View Poll Results: What's the dumbest or most sadistic example of Porsche Engineering on 944s?
Location of clutch (requiring disassembly of entire car to change)
59
31.22%
Use of allen/cheesehead bolts instead of NORMAL bolts
9
4.76%
Turbocharger location (on 951s)
4
2.12%
Interference design in general
26
13.76%
Dash construction / material selection (crack city, baby!)
15
7.94%
Stupid thermostat snap-ring
9
4.76%
Requiring a $700 tool to tension a $30 belt
39
20.63%
Whaddaya' mean there's no torque spec. for the head bolts?
0
0%
Rear seats (can anyone SERIOUSLY sit back there?)
10
5.29%
Other (please explain)
18
9.52%
Voters: 189. You may not vote on this poll
Worst example of Porsche engineering stupidity on 944s?
11-14-2005, 10:09 PM
#46
Under the Radar
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Originally Posted by M758
I use my sport seats for that... Did I ever tell you guys I love my leather sport seats. 
The only trouble with them is the color. Much too '80s, with blue, brown, and grey thread woven together. I've never seen another 944 with them.
11-14-2005, 10:36 PM
#48
Nerd Herder
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Oil pan gasket is a REAL PITA. Speed ref sensor plug placement.
Um... ever change a wastgate??
Sheesh= 500$ tool for testing a 30 $ belt
It's a POR$CHE!!
All in all, for a bunch of 22 to 12 year old cars, there are very few niggling problems. It's a shame that the problems that surfaced early on in the 924/944 line were never FIXED during the production run.
Devil's Advocate here..
Well- the later oil pan DID have baffles to minimize #2 oil starvation..
and they ARE VERY safe for the occupants in case of an accident. I'll over look ALL of these problems as I feel safer in this than I do in a Volvo.
Um... ever change a wastgate??
Sheesh= 500$ tool for testing a 30 $ belt
It's a POR$CHE!!All in all, for a bunch of 22 to 12 year old cars, there are very few niggling problems. It's a shame that the problems that surfaced early on in the 924/944 line were never FIXED during the production run.
Devil's Advocate here..
Well- the later oil pan DID have baffles to minimize #2 oil starvation..
and they ARE VERY safe for the occupants in case of an accident. I'll over look ALL of these problems as I feel safer in this than I do in a Volvo.
11-14-2005, 10:49 PM
#49
Campeck Rulez
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oh. in the time it takes you once to laugh at me because of the one in a bajillion chance a rock finds its way over a 180deg angle ill have laughed at yall 3 times over from oil disentegrating your belts, a peice of the belt cover falling in and shredding them, the balance shaft belt coming off and wrapping around the timing belt, the belt snapping cause you couldnt see its condition, ect, ect.
11-14-2005, 10:51 PM
#50
Originally Posted by Campeck
oh. in the time it takes you once to laugh at me because of the one in a bajillion chance a rock finds its way over a 180deg angle ill have laughed at yall 3 times over from oil disentegrating your belts, a peice of the belt cover falling in and shredding them, the balance shaft belt coming off and wrapping around the timing belt, the belt snapping cause you couldnt see its condition, ect, ect.
It takes 30 seconds to remove that cover to inspect the belts. Once a week while checking tire pressures, etc.
11-14-2005, 11:37 PM
#53
Burning Brakes
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I recently found myself mentally cursing Stuttgart for the accountants giving us a 4 cylinder instead of a V6. I read or heard that it was cheaper to slice one side off the 928 than to slice off one cylinder from each bank.
someone mentioned "lets put the clutch here". Actually Porsche was hired as a consultant by Alfa to solve a problem with their Alfetta, I think, that had the clutch and the tranny in the back. Better to keep the flywheel and clutch close to the engine. So there was engineering reason for the clutch in front.
It would have been nice if they could have taken the bellhousing mounting off the transmission. It would have allowed more room in the back seats but I am sure the accountants had their say on that one too.
someone mentioned "lets put the clutch here". Actually Porsche was hired as a consultant by Alfa to solve a problem with their Alfetta, I think, that had the clutch and the tranny in the back. Better to keep the flywheel and clutch close to the engine. So there was engineering reason for the clutch in front.
It would have been nice if they could have taken the bellhousing mounting off the transmission. It would have allowed more room in the back seats but I am sure the accountants had their say on that one too.
11-14-2005, 11:42 PM
#55
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Originally Posted by streckfu's951
Good call! I forgot about that. F'n ********.. I switched to the 928 filter so its easier to get out. Now I just spill more oil....
11-14-2005, 11:44 PM
#56
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Originally Posted by Swagger93
Cost of replacement parts. Even if this is not an effect of engineering, it is the largest problem I have with owning a Porsche.
11-15-2005, 12:09 AM
#57
Three Wheelin'
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My "Other" vote refers to the decision to use nearly-impossible-to-self-service TORSION BARS for the rear end, instead of coil springs.
It's extremely cost prohibitive to install an aftermarket suspension because of the torsion bar rear end, and it drives me crazy. Shops want $600 to re-index the factory setup, or $800 to install aftermarket bars (which you have to pay about $250 for separately).
$100 for coil springs in the front...and $1000 for new torsion springs in the back.
LAME.
It's extremely cost prohibitive to install an aftermarket suspension because of the torsion bar rear end, and it drives me crazy. Shops want $600 to re-index the factory setup, or $800 to install aftermarket bars (which you have to pay about $250 for separately).
$100 for coil springs in the front...and $1000 for new torsion springs in the back.
LAME.
11-15-2005, 12:32 AM
#58
Rennlist Member
Not impossible - just takes some trigonometry, lots and lots of time, and a lot of beer. Torsion bars date back to the very first 911s, which had them front and rear.
In fact, lots of 911 racers still use the torsion bars instead of opting for coilover systems.
In fact, lots of 911 racers still use the torsion bars instead of opting for coilover systems.
11-15-2005, 12:47 AM
#59
Under the Radar
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Originally Posted by Campeck
oh. in the time it takes you once to laugh at me because of the one in a bajillion chance a rock finds its way over a 180deg angle ill have laughed at yall 3 times over from oil disentegrating your belts, a peice of the belt cover falling in and shredding them, the balance shaft belt coming off and wrapping around the timing belt, the belt snapping cause you couldnt see its condition, ect, ect.
My engine is tight. It doesn't lose fluid whatsoever, aside from burning a little oil. Moot point on oil disintegrating the belt.
The belt covers won't break unless you overtorque or take a hammer to them.
I changed my last belt after 25k, since I was pulling the head. I'm sure that there's minimal chance of the belts failing in that interval. P9201-check. I doubt that I'll have trouble with belts.
I have my belt covers, and I'm not afraid to use them!
BTW, there's a certain model of Snap-On snap ring pliers that work great for the thermostat...idk the number offhand. For $30 shipped direct, it's well worth the time and effort saved.
11-15-2005, 12:59 AM
#60
Originally Posted by yieldsign2
Did you see the thread about the possible issue with the 928 filters not having the check valve or something, to keep it from draining? don't wnat you to have any trouble.