ian

Well I have been looking for a daily driver because I feel my 951 is going to be a bit too boosted to be my daily ride, and also because I want to strip the AC and interior out of the car to drop some lbs.

So anyway, I found a local 1989 S2 with 130k on it. It is currently a daily driver, and he has the books and records for the last 5 or 6 years. I'm going to have a look at it today so i'll be able to snap some pictures.

So far what i know,
The good:
The regular maintance schedule has been followed.
It is a 2 owner car, first owner 50k.
Sorta low mileage.
Its Black.
Cheap.

The bad:
Needs to have the timing belts changed, not that big of a deal.
Needs the radiator replaced, small pin hole leak, again not a big deal.
Needs new rear tires.

I'm sure i'll be able to expand the lists when I have a look at it, but any intitial takes on a S2 for 6k?

streckfu's

If that's all that's wrong, I'd go for it. The only reservation the price of radiators. How much are those running these days?

$6k for the car and about $3k in parts/labor isn't too bad. IMO...

stealthx32

Bah! Break out the welder!

dave120

The S2 is an excellent daily driver. As long as the maintenance is kept up with. I've got 150k on the clock on mine and it runs like the day it rolled out of the factory. The extra bottom end torque the S2 has is nice to have around town.

993Maineiac

A new radiator would be about $190 on ebay and about two to three hours work. More if you want to change out the hoses and relays/switches WYIT. Sounds like a no brainer to me if everything else (like belts) are reasonably new.

944S2IFISH2

If it needs belts... Plan on doing the water pump too. Also check/replace the hoses.

Clutch - I'm assuming that it's not the original clutch? Check the records to be SURE it was replaced with a spring-centered one and not another "rubber puck" centered one (Or you'll be doing that too).

Cams - The finish they used on the S2(928 4V) cam cover sometimes flakes off ON THE INSIDE (onto your cams). It may be worth it in the PPI to pull the cover (takes about 10 minutes) and look for blistering of the cover and any scoring of the cams. May just need to be replaced/cleaned/painted,etc. Also check for oil in the spark plug cavities (leaking seals). While you're in there inspect cam chain tensioner ramp. Verify in the records if replaced, if not, probably about due.

Throttle body - The fittings for the two cooling hoses are swaged in and have a habit of coming loose. Try twisting them by hand to see if they move. If so they need to be pulled/cleaned/JBWelded/etc.

The usual stuff - Brakes, engine seals, body leaks, etc.

Good luck! Hope it's a good one for you! IMHO, they are great street cars and a hell of a lot easier to work on than my buddy's '86 951 - less complicated - less heat baking everything under the hood.

BTW - I got mine from a fellow rennlister in Charlotte last year ('90 S2, 58K, all service/records, mint black leather, etc.) for about twice the price. Your's sounds like it could be a good deal. FWIW, I used Hendrick's for the PPI/60K service and felt they were weak on the PPI. I'd use someone else if you don't plan on doing it yourself.

ian

I've done a ratiator on a 951, and I assume it is very similar so i'm not worried about that swap, and I just did the head on my 951 so i'm not really scared to do the belts either, but i'm going to see the car soon, so i'll have a better idea of what the car really needs.

But for 6k is seems like a good buy (famous last words)

Luke

Do it man if you can, I dont see how you could regret it.

944S2NUT

WOW BUY IT!

Wahoogie

Damn I wish a deal like that would come up for me...

Devia

I think it's a good idea! I found two S's around here, for $3000...both threw that damned chain! If I had the moola, I'd snag 'em both.

- Julie

P944forScott

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Wahoogie:
<strong>Damn I wish a deal like that would come up for me...</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Ditto
<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

David Salama

My honest opinion Ian is to save your money for your 951. It will be a good daily driver if you keep the boost at 16psi or less. The S2 sounds good, but will inevitably be another money pit. Make one great 951 and you will be happy. Also, I bet you'll think the S2 is sluggish once you drive it. Strip the 951 like mine, and still enjoy it on the way to work.

P944forScott

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Devia:
<strong>I think it's a good idea! I found two S's around here, for $3000...both threw that damned chain! If I had the moola, I'd snag 'em both.

- Julie</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Hey Julie are those S2's???

If so, any chance of you emailing me those contacts so I could check them out?

dave120

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by David Salama:
[QB] Also, I bet you'll think the S2 is sluggish once you drive it. QB]</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Sluggish? An S2 is just about as fast (maybe a couple tenths slower to 60) as a stock 951 is, without the turbo lag. He said its for a daily driver. A money pit, yes every P-car could be called that. Gas mileage will be better on the S2 by a little bit..I usually get 23-24 around town and that's not exactly driving it light.

If you've got the bucks to spend on the S2 and its a nice example that you like, I'd say go for it. If you're looking for a car with ludicrus speed I'd say stick to your 951, but it's not "sluggish" by any means. The 3L motors feel way more torquey than the 2.5Ls, you may like it. Drive the car and see if you think you'd enjoy driving it everyday. I bet you will...