Got a ride in a 944 n/a today. I was impressed!
02-27-2011, 11:22 PM
#16
Nordschleife Master
02-28-2011, 12:01 AM
#17
Instructor
Indeed. As was previously expressed, there is much to like about both the N/A and turbo versions for different reasons. Aside from the driving enjoyment, the N/A is a tad easier to work on.
02-28-2011, 11:28 AM
#19
Race Director
No the NA is ALOT easier to work on!
This weekend I spent 6 hours working getting my crossover pipe back on turbo. The NA has no crossover pipe so the same job (rod beaings) is signficantly easier.
Every job on a turbo is harder due to extra turbo exhaust plumbing, less space in the engine bay and extra heat shields. Stater motor on a turbo takes twices as long becuase there is heat shield over it. The NA has no heat shield.
That is one reason I chose to race a NA instead of a Turbo.
This weekend I spent 6 hours working getting my crossover pipe back on turbo. The NA has no crossover pipe so the same job (rod beaings) is signficantly easier.
Every job on a turbo is harder due to extra turbo exhaust plumbing, less space in the engine bay and extra heat shields. Stater motor on a turbo takes twices as long becuase there is heat shield over it. The NA has no heat shield.
That is one reason I chose to race a NA instead of a Turbo.
02-28-2011, 12:49 PM
#20
Heh... well... as a 951 owner, and as a participant in the 24 Hours of Lemons series with an '86 N/A... I wouldn't exactly call an N/A car torquey. Peppy maybe but frankly I was really surprised at the *lack* of lower end grunt. Get it up "on the pipe" so to speak and it is fun to drive. I do have to say that I found a lot more appreciation for the N/A car after driving it on the track vs. the street.
The ideal - closer to "perfection" - has probably got to be the S2 or 968. 3.0L low end grunt, 16v smooth power delivery, 951 looks and suspension. One of these days I am going to have to take someone up on their offer to let me drive their S2.
The ideal - closer to "perfection" - has probably got to be the S2 or 968. 3.0L low end grunt, 16v smooth power delivery, 951 looks and suspension. One of these days I am going to have to take someone up on their offer to let me drive their S2.
02-28-2011, 02:15 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
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I wouldn't exactly call an N/A car torquey. Peppy maybe but frankly I was really surprised at the *lack* of lower end grunt. Get it up "on the pipe" so to speak and it is fun to drive. I do have to say that I found a lot more appreciation for the N/A car after driving it on the track vs. the street.
These cars need to be appreciated for what they are, and when/why they were produced. Don't bother to compare them to modern cars.
02-28-2011, 08:22 PM
#22
Nordschleife Master
Maybe I had low expectations (coming from a high torque turbo car) I went in fully understanding uselessness of the apples/oranges comparisons. I was surprised how well it would pull out and pass on the highway both with and without downshifting. Certainly different/improved over many small cars I have driven/raced over the years.
These cars need to be appreciated for what they are, and when/why they were produced. Don't bother to compare them to modern cars.
These cars need to be appreciated for what they are, and when/why they were produced. Don't bother to compare them to modern cars.
Could be why my NA is stock for all its glory, and my 951 is in the middle of a full upgrade / modernization cycle!
02-28-2011, 08:56 PM
#23
Race Director
As I have grown older I have lost the urge for a ****-ton of horsepower shoved into a coupe that can't really be enjoyed legally 99% of the time.
That being said, a well-appointed, lightened 944 N/A is a pure joy to drive. Those who expect otherwise are often surprised.
That being said, a well-appointed, lightened 944 N/A is a pure joy to drive. Those who expect otherwise are often surprised.
03-01-2011, 02:30 AM
#28
Instructor
No the NA is ALOT easier to work on!
This weekend I spent 6 hours working getting my crossover pipe back on turbo. The NA has no crossover pipe so the same job (rod beaings) is signficantly easier.
Every job on a turbo is harder due to extra turbo exhaust plumbing, less space in the engine bay and extra heat shields. Stater motor on a turbo takes twices as long becuase there is heat shield over it. The NA has no heat shield.
That is one reason I chose to race a NA instead of a Turbo.
This weekend I spent 6 hours working getting my crossover pipe back on turbo. The NA has no crossover pipe so the same job (rod beaings) is signficantly easier.
Every job on a turbo is harder due to extra turbo exhaust plumbing, less space in the engine bay and extra heat shields. Stater motor on a turbo takes twices as long becuase there is heat shield over it. The NA has no heat shield.
That is one reason I chose to race a NA instead of a Turbo.
03-01-2011, 05:06 AM
#29
Burning Brakes
Speak for yourself! I'm a hack and need all the HP I can get my hands on! 
The Turbo's still packed away for winter, and while I'm REALLY jonesing for it, driving my 44S every day is special. It's a great little car.
The Turbo's still packed away for winter, and while I'm REALLY jonesing for it, driving my 44S every day is special. It's a great little car.
