Hi! New 944 owner from Australia!:)
10-07-2011, 09:43 AM
#31
Three Wheelin'
Welcome mate, and great to see another Aussie on the forum.
Car looks gorgeous and very minty, and IMO you should do everything possible to keep it stock. These cars are hens teeth down here(as you no doubt know trying to find one) and good ones are getting more expensive and even harder to find. If you mod it, it will lower it's value.
Australian delivered cars are a rare breed, unlike our stateside cousins, who got 50,000 of them. Did I mention not to mod it ? Restore the worn bits like the suspension rubber etc but that's as far as I would go. Those spark plugs could be part of the problem. I have read that their is no benefit to using anything but the standard plugs, and that other plugs can cause issues, so it may pay to get some stock plugs and see if that helps with your issue.
I'm guessing your in Bendigo, or Warnambool but really have no idea lol where the bloody hell are ya ?
peace
Cyberpunky
Car looks gorgeous and very minty, and IMO you should do everything possible to keep it stock. These cars are hens teeth down here(as you no doubt know trying to find one) and good ones are getting more expensive and even harder to find. If you mod it, it will lower it's value.
Australian delivered cars are a rare breed, unlike our stateside cousins, who got 50,000 of them. Did I mention not to mod it ? Restore the worn bits like the suspension rubber etc but that's as far as I would go. Those spark plugs could be part of the problem. I have read that their is no benefit to using anything but the standard plugs, and that other plugs can cause issues, so it may pay to get some stock plugs and see if that helps with your issue.
I'm guessing your in Bendigo, or Warnambool but really have no idea lol where the bloody hell are ya ?
peace
Cyberpunky
10-09-2011, 12:01 PM
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Hey Cyberpunky! Thanks for the compliments about my 944 mate. 
I'd been casually looking for about 5 years to find a good clean, original example with history, and kept coming across heavily modded ones, questionable histories, or really rough examples asking stupid prices. Any original ones were well outside my price bracket too! When I least expected, I happened to chance upon this one, and knew instantly it ticked all the boxes of what I'd been looking for.
Patience had paid off amazingly, as I managed to negotiate with the previous owner for a straight swap of my Land Rover Discovery. I learned he had a 3rd child due any day, and needed to sell it quickly to buy a really good family car. I was about to put the Landy for sale that week and find something smaller and sportier, so the 'stars had aligned' at the just the right moment! My gf was totally stunned (in a good way!) when I rocked-up at her place with the Porsche!
Initially I was planning to do some light mods to it, but having spent some time working on it and tidying up things over the past couple of weeks, I've come to the same conclusion as you (and my dad) to keep it as stock as possible and perfect it. Being an auto N/A, it hardly seems worth the cost or effort tricking it up, instead making it pure and perfect As time goes on, examples like this are getting harder n harder to find here, and will only increase in value.
I'm also really liking the exterior colour and interior scheme as it's very 1980's, which I think is a major appeal of it, and emphasises how ground-breaking that car was back in its day. Proudly showing its age and being original, rather than disguising it is better IMO. I've had quite a few people give me the 'thumbs-up' at the lights, and have had a lot of random people approach me when I park it, to say what a nice car it is and ask questions...still getting used to that part! Hahaha!
I'm expecting most of the service parts to arrive in the post this week, so I'm rather excited to be able to finally get stuck into some real work on it. The one concessional mod I'll be doing is installing a high-end soundsystem, but will ensure that this can be removed without a trace whenever the time comes to sell. 
I'll definitely be changing the spark-plugs over this week (hurry up payday!), as I'm convinced this is a major culprit for the hard-acceleration/kick-down stuttering issue. Asides from the usual full-servicing items and timing belt, thermostat/water-pump, leads/rotor, etc, there's still a bit of work required to get the old girl looking my version of 'mint' for summer!
The bonnet insulation needs redoing, the seat bases need to be restitched, the small dent below the lhs door will be removed, a minor power steering leak needs fixing, some small stone chips at the front need touching up, shockers could do with replacing, steering wheel needs repainting due to light fading, and a few other very minor items will be addressed. The wheels are a bit rough and will be getting these reconditioned/repainted asap...quick question though, was the silver lip polished, or brushed finished originally? All in all, my 944 is a fairly straight-forward project which won't take long, but will be superb once done!
Those were both good guesses at the 'where the bloody hell are ya' game! Hehe! I live in Ballarat, and my gf lives in Elwood, so I get down to Melbourne a fair bit. Mostly I take the bike down so I can go riding with Bel, but she's just as happy to go for a drive in the 944. Where abouts in Melbourne are you located? If Paulyy is reading this, where are you located mate? We ought to catch up for a coffee sometime!
I'd been casually looking for about 5 years to find a good clean, original example with history, and kept coming across heavily modded ones, questionable histories, or really rough examples asking stupid prices. Any original ones were well outside my price bracket too! When I least expected, I happened to chance upon this one, and knew instantly it ticked all the boxes of what I'd been looking for.
