option code 158) come with the car? They are a nice retro unit and have some value if in good working order.
02-11-2019, 03:53 PM
New to me 1988 944 base coupe... questions / comments
