90 ish S2 vs turbo
10-27-2002, 09:43 PM
#1
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90 ish S2 vs turbo
I am looking at purchaseing a newer 944. The question is S2 or turbo. Let's here it!
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10-27-2002, 09:58 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
What is your goal with the car?
Both of them are great cars, and the owners of both will sing the praises of each. I like them both, but hey it comes down to what you want.
Both of them are great cars, and the owners of both will sing the praises of each. I like them both, but hey it comes down to what you want.
10-27-2002, 10:04 PM
#3
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I'm looking for the least amount of problems (engine) with the most go go. 
Really though, I'm looking to do some track time and drive it on a regular basis. I have heard the turbos are a bit more part hungry.
Really though, I'm looking to do some track time and drive it on a regular basis. I have heard the turbos are a bit more part hungry.
10-27-2002, 10:11 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
I have a 90 S2, and I wish almost daily that I had gotten a turbo. The S2 is not a slow car by any means, and the low end torque is nice, but the upgrades are pricey and not very effective. With a turbo you can have a rocket for $1k, but with the S2 stock speed is what you're gonna have, basically. In other words, if you want a really fast car, and the joy of boost, get a turbo. If you want a quick, peppy car with bottom end that pulls pretty well from any RPM, get the S2. My opinions, only.
10-27-2002, 10:13 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
Well a stock turbo and a stock S2 are going to have very similar speed (turbo S being a bit faster than both). And it stock trim they are both very capable track cars.
And also a stock turbo and a stock s2 would probably be very similar in reliability, the problem comes with turbo when you turn up the boost, and start messing around with the turbo.
The potential of the turbo is higher, but then the potential cost to your wallet goes up to....
I think a S2 with a great suspension would make an incredible track car, for the most part we have cars with much more capabilities than ourselves. I learned the track in a 115 hp VW, and I know my turbo is much quicker, but I learned a lot from the VW. Where am I going with this, you can learn and expand your horizons in either. Both will be plenty fast.
And also a stock turbo and a stock s2 would probably be very similar in reliability, the problem comes with turbo when you turn up the boost, and start messing around with the turbo.
The potential of the turbo is higher, but then the potential cost to your wallet goes up to....
I think a S2 with a great suspension would make an incredible track car, for the most part we have cars with much more capabilities than ourselves. I learned the track in a 115 hp VW, and I know my turbo is much quicker, but I learned a lot from the VW. Where am I going with this, you can learn and expand your horizons in either. Both will be plenty fast.
10-27-2002, 10:55 PM
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Well like everybody said, it's all about what you want out of it. The S2 is not slow, its about as fast as a stock non-S turbo. It's got loads of bottom end torque. But basically the speed you get out of the box is more or less all that you're gonna get without supercharging it or something. The couple mods I have on mine can be felt, but its not even close to what you're gonna get from a turbo.
On another side of things, the S2 is easier to work on because there's no plumbing for the turbo and the exaust is simpler. Timing belt and clutch are easier to do on the S2. But its a compromise one way or the other. Reliability, I've never owned a turbo but I see S2s with much higher mileage because generally not many turbos remain in stock form so reliability of course will suffer some. But you can make turbos go really fast!
This S2 vs Turbo debate comes up pretty often around here you might check the archives for some more info.
On another side of things, the S2 is easier to work on because there's no plumbing for the turbo and the exaust is simpler. Timing belt and clutch are easier to do on the S2. But its a compromise one way or the other. Reliability, I've never owned a turbo but I see S2s with much higher mileage because generally not many turbos remain in stock form so reliability of course will suffer some. But you can make turbos go really fast!
This S2 vs Turbo debate comes up pretty often around here you might check the archives for some more info.
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10-27-2002, 10:56 PM
#8
Race Director
"I'm looking for the least amount of problems (engine) with the most go go. Really though, I'm looking to do some track time and drive it on a regular basis."
If you plan on keeping both cars stock, then the S2 will probably be easier to live with for only a little less performance than the Turbo.
But beware! Once you start down the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank">dark side</a>... there's no going back! You'll eventually want more power, more speed... then Turbo's the way to go. For only $1k in mods, you can get equivalent performance of at least $10k from an S2.
