GSL-SEX2

Hello all,

I'm seriously considering the purchase of a 951. Been reading up on the car as much as possible, but I thought I'd ask current owners what they thought.

My first "real" car was an '85 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE. This was the last of the first gen RX-7's. It weighed 2590 pounds (curb) and had a 1.3L fuel-injected 135HP rotary engine, 2 seats, leather, sunroof, power everything, 5-speed, limited-slip, good suspension, and 4-wheel disc brakes. This car was FUN. Unlike other RX-7's, it had heavy rotors which made the torque peak (133#) at a low 2750 RPM, so around-town driving was easy.

I'm looking for a car that will be as fun, or funner, than the RX-7.

Does this sound like a 951? The 951 is definately heavier, but has 4 seats (big plus, I may need to take the tikes on rides now-and-then). How heavy is the 951 (particularly, 89 model)? I've been doing searches, and cannot come up with conclusive numbers.

How is the 951 in street driving?

How is the build quality? I know the Germans build solid cars, but how does the 951 compare? My last 2 cars have been Mustangs and the build quality, fit-and-finish, suspension, chassis, noise/vibration/harshness, etc. all have been lousy.

I'm aware of the maintenance costs of the 951.

Thanks all,
IJ

macnewma

I think you will find that the 951 is fun in a similar way to the RX7 but with about 2x the power. On the street, it acts like most Turbos in that when it is out of the boost, it isn't very exciting. Once in, hang on!

I think the build quality is top notch. Open and shut the doors. You will feel the difference...but keep in mind that these cars are approaching 20 yrs old.

A closer match to your old RX7 would probably be a 944S or 944S2. Do some research on those.

Max

emwporsche

go test drive one

seb928s

I second that but I would like to add go test some as many as you can. Also do a PPI before you buy one. Once you test drive a few you will have a better feel for the car. Also some might have better suspension then others. The curb weight is 2899lbs for an 1986 which are the lightest turbos but add about no more then 200lbs I think for the 89.

Joe Anstett

It's adequate stoplight to stoplight, you aren't going to hit the boost much there. As to build quality, mine is 20 years old and has zero rust, the doors close with a solid thunk, and it may be frayed around the edges in some places (worn seat leather, etc) but it holds up quite nicely. I look at the car sometimes and other than some styling cues, I can't believe it's 20 years old.

The most common affliction is a crack in the dashboard from all those years of sun. My 86 is supposed to weigh 3000-3200 lbs (still haven't weighed it), they got a little heavier in later years due to the addition of ABS and airbags.

Tom R.

I had a 1985 GSL-SE in custom silver metallic with a burgandy leather interior. Also had a 1985 GSL in the same color combo that I bought new in 1984 to replace the Tornado Silver 1983 GSL with cloth I bought used about nine months before. I also had a 86 GXL, 90 convertible, and another 83 GSL.

The one that was the most fun was the SE. The specs of the SE were identical to the 1985 944. The SE had more of a go cart feel which I liked. I had the convertible and a 944S2 at the same time. I didn't think the S2 (which was stolen last year) was a much superior car. I have another S2 now that feels more go kart like than the other S2.

The solid axle of the first generation made the RX7s more fun to drive on the street for me. I think they are all about the same amount of fun. I have a lot of seat time in non tubo Zxs and the 944/RX-7s are in my opinion more fun.

Bottom line, things like LSD, bolstered seats, seats with lateral adjustments, and halfway decent stereos from the factory that were standard on the GSL are options on the 944. On this board people will tell you the quality of the 944 is much better. I don't necessarily agree. The galvanized body is the best feature of the 944, the horrible panel gaps that came standard on the 944 are the worst feature. You get the idea.

Dilberto

All it takes is one short test drive. Then, you just cant do without one! Porsche intentionally did this to compare between the NA and turbo, knowing the 951 is a far cry better value. Where can you find a sexy, middle-aged car today for under $10k? Once you experience the boost- you will be hooked forever. New car owners still compliment this cars' groomed, clean-cut lines. It may be a four-banger...but those four pistons are all business. The 951 has pull like no other four ever built- with durability that endures today. Save a 951 today...

Zach

josephsc

Speaking of which, how's that super-discount 951 of yours turning out? I see it has LESS issues now...

Epic2112

I wouldn't count on those seats for much, have you looked at one yet? They're more like big cupholders then seats. If they will be of use to you all depends on the sizes of your tikes, I suppose.

riffraff

if it helps.. i got my 85 rx7 down to 2300lbs and 180rwhp.. so my 944 (which unfortunitally is just a regular 944) is slow as hell in comparision....i do enjoy it, however i wish every day that it were a 951.... with that in mind, i am still glad that i got the porsche. it is a smooth ride and very enjoyable.

Porsche-O-Phile

Fun cars. . . when they run. BIG PITA to work on, but worth it. Expect to encounter some issues and gain some serious wrenching time - but that's arguably part of owning any Porsche.

KLR

Your experience will depend somewhat on how you use it and what you do to it. A 951 is definitely a much heavier, more touring oriented car than your old RX7. On the highway and for general tooling around, there's nothing better. In an auto-x, your old RX7 would certainly be more fun. The build quality of 944's is generally quite good, although there are obviously some well known mechanical shortcomings, as with most cars.

In terms of upkeep, if you keep your 951 reasonably stock, I don't think that it's much worse than an NA. You basically have all of the NA's issues (oil cooler seals, steering rack, P/S leaks, rod bearings, timing belt, waterpump, etc.), plus:

- Potential for turbo rebuild at some point. Turbos last a long time on these cars, but eventually cost about $300 to rebuild (stock). Labor for the swap is about 10 hours.

- Turbo waterpump ($180) and relay ($160 if you can't get one used or resolder yours); tends to eventually fail on many cars, but once replaced, will probably go another 15-20 years.

- More exhaust plumbing = more potential for leaks and performance loss; early cars had problems with headers leaking, but most have been fixed by now.

- The wastegates weren't that great when new and often are shot by now; $325 gets you a Tial (gold standard) and it takes 2-4 hours to replace it, depending on your skills and your luck. A rebuilt unit costs less ($200 from Guru)

- More vacuum hoses and bigger problems when they leak. Requires $150 in hoses that are readily available and ~4+ hours to preventatively replace

- Diverter valve ($34 for the new 993 unit; 20 minutes to replace)

- Additional head gasket failure risk (inherrent to all turbo cars)

- Somewhat higher labor on many jobs (e.g., cluch replacement) due to additional complexity

Minus:

- NA's are somewhat more prone to damaging their R&Ps