Can a 944 really be that bad?
07-19-2007, 07:43 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
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NA- Underpowered but fun car and easy to maintain. I will pick up another one day. 
S2- Sounds great and very fun to drive with that big 3.0 liter. A little more maintenance and money. Best description of driving impression, "it pulls like a train".
Turbo- Not on boost....la di da.
On boost......WOO HOO! 
and to think I am just getting started on mods.... 
S2- Sounds great and very fun to drive with that big 3.0 liter. A little more maintenance and money. Best description of driving impression, "it pulls like a train".
Turbo- Not on boost....la di da.
On boost......WOO HOO! and to think I am just getting started on mods....
07-19-2007, 09:40 PM
#34
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Originally Posted by sobamaflyer
First post here but lurker for a while and very long time forums user.
I'm in the process of finding a new toy as I sold my last a couple of years ago and can't seem to stay away from having a car that needs attention. I was a vintage VW guy for quite a long time (Ghia, Type-3 Fastback, a number of Bugs...)and have dabbled in a number of other cars, auto-x'ing, etc so I'm un-phased by maintenance or "project cars". I also have an '06 Nissan Z Roadster, and before that had an '03 Honda S2k. I honestly much preferred the "feel" of my S2k, being more nimble and tossable but not nearly as torquey as the Z. I don't really expect my toy to eclipse the performance of these but I also don't think I'll be happy if it feels like driving my old Type-3 in comparison.
I started researching a couple of months ago intent on fulfilling a 20 year day-dream of getting a SC to a Carrera 911, then I started investigating 944's. Obviously I've come across the fact that I could spend less of my toy-budget (and therefore have more for the unexpected, on a nicer/Turbo 944. It would seem that I could find a "need's some help -> OK" 911 for just a little more initial outlay. (I would like to buy a car for $6k-8k).
Reading through scores of posts here and the other site it would seem that most who own 944's have nothing but problems and a masochistic love for them?. Are they really that self-destructive?
Will I be happy with anything less than the >200hp Turbo model?
Will that add more complications?
Anyone have any arguments for the rougher 911 instead? (I'm more accustomed to tearing apart air-cooled engines so that one doesn't worry me quite so much but I could be crazy )
Thank you for reading this long diatribe and your advice and input is appreciated.
Travis
I'm in the process of finding a new toy as I sold my last a couple of years ago and can't seem to stay away from having a car that needs attention. I was a vintage VW guy for quite a long time (Ghia, Type-3 Fastback, a number of Bugs...)and have dabbled in a number of other cars, auto-x'ing, etc so I'm un-phased by maintenance or "project cars". I also have an '06 Nissan Z Roadster, and before that had an '03 Honda S2k. I honestly much preferred the "feel" of my S2k, being more nimble and tossable but not nearly as torquey as the Z. I don't really expect my toy to eclipse the performance of these but I also don't think I'll be happy if it feels like driving my old Type-3 in comparison.
I started researching a couple of months ago intent on fulfilling a 20 year day-dream of getting a SC to a Carrera 911, then I started investigating 944's. Obviously I've come across the fact that I could spend less of my toy-budget (and therefore have more for the unexpected, on a nicer/Turbo 944. It would seem that I could find a "need's some help -> OK" 911 for just a little more initial outlay. (I would like to buy a car for $6k-8k).
Reading through scores of posts here and the other site it would seem that most who own 944's have nothing but problems and a masochistic love for them?
. Are they really that self-destructive?Will I be happy with anything less than the >200hp Turbo model?
Will that add more complications?
Anyone have any arguments for the rougher 911 instead? (I'm more accustomed to tearing apart air-cooled engines so that one doesn't worry me quite so much but I could be crazy
)Thank you for reading this long diatribe and your advice and input is appreciated.
Travis
I got the belts done the first time, by a pro. I replaced the exhaust with a full 3" LR exhasut w/out cat. I added escort cups. The car runs like a champ. I've replaced a few wear items since 2002. Otherwise, it's my daily driver.
Most people buy these cars without the resources to do work right the first time. As a result, this community has become filled with half assed 20-25 year olds. IMHO that's where the rep comes from.
If you already have the tools, (I presume by your post that you do) and know how to follow simple directions, these cars are as reliable as any car on the road and hold up to catastrophic collision EXCEPTIONALLY well.
The only caveat to this is one of common sense. 20 year old cars have parts that, if not already replaced, are going to wear out and deteriorate.
For the money, a 951, in an adults hands, will run like a champ as long as you want it too.
Do it right the first time is the one rule you must always follow with these cars.
BTW there is not an information resource, for these cars, that you will ever need that you cannot find for free. Ask all the questions that you need and jump on in. Welcome aboard!
07-19-2007, 09:46 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by V2Rocket_aka944
You could find a non-running 951 for cheap and make it a 2.8 stroker that makes what, 350WHP?
