hello all, I am considering adding an '87 944S to my garage as a driver (5k-8k per year), and was simply wondering if the car is up to it.

the example I am looking at right now is an '87 with 80K on the clock, and its white (eh?)

what specific issues seem to plaque these cars and what can/could/should be looked at carefully.

I read one of the very large (and informative) FAQs last night and I will admit that is scared me a bit. The car will replace my Z3 and compliment my wife's new 5-series, so that is most of my background (lots of hondas before those 2).

and perhaps the most important question... can I actually change the belts myself?

HELP!

-das (bitten by the bug)

 

These cars are great everyday cars!!!

It is possible to do most of the work on the car by yourself. You can change the belts, but do you want to chance it and get it wrong or pay a few $$$ and be able to blame it on the mechanic???

They are great cars, but I have heard some things about the S's. You might want to let an S owner fill you in on that. Anyone???

 

SHAUN

 

I have run my '88 S as a daily driver for 3 years, doing about 10k miles a year in all weather. Car has now got 140k on it. Has only let me down once in a major way when the head gasket went, but have had a few annoying things over the years. If not already done, the timing chain and tensioner will be due for attention before long to be safe, which can be a bit pricey if it needs new cams too. Other then that runing costs are as per 8 valve NA cars pretty much.

Go for it.

 

Some people say that the S combined the N/A's lack of power with S2's complicated 16-valve head, but they're just jealous - the S is a great car

I've been using mine ('88) as a daily driver without any weird problems (except for a coolant hose leak once, but hey, it's 14 years old...). Of course there are things you have to pay attention to (belts, cam chain tensioner, waterpump... the usual), but with proper maintenance it'll last quite well. I've got around 140K on the clock and the engine is as strong as ever (ok, I haven't tried other S's, but it doesn't feel like it's lacking anything, so ...)

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

I will probably get flamed but I have a Z3, 2.8 and a 944, 83 N/A. The Z3 is a street car and the 944 is a track car and both are excellent in those roles. The 944 is not even close to the Z3 for being a fun to drive street car. The Z is much more dependable and durable as well as lighter and easier to handle in traffic. That being said, the Z handles like a pig compared to the 944 on a road course like Road Atlanta. Both cars are great cars with different strengths.

 

That Z3 is also at least ten years younger.
944's are more practical as a daily driver than Z3's.

Olli
'88 951

 

My cousin has a Z3 and I don't find it that much more easy to handle in traffic than a 944. It feels nearly identical as far as the hydraulic clutch and all. What makes it easier? It's not any lighter..the weight of a '83 NA and a 2.8 Z3 is about the same around 2800 lbs. Gas mileage should be a little better on the 944. I actually find the interior of my 944 more comfortable for everyday than the Z3 because my interior is all leather instead of leather seats and a ton of vinyl on everything else..almost reminds me of a Corvette..ugh. I wouldn't mind the convertible top on some of these summer days though, but I guess taking my sunroof out is close enough.

 

I have a 944 S2 as a daily driver have driven about 2800 miles a month and it works great.

Go for it.

/A

 

And some folks can fit in a 944... where they can't fit in a Z3. What's the height limit on a Z3... about 5'7"?

At 6'2"... my head sticks out of a Z3 like a giraffe...

 

I just purchased a 1987 944S with 30K miles to use as a daily driver. The car is very comfortable and gets great mileage (I stepped up from a V8 Mustang). You definitely need to be religious with the required maintenance (belts, water pump, hoses, etc.). If you do all that is required the car is super reliable. I am not brave enough to change the belts myself. I also looked through several of these type of sites before I bought my car. One person hated the 944S's and others have had no problems. I have had no real problems. My wife and I just came back from upstate New York and the car did great. I love it and am looking forward to someday adding a 944S2 cabriolet to my garage as well!

Get a PPI done and go for it!

 

GREAT, I repeat, GREAT daily driver. I'm running 12,000-15,000 per year on mine now. Get a good pre-purchase inspection by someone that really knows 944's, plan on putting things right on the car (if needed), and you're on your way. Only consession I made was to buy a set of Blizzaks which get mounted for winter. Ever notice how a 944 makes heat within about 2 minutes of start-up (great design)... Rear defogger is wired to (you guessed it) heated side mirrors...

Thank you Porsche!

 

I have been driving my 87 944S as a DD for three years and other than a spun rod bearing, (full rebuild and $7K later) the car runs pretty well. It has its issues as any other 15 year old car would, but it is a great daily driver that will smoke a Z3 in my opionion and experience.
I also autoX the car and drive it hard as much as possible, I run it like a Porsche is meant to be run. I am not a silly teenage street racer, but I do like to keep it in the powerband.
Although I can remember a couple of years ago running up on a Z3 and having no problem leaving him a good distance behind me.
The 944S is a high upkeep machine but if you stay on top of it, you'll have a car which is pretty solid under the hood with great handling abilities.
A few upgrades here and there can improve a bit on the low end of the car,intake modification, larger exhaust, ignition upgrades but there s not much more "bolt on" you can do for the car.
The suspension can be upgraded to almost no ends.
With just the addition of a set of Koni adjustables with 250# springs I am already addicted to the lines and speeds I can pull on exit ramps and the rest of the curves around!!!
I am buying coilovers for the rear very shortly and 400 pound springs for the front. It has become an addiction. The whole car has become an addiction. Every time something breaks or wears out on the car I am upgrading(when possible) and improving.
I should probably go out and buy a Turbo but I want to get to know my S better and who knows.....I might just find a way to plumb a big KKK into her yet....

 

[quote]Originally posted by 944GASM:
<strong>I might just find a way to plumb a big KKK into her yet....</strong><hr></blockquote>

I think we know a thread about that children.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Olli Snellman:
<strong>That Z3 is also at least ten years younger.

Olli
'88 951</strong><hr></blockquote>
AND the Z3 cost four times as much!

Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have a Z3.

It's just that the 944 is the only exotic sports car you can buy for the price of a used civic.

So where is the anti 944S gang hanging out?
I was expecting some amusing flame throwing here!