2+2

I will be looking at a 951 this weekend for possible purchase.

1. It has low miles but what items should I be looking for? I have looked at FAQs and I guess coolant in oil via cooler is one potential problem to look for. Anything else?

2. For Turbo S, some web pages says the normal boost is 1.2 bar but others say 1.82 bar!!! Which accurate? (to make sure not overboosting)

3. What is the recommended time/mileage interval for timing belt change? How much does this typically cost to have a professional do it?

4. Any other information or advice??

Thanks
I hope to join you guys soon. I have never owned a German car so pretty inexperienced at this....


<img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

Third Eye

*BUMP* C'mon peeps show the Rennlist hospitality.

2+2

Yeh, I am quite surprised at how cold the reception is here and the model specific board. Not one helpful comment. Did I do or say something wrong?

Flight_951

[quote]Originally posted by 2+2:
<strong>I will be looking at a 951 this weekend for possible purchase.

1. It has low miles but what items should I be looking for? I have looked at FAQs and I guess coolant in oil via cooler is one potential problem to look for. Anything else?

2. For Turbo S, some web pages says the normal boost is 1.2 bar but others say 1.82 bar!!! Which accurate? (to make sure not overboosting)

3. What is the recommended time/mileage interval for timing belt change? How much does this typically cost to have a professional do it?

4. Any other information or advice??

Thanks
I hope to join you guys soon. I have never owned a German car so pretty inexperienced at this....


<img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

1. I would check all the fluids. They should be clean and full. Check the car for body work. The panels should have an original Porsche VIN tag on each (hood, front fenders, doors, rear hatch) with matching numbers. Pull the rear hatch carpet out and look in the now exposed trunk for signs of body work, water leakage, or past deformity of the rear quarter panels. Check for the spare tire and wheel, tool kit, jack, and air compressor. Check that all panels match in terms of color, and that gaps are uniform.

2. My 89 951 boosted to 1.8 on the gauge when I bought it and it was stock. When you turn the ignition off after the test drive, note if the turbo coolant pump turns on for 30 seconds. There should be a low to moderate buzzing from the engine bay. This pump extends turbo life.

3. Timing belt interval is 45k. Many enthusiasts change at 30k. Water pumps are usually replaced every two to three timing belts since the labor is basically the same. A "ballpark" figure for timing belt replacement without a water pump is $700. Not cheap. The clutch is another biggie ($1500+). They last anywhere from 30k miles to 100k miles. 60k is about average.

4. Check every single item on the car (sunroof, turn signals, radio, cruise, wipers, etc.).

If all this checks out, THEN get a pre purchase inspection (PPI) at the nearest QUALITY shop that knows the 944. Should be 2-3 hours labor for an extensive one.

Bring the FAQs with you if you have any questions. People respond on these boards often, but they have regular jobs too so they can't be on here 24 hours a day. Good luck with your search.

Flight_951

I almost forgot the most important thing -- repair records! I wouldn't even look at a 944 with no records but that's me....

Thaddeus

Nope, you have done nothing wrong. People are at work. I'm eating lunch now, or no reply.

I have an '87 951. I don't have an oil cooler, I don't know if any of the Turbo models did. I think that was an NA feature (?) but I'm not sure.

Anyway I'd look out for:

Leaky steering rack
Bad ball joints, on A-arms especially
Timing belt/balance belt/ rollers/ water pump issues
CV joints
Bad synchros
Sloppy shifter
Clutch Slave/master cylinder problems
Issues with hatch/sunroof leaks
Issues with engine oil leaks-- especially the pan or cam tower

In other words, get a good PPI from a 944 mechanic first! And insist on records! If the car is a good one, it will be terrific. If it's bad, it will bankrupt you.

Timing belt should be done every 15000 miles by my reckoning. Some people say 40K, some 35... but I believe: if the belt goes, the engine is damaged. Why risk it?

My boost gauge shows 1 bar below 'neutral' pressure (ambient pressure) for when the engine is pulling vacuum, and goes to top mark one bar above ambient at WOT. I think mine holds boost better than stock. A little tweaking.

cheers

Thaddeus

Thaddeus

Oh, somebody else replied while I was typing mine. Oh well.

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

Eric

2+2,

Which year are you considering, as there were changes made throughout the production run?
As the others mentioned---records are important. Check around the battery/battery box for corrosion. Make sure the odometer works(common failure). The others pretty much covered everything---you can check the option code sticker in the rear hatch area--it is behind the carpet below the key area. Other than that--be objective and have fun <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

nickhance

I've posted this before, but this thread seems a little more active than mine.

I'm also looking to get a 951 (I'm waiting till Hershey where I'm hoping to find the right car) but I need to know if there is anyplace around Hershey or if there will be people at Hershey can that perform a PPI. Did anyone buy their car at Hershey?

Flight_951

[quote]Originally posted by nickhance:
<strong>I've posted this before, but this thread seems a little more active than mine.

I'm also looking to get a 951 (I'm waiting till Hershey where I'm hoping to find the right car) but I need to know if there is anyplace around Hershey or if there will be people at Hershey can that perform a PPI. Did anyone buy their car at Hershey?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I'm not familar with the Hershey area. Sorry. BTW, Is Pasadena, MD far from you? I found an 89 951 today on Auto Trader in Pasadena, MD for 10k. From the photo it appears gold/black leather. (I have no other info about this car and do not know the owner.) But here's the ad if you want to call before Hershey...

"1989 PORSCHE 944, 4cyl 5spd, 2dr, cruise, p/seats, ps, pb, pdl, pw, ac, snrf, am/fm/CD, airbags, ABS, M50 handling pkg, lthr int, RARE! $10,000 obo, 410-360-4570 PASADENA #52248"

I guess he meant M030 suspension. No mention of mileage. For all I know it could be sold already!

2+2

Thanks guys....I currently own a 92 300zx 2+2 and web community on that car is very good as well...
Porsches are pretty expensive to keep and maintain but I guess that can be expected. Because of scheduling, a prepurchase inspection does not appear to be possible but the guy seems very forthright and most of the records are present...I will let you guys know how things play out...

Turby

I would recommend 87+, especialy if you plan to modify the car. I have a modified 86, and almost everything was a bitch to buy or install. The lack of ABS is frustrating too.

nickhance

Flight,
Thanks for the listing.. Are you sure thats a 951?

I think I'm going to stay picky about the car until after Hershey. I'm looking for a silver/black leather 951 in pretty good shape for under $10k. I know they're out there its just hard to find ones that aren't beat to hell or the owner is asking waaay too much for.

Dave

I've heard that the '88 S and '89 are harder to modify from one source, and another told me that "it's cheaper to start with a non-S, if you are only going to remove the upgraded parts anyway", but I have an NA, so that isn't firsthand info.
Just posting to be hospitable I guess

Ethan

to Flight 951, Im from the Baltimore area and have seen that 951 for sale for a while now, I think the price has dropped a few hundred bucks, but 10k sounds pretty cheap for an 89 <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />