Korsair970

So I'm finally getting back into a situation where I can pick up a 944 to work on. But the bug has bitten deep and it's hard to stave desire off while I continue to save up.


Now I just found a 924 (not an s ) it's a 78, meaning the van engine and not galvanized metal...

anyway, my wonderful accord having finished it's trip back from the moon is nearing death and I'm worried the dastardly Honda will once again thwart my 944 plans.

I'm wondering what the 2.0 engines are like maintenance wise, along with the rest of the car. currently I work about 2 minutes away, and once a week at most visit some friends about 25 minutes away. So not exactly any hard driving.

I figure it would be good to get some more hands-on with the 24/44. However if it would drain from the 944, I'm inclined to pass.

So a '78 924, down the street a couple days a week, and at most 35 miles away doing maybe 70 on the highway, think it could work?

I'm not even to the pricing or anything yet, I just want to know in relation to a 944, what's it like?

of course the car I'm thinking about is sitting outside in the flash monsoon we just had here in the DFW area... guess I'll spot the water leaks

Arominus

Early 924's are cool just slow, is it a 4 speed? If its in good shape and running it could be worth it. How much do they want? Compared to the 944 its going to down 50hp, and the stock suspension is not as good as the 944 (the rear is steel vs aluminum on the 44). That said, its still a good handling car (and can be modded for later 944 sways), and gets good gas milage. If its cheap enough i say go for if you like it. Just don't expect to make it a lot faster than it is.

Go check out 924board.org, they really know whats up with these cars.

V2Rocket

i say definitely go for it. they are fun and special in their own way, definitely not the fastest car but they have an unbeatable charm to them...plus, the 2.0L is still pretty capable with sufficient mods. i mean the factory was getting around 400HP out of it 30 years ago...what could you do now?

quick note to arominus, the early 944's still had the steel suspension all around, not aluminum like late 944s and i guess 924S.

Raceboy

924 engine is very strong and if it had a decent flowing head from the factory, it would easily be the best engine in 924/944 series for serious hp.

There is no such thing as scored cylinder walls or failing 2nd rod bearing and the timing belt + tensioner pulley costs around 20 usd. Takes about 15 minutes to change the belt.

On US cars with low CR, there is only one good way to increase power: turbocharge it. You can use all stock manifolds for that also. I know because I have personally done that (euro 924 with 9.3 :1 CR, EFI injection and budget parts, gave 250 hp/320 Nm) and result is a very fast car. Though stock clutch can hold up to around 210-220 hp (280 Nm).

If you do work yourself, it will cost you around 1500 usd total (including Megasquirt, cheap K24 turbo, cheap intercooler), but it WORKS.

FRporscheman

I always wanted a 924. Personally, I love the sleek narrow body look. But every time I look at that engine, and the CIS injection, I get turned off big time. Also, if I see drum brakes and 4-lug it makes me even more turned off. My vote is just wait for a 944. The 2.5L engine is a great engine with a useful powerband, and motronic is immortal.

CyCloNe!

Also isn't the 2.0 from the 924 a Non-interference engine? That would be worth it for a fun classy daily driver

I say go for it if you can't get the 944, it's still a great car.. You could make a Carrera Gt build on it

Raceboy

Yes, all 924's (except for 931 and 2.5liter 924 S) are non-interference engines.

I would like to remind that doeing efi conversion (that gets rid of the CIS) and turbocharging the engine (to 100+ hp RELIABLY using Megasquirt) costs less than a belt-job for 2.5liter engine in repair shop.

chrenan

I built a 924 up with Euro pistons and a big valve head, also took a bit of weight out, it was easily as quick as a 944 NA.

mazdaverx7

i say that if you like the 924 and its a good runner with good options and a color you like, then go for it. you can always drive a stock or mildly modded 924 daily and save for a nice 944..and then have two Porsche's!. the 924 is extremely reliable, especially in stock form. i dont mind driving a stock 944. sure its not a rocket and most newer minivans will out accelerate my 944.. but add some curves and a lot of faster cars dont stand a chance. at the end of the day it doesn't matter whether you have a 924 or a 944, you still drive a Porsche and that in and of itself is something special.

Korsair970

Haha! I told my friend I could always turn it into a c. Gt if I wanted to, no one has to know it's not a 3-400 hp monster

Sheesh, I say daily driver and you guys are already pressuring me to turbo it!

20 $ belts are already cheaper than my current daily, so you're making me smile already. Im going to think about it at work and do more reasearch (forgot about that 924 board, thanks)

What are you guy's thinking a '78 with about 80k on it in fair to good condition is worth? I know I have the latest market update in excellence, but things are usually cheaper here in north Texas.

Also, to answer someones question, the '78 should have a dog leg 4 speed if I'm correct.

chrenan

No, dog leg was only in the 5-speed before 1980. 78 should have a normal shift pattern 4 speed.

Jay Gratton

Skip that and buy Matt Romanowski's '88 924S. It is for sale here on Rennlist.

Korsair970

Hmm.. where is this 924S? Browsing with my phone, not the most efficient thing...

Arominus

Korsair, heres the link to that 924s

https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...highlight=924s

Korsair970

Ehh as good a deal as that looks it would defeat the purpose of getting the 944 that I want, that and I'm still 2-3 months off from my intended buying budget of around that. Barring economic disaster or actually getting some more painting done...

I'm just looking for something at or under a grand that while related, is a lot easier/ cheaper to maintain for the driving i'm doing now. Otherwise i'll end up with an integral or something, and we wouldn't want that would we?