rennsource

What are the pro/cons of the 944 automatic? 1987 is the year I am looking at. Who made it? How often does it break? Car has 142K on it. Hold off on all the 'what a wuss i am' comments, like the other 944 automatic poster, i'm getting for the wife who will never drive stick.

John_AZ

Check to make sure the automatic transmission flex damper has been checked or replaced. Looking up prices, the part alone costs $1000+- and then labor. The rest of maintenence is basic 944. Have a PPI done.
Here is a link to a similar Q. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...25#post3719725
Good Luck
John_AZ

Mamooguy

What exactly is the flux damper plate? Where is it and what does it do?

FRporscheman

It goes where the clutch goes on a manual car. It's like the rubber center of a clutch. It softens the torque of the engine going to the transmission.

It's possible to run a flywheel, pressure plate, clutch setup instead of a damper plate. It would do the same job, and the parts are only like $500. You can also install the master/slave cylinders and a pedal, and make it an auto car with a 3rd working pedal .

Mamooguy

So it's part of the tranny then. But I had a tranny swap on my '87 AT and it only cost me about $500, replacement tranny included.

Anyway, good to know. I think mine's starting to go. Dammit.

Legoland951

Its not part of the tranny. The torque converter is by the tranny but the flex damper is by the engine. You can use a VERY USED spring center clutch assembly as it never has to disengage in place of that damper and the part will cost you nothing but you will have to have a flywheel, pressure plate, and spring centered clutch. There will be more vibration but it will last forever. The auto tranny has no overdrive so it will take the engine to rev a lot at highway speeds and its not very fuel efficient.

Mamooguy

Anyone know what the symptoms are of a bad flex plate? Something in my drivetrain is acting wonky. It runs fine at city speeds, but once the speed and rpms kick up, I start to hear a rubbing whine-type noise, which stops as soon as I take my foot off the gas.

I've assumed it was something with the tranny, but this flex plate deal ...?

brianh

I sold my '89 NA auto with just about 200K miles a couple of years back. I had to replace the damper plate at 80K miles then $160K miles - like clockwork. As I recall a couple of K$ each time. When it gives out it won't leave you stranded. There's a fail-safe that will keep the drive train engaged - but it makes a hell of a disconcerting clanking sound.

Legoland951

There is a failsafe until the weld breaks off the tab. Then you have a completely disabled car. I bought one like that for my wife and converted it to manual.

Mamooguy

Thanks for the tip. Doesn't sound like that's what the problem is.

Actually I'm pretty sure I know what the problem is: I destroyed my tranny a couple of months ago while replacing the insulating foam beneath the shifter. I bent the cable mount slightly in the process, screwing up the gear selector. Heard a horrible grinding noise until I straightened it out, but it hasn't been the same since. Ring and pinion, I'm thinking.

I'm such an idiot, it was a lovely transmission (and only a couple of month in the damn car)!