can anyone tell me about 944s2? are the s2's much better and more reliable than n/a 944's or even turbos?

how much difference overall between regular 944 and s2 models?

 

A 944S2 is essentially a 87-89 944 Turbo (non S). It has the same (or very similar) suspension, brakes and body kit. The big difference is that is uses a 3.0L NA engine developing 208 BHP rather than a 2.5L turbo-charged engine.

944S2's reliability is not significantly better or worse than other 944 models. It does have a 16v head whose cam chain tensioner and chain need inspection/replacement above 100K miles.

See the following buyers guide:

<a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/944_buyers_guide/944_buyers_guide.htm" target="_blank">http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/944_buyers_guide/944_buyers_guide.htm</a>

Karl.

 

But if you are into modding your car, and the neverending quest for power, the S2 isnt the route i would recommend... I'd go with the Turbo

 

Jason:
It all depends on what you mean by 'better:'

1. Acceleration: 0-60 and top end, the turbos are faster. But the 944S2 has better low end torque that is advantageous coming out of a corner (exit speed)

2. Maintenance: both have their maintenance woes: the turobs have (obviously) all the turbo stuff. The 944S2 has the 16valve stuff, including the cam chain guide and tensioner. I'd say it's about even.

3. Reliability: both are very reliable, if taken care of. I've seen / heard of both 951's and 944S2's logging over 200k miles on the odo.

4. "Modability:" as stated above, the 951 is a car more suited for modifications. Most tuners won't touch an S2. The best you can hope for in a 944S2 is modified intake/exhaust, which can probably yeild 5-10 hp max. A chip is also helpful, and while it won't give you more hp, it will remap the torque curve, and up the rev limit by 500rpm or so.

5. Fun to drive factor: it depends on what floats your boat! I like my 944S2's low end torque: it's wonderful to catch higher hp cars on the track when we hit the twisties! I've ridden in 951's, and they are awesome cars for acceleration. But it doesn't quite have the low end grunt of the S2, and turbo lag on the 951 can be a hinderence.

The difference between a regular 944 and a 944S2 is while big: more hp, better brakes, better suspension.

Not sure if this answered your vague question.
-Z.

 

Than BMWs? Yes.

 

[quote]Originally posted by Clem:
<strong>Than BMWs? Yes. </strong><hr></blockquote>

LOL Just being honest.

 

thanks for all the info.

what i meant was (to be more specific). which motor is more reliable overall? i heard s2 has better motor since it doest work as hard as turbo/s and not as stressed as turbos, thus lasting longer than turbos. what do you guys think?

 

thanks for all the info.

what i meant was (to be more specific). which motor is more reliable overall? i heard s2 has better motor since it doest work as hard as turbo/s and not as stressed as turbos, thus lasting longer than turbos. what do you guys think?

 

I believe the S2 is less high-maintenance than a Turbo. The cam chain tensioner pad replacement is less than an hour's work, costs three bucks and you do it every 100k miles. Not a big deal, (unless you skip it, then it gets ugly.) Adjusting the timing belt is easy and takes 10 minutes, no special tools, and it should last many years.

The air filter is more of a pain too, maybe 10 minutes more work to R&R. I think this compares favorably to dealing with the turbo plumbing.

The lack of upgradability is a blessing and a curse. If I had a Turbo I'd probably modify it and then, stuff would start to break and I'd be shoveling money into it. With the S2 there isn't much to do, so you just drive it. Also, since you are buying used, you know someone hasn't pegged the boost on an S2. I suspect you are much less likely to get an S2 that's been abused.

They are great daily drivers. good power, low maintenance, great chassis, brakes, etc.

-Joel.

 

joel, how much are you selling your s2 for? im selling mine also

 

I'm down to $6750 in the Denver paper. Roughly zero interest. I might store it until spring and try again then.

-Joel.

 

how many miles?

 

Lots of miles, 172k. Here's my ad:

<a href="http://mall.rennlist.com/scripts/listings/ads.pl?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=35538&query=retrieval" target="_blank">http://mall.rennlist.com/scripts/listings/ads.pl?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=35538&query=retrieval</a>

The head was supposedly rebuilt but I can't document that. Runs great though.

-Joel

 

[quote]Originally posted by ElonDooberhead:
<strong>But if you are into modding your car, and the neverending quest for power, the S2 isnt the route i would recommend... I'd go with the Turbo</strong><hr></blockquote>


Yah but a stage III supercharger in a S2 mmmm POWER!! <a href="http://www.speedforceracing.com" target="_blank">www.speedforceracing.com</a>

 

joel, very nice car indeed. does yours also consume little bit of oil? i heard its normal for 944s2s to consume about a qt of oil about every 1500 miles.