johnny1423

Hi There!!!
Found a nice '88 944 S with 65k.
I have owned a 944 N/A, a 968 tip, a 911 3.2, and a 996.
I was actually in search of a 951 when i found this. Of course as you all know all too well, a nice 951 with good miles aint cheap and a 968 with good miles is even worse!!!
What are the pros/cons of this particular iteration????
It would be used as a daily driver.
Any thoughts???
Anybody???
Hello???
Thanks!!!

RMills944

They are nice cars, but not the most powerful. make sure it has decent maintenence records and all. Keeping up with a car that was neglected will drain your wallet fast. If you want it for the power of it, it'll be worth waiting for a turbo. The N/A is a great car and cheaper to maintain than a turbo, and still extremely fun. I'd drive at least that car and a turbo, then make up your mind whether it's worth it or not. There are plenty of threads on what to look for if you just do a quick search of this forum.
Ryan

Matt H

All of the 16V problems (chain tensioner, 16Vs at 100 bucks each) none of the joys of the S2. I cant see buying an S for anything. Keep looking.

Just my opinion, I am sure our S guys will chime in as we were having this discussion on another thread.
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hacker-pschorr

Yea, Matt's a moron, buy the S, best 944 ever made - PERIOD!!!!

EDIT - all the fun of a 16V with the stealth look of a **** slow N/A 8V.

EDIT Part 2 - It's fun to pull up to a PCA event, pop the hood and have most 944 owners wonder what the hell motor you have.

Edit Part 3 - I love my S, most people think I'm nuts on many level's, this is no exception. S2 were way out of my price range in 1996 - I did not want a turbo. So I have the bastard child 944S!

Edit Part 4 - They are becomming the most expensive 944 to own - assuming you either break a TB or a cam chain.....or both.

Edit Part 5 - If you really really want a 944S - do what I do. Replace the following every 30k:
Timing Belt
Rollers
Tensioner
Water Pump
Cam Chain
Cam Chain Tensioner


Edit Part 6 - My 944S has been sitting since October 2001 - Rod bearing. Less than 12 months after my cam chain broke.

Edit Part 7 - The derogatory comment directed towards Matt in the first line on this post - um, sorry about that. My 944S takes control of my pody from time to time.......she's a bit cranky being down for over 4 years.

Edit Part 8 - Joseph, this edit's just for you!

PCinDC

Well, for daily driving, the S may or may not be a great option, depending upon how you drive. If you are stuck in traffic a lot, you won't ever get above the 4K RPM's where the 16V motor really starts to come to life (same would be true in a 951). One you get the RPM's up there though, the feeling is a whole lot more 'urgent' than an 8V NA. I still prefer boost!
The problem with the 16 valve motor is that there are more moving parts prone to breaking, resulting in repair costs that may exceed the value of the car. Having had owned a previous 944 you're probably aware of that. You don't mention records, so if the belts/H2Opump/chain tensioner and other maintenance items haven't been inspected, prepare to spend a few grand right off the bat, or sleep well knowing you are driving a potential timebomb. A very expensive timebomb.

Advantages: 40 more HP than NA
Disadvantages: Narrow Powerband (high revs)
Extremely expensive repairs if not maintained properly (I recall one lister spending $5500 on a head rebuild. Granted, he got taken for a ride, but still, the repairs are expensive)
Difficult to modify for power gains (without FI $$$)

Thats about all I can think of for now. As Excellence will tell you though, go for the best example you can afford, whether its an 8v, a 16v or a 951.

HY M8NC

I've got a thread going here with a nice '87 944 Turbo with 82k miles for sale from a friend of mine...

I think the best Porsche to buy is a well documented/maintained one-whatever the model. That being said, I like the S2 over the S, but both are nice cars in their own arena. I looked for a while for my current 88 Turbo-but I knew it was just going to be a toy-I diidn't think about it's daily abilities.

I have a friend who drive's his turbo daily, and one who drive's an S2-I don't think one is more reliable than the other-but they both do scheduled maintenance, etc.

RMills944

I thinkn I'd prefer an S2 over the 944S - both great cars though. How I am, my next one will be a turbo becuase you can get 400HP out of mods on it.

joseph mitro

johnny1423 - really taking a step down from a 996 to a 944S!

i agree with alot of what has been said. price aside, a 951 is a much better buy than an S. an S2 or 968 would be a better buy if you're not particular. the S can be loads of money, but it IS more powerful than the standard 8 valve 2.5L na.

Matt H was fairly on-target (all the pain, none of the joy), although I would rather have my S (currently out of commission) than a standard 944

Hacker - what's with all the edits? you crack me up.

icat

I like the S better than the S2. Then again, I like the early dash as well so what do I know.
S2 - Turbo posser
S - Stelth 944

Aw heck - just get one of both.

I think (note - this is an op ed opinion piece) that those who prefer the S to the S2 have likely seen one when new or one that is in great shape and thought it would be a nice car to own. For myself, the guy who I purchased my first 944 from had a magnificent example of an S that was to die for. Guards Red with Black in pristine condition. I'd trade my 951 in a heart beat for that car.

Tony K

I'd like to get an S some day. . .

Peckster

For crisake...they're all good! If you like it, buy it. take a Porsche home with you today!

But take care of it or it'll bite you.

Friendan

From what I understand the 944S has the most problems of the bunch. The amount of power gained is barely noticeable and in return you have 8 more valves to bend on you. If you want to go that route, stick with an S2, or keep the 8 valves with the 951.

SD Porsche Fan

If it has been well maintained and you think it's a good deal I'd consider it. Drive what you like and don't let others tell you what you should or shouldn't get!

Dave951M

The S is an "in between" car. Because of being produced in small numbers the parts situation with regards to the engine can be sketchy. It really doesn't wake up until the upper rpm range. I'm not saying it's a bad car, just be aware of any issues that might arise.

IMB951

I consider the S to be at the same level as a well-tuned N/A for various reasons. First of all, the N/A is just as quick as the S before 4k rpms, actually the N/A might have a tad bit more low end than the S. However, under hard driving conditions, the S definitely has the upper hand. Suspension, brakes, interior/exterior - all these factors are mutual amongst the 2.5 N/A breed. If it came down to choosing between an exceptional N/A and a thoroughly used S, I'd go with the N/A and be happy with it. The S, as with most any Porsche, is a car that demands to be cared for. The S just happens to demand a little more than most, and it is an awesome car for any owner who chooses to meet that demand.

My S is used as a daily driver and it has given me almost three years of problem-free fun. I have spent alot on her, however. Mostly on tricks, bells and whistles to squeeze out some power and make her look pretty. This August at 96K, I completed the front end big shebang (belts, rollers, waterpump, front seals) and at 87K the Cam Chain Tensioner was replaced. Just have a pre-purchase inspection done on the car before buying and if all is well you will have a pristine low-mileage daily driver that won't let you down. Just make sure you're fully willing to properly maintain the car. on time. every time.