07-19-2007, 09:52 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by sobamaflyer
That would be awesome 
Don't get me wrong, the 350 is a great car, but it doesn't "need" me, and my wife drives it more than I do.
Tom, this thread has made me look for more S2 information. What about it is superior (in your opinion) to a 951? I've read of the torquier motor and upgrades to suspension and brakes but I though the 951 had most of those upgrades already?
Don't get me wrong, the 350 is a great car, but it doesn't "need" me, and my wife drives it more than I do.Tom, this thread has made me look for more S2 information. What about it is superior (in your opinion) to a 951? I've read of the torquier motor and upgrades to suspension and brakes but I though the 951 had most of those upgrades already?
S2 is your dog for autX. But if that's what you want, go buy a well sorted 914, upgrade the engine and giggle your way to trophies.
07-20-2007, 01:50 AM
#38
Billowing in the Wind
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Originally Posted by ehall
But if that's what you want, go buy a well sorted 914, upgrade the engine and giggle your way to trophies.
btw, please take my earlier, long-winded knowitall post with a grain of salt. I'm still a Porsche noob and I'm still in the honeymoon phase I guess...
07-20-2007, 03:00 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by V2Rocket_aka944
Send a message to special tool and youll see why 944s are in fact the ****.
His 951 outguns (and probably outruns) a 997TT.
His 951 outguns (and probably outruns) a 997TT.
07-20-2007, 03:50 AM
#42
Drifting
well the thing is when you drive a porsche you kind of have to keep it well maintained or else it's going to fall apart and no one wants a beater porsche.
so to keep it well maintained it will cost you lots of money.... trust me. 20+ year old cars will need oil gaskets, suspension parts, brakes, tires, maybe some interior and cosmetic work, water leaks, other worn out parts and it'll all add up. Most 944s aren't museum cars so even when they look and drive real nice they'll need to have lots of parts replaced if you plan on having a nice daily driver.
on the other hand the piece of crap honda or mazda you buy as a beater you can just throw a bottle of stop leak in it when it starts leaking oil, don't need to fix up the dents and scratches, ripped interior, doesn't really matter so it won't cost you as much.
also parts on a 944 are pretty expensive when you compare it to most other cars.
you have to really like the car and know that it will cost you more than a honda civic to maintain or else you won't be too happy
I do almost all the work myself and I have driven the car 300 kms so far and last summer I spend 2000 in parts alone and this last month I've spend over a thousand again on parts, mostly all maintenance, the car has been running the whole time but I've replaced things like motor mounts, belts, oil seals, gaskets etc .
so to keep it well maintained it will cost you lots of money.... trust me. 20+ year old cars will need oil gaskets, suspension parts, brakes, tires, maybe some interior and cosmetic work, water leaks, other worn out parts and it'll all add up. Most 944s aren't museum cars so even when they look and drive real nice they'll need to have lots of parts replaced if you plan on having a nice daily driver.
on the other hand the piece of crap honda or mazda you buy as a beater you can just throw a bottle of stop leak in it when it starts leaking oil, don't need to fix up the dents and scratches, ripped interior, doesn't really matter so it won't cost you as much.
also parts on a 944 are pretty expensive when you compare it to most other cars.
you have to really like the car and know that it will cost you more than a honda civic to maintain or else you won't be too happy
I do almost all the work myself and I have driven the car 300 kms so far and last summer I spend 2000 in parts alone and this last month I've spend over a thousand again on parts, mostly all maintenance, the car has been running the whole time but I've replaced things like motor mounts, belts, oil seals, gaskets etc .
07-20-2007, 03:53 AM
#43
Drifting
also if you can afford it I'd get a 944s2 with the 3.0 engine or a 944 turbo as the 2.5 l 944 is a bit low on power, it still has enough power to have fun in but more power never hurts.
07-20-2007, 09:23 AM
#44
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I'm planning to Auto-X this, not heavily for competition but recreationally now and then. I feel like I've almost ruled out my original intention of a 911 but am somewhat torn between the S2 and 951, we shall see ........
Don't worry, I'm well aware of the money that can be spent on an older car just because you go to fix one thing and ....."well while I'm in there".....and I'm prepared for that. I don't even want to think of the $$ that I spent on my Karmann Ghia that I never recouped when I was forced to sell her. I'm not looking for inexpensive transportation (I have 2 other fine cars that do that job, although not necessarily inexpensive) I'm looking for my next "toy".
........Don't worry, I'm well aware of the money that can be spent on an older car just because you go to fix one thing and ....."well while I'm in there".....and I'm prepared for that. I don't even want to think of the $$ that I spent on my Karmann Ghia that I never recouped when I was forced to sell her. I'm not looking for inexpensive transportation (I have 2 other fine cars that do that job, although not necessarily inexpensive) I'm looking for my next "toy".