Patience had paid off amazingly, as I managed to negotiate with the previous owner for a straight swap of my Land Rover Discovery. I learned he had a 3rd child due any day, and needed to sell it quickly to buy a really good family car. I was about to put the Landy for sale that week and find something smaller and sportier, so the 'stars had aligned' at the just the right moment! My gf was totally stunned (in a good way!) when I rocked-up at her place with the Porsche!
Initially I was planning to do some light mods to it, but having spent some time working on it and tidying up things over the past couple of weeks, I've come to the same conclusion as you (and my dad) to keep it as stock as possible and perfect it. Being an auto N/A, it hardly seems worth the cost or effort tricking it up, instead making it pure and perfect As time goes on, examples like this are getting harder n harder to find here, and will only increase in value.
I'm also really liking the exterior colour and interior scheme as it's very 1980's, which I think is a major appeal of it, and emphasises how ground-breaking that car was back in its day. Proudly showing its age and being original, rather than disguising it is better IMO. I've had quite a few people give me the 'thumbs-up' at the lights, and have had a lot of random people approach me when I park it, to say what a nice car it is and ask questions...still getting used to that part! Hahaha!
I'm expecting most of the service parts to arrive in the post this week, so I'm rather excited to be able to finally get stuck into some real work on it.
The one concessional mod I'll be doing is installing a high-end soundsystem, but will ensure that this can be removed without a trace whenever the time comes to sell. I'll definitely be changing the spark-plugs over this week (hurry up payday!), as I'm convinced this is a major culprit for the hard-acceleration/kick-down stuttering issue. Asides from the usual full-servicing items and timing belt, thermostat/water-pump, leads/rotor, etc, there's still a bit of work required to get the old girl looking my version of 'mint' for summer!
The bonnet insulation needs redoing, the seat bases need to be restitched, the small dent below the lhs door will be removed, a minor power steering leak needs fixing, some small stone chips at the front need touching up, shockers could do with replacing, steering wheel needs repainting due to light fading, and a few other very minor items will be addressed. The wheels are a bit rough and will be getting these reconditioned/repainted asap...quick question though, was the silver lip polished, or brushed finished originally? All in all, my 944 is a fairly straight-forward project which won't take long, but will be superb once done!
Those were both good guesses at the 'where the bloody hell are ya' game! Hehe! I live in Ballarat, and my gf lives in Elwood, so I get down to Melbourne a fair bit. Mostly I take the bike down so I can go riding with Bel, but she's just as happy to go for a drive in the 944. Where abouts in Melbourne are you located? If Paulyy is reading this, where are you located mate? We ought to catch up for a coffee sometime!
Last edited by El_Duderino; 10-09-2011 at 12:20 PM.
10-10-2011, 05:15 AM
#33
Three Wheelin'
I was going to say Ballarat and had typed it then thought nah that's not really regional any more lol
I'm n Moorabbin and Pauly's in Williamstown. We should definitely catch up. Pauly's almost finished his *while your in there mods* so we could have a mini 944/rennlist meet for sure.
Nice score and awesome how the stars align lol I had someone park a 944 outside my house about a week before I signed on for a Ralliart Lancer, and thought I wonder what they go for these days. I didn't end up getting the Ralliart lol. None of my neighbours knows who's car it was and I live in a quiet Court, so it was pretty random.
Let me know with your sound system, as I was in car audio for over 20 years, and even managed to pick up the National SQ championship(in Pro Class) in 2007, so can give you a few pointers, and have a ton of contacts for gear. I have also got a nioce little system in mine, so have got a fair idea of what can and can't be done in these cars.
The silver lip on the Fuchs is actually anodised, and so refurbishing needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. I am looking to get mine done when funds allow, but it's on the back burner for now. There was post about it on the PCV forum that suggested a company out in cambelfield some where. Will try and find it for you if you want
cheers
Punky
I'm n Moorabbin and Pauly's in Williamstown. We should definitely catch up. Pauly's almost finished his *while your in there mods* so we could have a mini 944/rennlist meet for sure.
Nice score and awesome how the stars align lol I had someone park a 944 outside my house about a week before I signed on for a Ralliart Lancer, and thought I wonder what they go for these days. I didn't end up getting the Ralliart lol. None of my neighbours knows who's car it was and I live in a quiet Court, so it was pretty random.
Let me know with your sound system, as I was in car audio for over 20 years, and even managed to pick up the National SQ championship(in Pro Class) in 2007, so can give you a few pointers, and have a ton of contacts for gear. I have also got a nioce little system in mine, so have got a fair idea of what can and can't be done in these cars.
The silver lip on the Fuchs is actually anodised, and so refurbishing needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. I am looking to get mine done when funds allow, but it's on the back burner for now. There was post about it on the PCV forum that suggested a company out in cambelfield some where. Will try and find it for you if you want
cheers
Punky
10-10-2011, 05:33 AM
#34
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Polished lip would look a lot nicer IMO.
NGK spark plugs are the way to go. i have Topgun (highest rated ones) leads also.
I'm actually from Altona, close enough to Williamstown
Coffee sounds great! Like Bruce said I'm almost finished my mods.. probably a few weeks left, pretty much waiting on a bit for my oil line to the turbo because i broke mine hopefully it's here this week and waiting on the updated chip for my M-tune from Josh which should be here next monday or tuesday. Me and my dad are looking for a new TIG to finish up the exhaust (we borrowed one from dads work but he doesn't work there anymore) hopefully this weekend. and the Clutch will get done over a weekend in the next few months.