If you plan on keeping both cars stock, then the S2 will probably be easier to live with for only a little less performance than the Turbo.
But beware! Once you start down the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank">dark side</a>... there's no going back! You'll eventually want more power, more speed... then Turbo's the way to go. For only $1k in mods, you can get equivalent performance of at least $10k from an S2.
10-27-2002, 11:09 PM
#9
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Is there anyone who has any BHP ratings for , lets say 90 s2 and turbo? I currently have a turbo diesel 
and I know what that feels like (kick in the arss). But I like the efficency of DOHC 4 per cylinder torque. I live in an area where there is VERY limited chances to test drive a potential keeper, so I need your help.
and I know what that feels like (kick in the arss). But I like the efficency of DOHC 4 per cylinder torque. I live in an area where there is VERY limited chances to test drive a potential keeper, so I need your help.
10-27-2002, 11:27 PM
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[quote] But beware! Once you start down the dark side... there's no going back! You'll eventually want more power, more speed... then Turbo's the way to go. For only $1k in mods, you can get equivalent performance of at least $10k from an S2.
<hr></blockquote>
That says it all. I'm going for the turbo....????Also, GREAT LINK!! You got it bad.. I'm really impressed in the amount of useful info Rennlisters have. This site ROCKS! Thanks all.
<hr></blockquote>
That says it all. I'm going for the turbo....????Also, GREAT LINK!! You got it bad.. I'm really impressed in the amount of useful info Rennlisters have. This site ROCKS! Thanks all.
10-27-2002, 11:35 PM
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[/QUOTE]Well like everybody said, it's all about what you want out of it. The S2 is not slow, its about as fast as a stock non-S turbo. It's got loads of bottom end torque. But basically the speed you get out of the box is more or less all that you're gonna get without supercharging it or something. The couple mods I have on mine can be felt, but its not even close to what you're gonna get from a turbo.
Thanks Dave120
Thanks Dave120
10-28-2002, 10:59 AM
#12
Race Director
Exit speed of an S2 is amazing on the track. In DE, I've given passing signals to cars (911, 951..etc) that caught up to me at the end of the previous straight, only to find that I've 'lost them' in the corners! (I've learned to check my mirrors before giving the pass signal! 
)
However, on the straights, the S2 just doesn't have the power a 951 has: but anyone can drive fast in a straight line! The S2 is a more consistent car on the track, IMO, especially since there's no turbo lag. But you will have slightly slower lap times, due to the lower top speeds you can achieve on the straights.
May I introduce you to a 968? Have you considered that car for the track? With the same engine as the S2, plus vario-cam, it's got close to 240hp, which means it's got more power than a non-S 951, and still has the low end torque of the S2. IMO, that's the best of both worlds! (But you still can't modify the 968 without spending mucho $$!)
Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.
)However, on the straights, the S2 just doesn't have the power a 951 has: but anyone can drive fast in a straight line! The S2 is a more consistent car on the track, IMO, especially since there's no turbo lag. But you will have slightly slower lap times, due to the lower top speeds you can achieve on the straights.
May I introduce you to a 968? Have you considered that car for the track? With the same engine as the S2, plus vario-cam, it's got close to 240hp, which means it's got more power than a non-S 951, and still has the low end torque of the S2. IMO, that's the best of both worlds! (But you still can't modify the 968 without spending mucho $$!)
Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.
10-28-2002, 01:46 PM
#13
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[quote]Originally posted by Danno:
<strong>[b][i]But beware! Once you start down the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank">dark side</a>... there's no going back! You'll eventually want more power, more speed... then Turbo's the way to go. For only $1k in mods, you can get equivalent performance of at least $10k from an S2.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Enter Guru Racing et als!!!
Mike
<strong>[b][i]But beware! Once you start down the <a href="http://www.nsxfiles.com/sears_point_2000.htm" target="_blank">dark side</a>... there's no going back! You'll eventually want more power, more speed... then Turbo's the way to go. For only $1k in mods, you can get equivalent performance of at least $10k from an S2.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Enter Guru Racing et als!!!
Mike