Defiantly talk Bruce about sound system upgrades, i will be when the times comes
NGK spark plugs are the way to go. i have Topgun (highest rated ones) leads also.
I'm actually from Altona, close enough to Williamstown
Coffee sounds great! Like Bruce said I'm almost finished my mods.. probably a few weeks left, pretty much waiting on a bit for my oil line to the turbo because i broke mine hopefully it's here this week and waiting on the updated chip for my M-tune from Josh which should be here next monday or tuesday. Me and my dad are looking for a new TIG to finish up the exhaust (we borrowed one from dads work but he doesn't work there anymore) hopefully this weekend. and the Clutch will get done over a weekend in the next few months.
Defiantly talk Bruce about sound system upgrades, i will be when the times comes
10-10-2011, 10:12 PM
#35
Three Wheelin'
10-11-2011, 10:51 AM
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Hey felllas!
Catching up over a coffee-fix sounds like a plan, geez us Aussies are a relaxed and friendly bunch! Hehe! The next couple of weeks are going to be difficult due to some family matters, but will be free anytime after that. We can work something out.
Punky, Bendigo has a slightly larger population than Ballarat btw, hehe! We still regard ourselves as a regional city...gawd it feels like it at times!
For the soundsystem, I wanted quality sound rather than punishing volumes, and have already purchased most of the system. It's a pity I didn't meet you earlier Punky, given your experience and knowledge with this field. I've always put a good soundsystem in every car I've ever owned, but I really miss the Landy's Alpine, Focal and Soundstream system. *sob*
I've recently bought a Nakamichi PL-4100 4ch amp, Nakamichi SP-C40 4" front speakers, and Nakamichi 6x9's (forgotten the model number!) for the rear...the 6x9's will be arriving tomorrow, but have already got the other two items. For the time-being, I will use the new Clarion CZ301E headunit which was provided with the Porsche uninstalled, and am waiting on the Nakamidhi CD400 headunit to arrive. Deciding on a subwoofer is the difficult part due to installation options, and have found a 12" Nakamichi sub/box/amp package which I'm really keen on, but am also considering buying a Focal BUS-25 10" sub/amp (had one in the Landy and loved it!). If you could share some pics and info regarding your setup, and come up with some suggestions on the best installation options, I'd be most appreciative.
Regarding the wheels, I would definitely be paying to get somebody to refurbish them. They are pretty rough (especially the FLHS rim with some gutter rash), and really let down the exterior. The silver outter looks really skanky, and the black centre's have seen better days, looking a bit faded and dull. I didn't realise they were originally anodised on the outters, but like both of you, I think that polishing would look far better. That'd be great if you're able to find some contact details for that place in Campbellfield.
Pauly, having had a look at some pics of your beast, I'm very impressed! I like the way that you've decided to do other jobs "while you're in there" and everything's apart. The attention to detail and quality of the fabrication work is fantastic...you must be really excited knowing it's so close to being finished!
I had a few parts arrive today and last friday, but will have to wait until thursday before I can make a start fitting them:
Clarion headunit
Nakamichi front speakers
Nakamichi 4ch amp
Handbrake lever handle
K&N oil filter
Thermostat
Distributor rotor button
And there are some ball-joints which I haven't got a photo of yet.
Catching up over a coffee-fix sounds like a plan, geez us Aussies are a relaxed and friendly bunch! Hehe! The next couple of weeks are going to be difficult due to some family matters, but will be free anytime after that. We can work something out.
Punky, Bendigo has a slightly larger population than Ballarat btw, hehe! We still regard ourselves as a regional city...gawd it feels like it at times!
For the soundsystem, I wanted quality sound rather than punishing volumes, and have already purchased most of the system. It's a pity I didn't meet you earlier Punky, given your experience and knowledge with this field. I've always put a good soundsystem in every car I've ever owned, but I really miss the Landy's Alpine, Focal and Soundstream system. *sob*
I've recently bought a Nakamichi PL-4100 4ch amp, Nakamichi SP-C40 4" front speakers, and Nakamichi 6x9's (forgotten the model number!) for the rear...the 6x9's will be arriving tomorrow, but have already got the other two items. For the time-being, I will use the new Clarion CZ301E headunit which was provided with the Porsche uninstalled, and am waiting on the Nakamidhi CD400 headunit to arrive. Deciding on a subwoofer is the difficult part due to installation options, and have found a 12" Nakamichi sub/box/amp package which I'm really keen on, but am also considering buying a Focal BUS-25 10" sub/amp (had one in the Landy and loved it!). If you could share some pics and info regarding your setup, and come up with some suggestions on the best installation options, I'd be most appreciative.
Regarding the wheels, I would definitely be paying to get somebody to refurbish them. They are pretty rough (especially the FLHS rim with some gutter rash), and really let down the exterior. The silver outter looks really skanky, and the black centre's have seen better days, looking a bit faded and dull. I didn't realise they were originally anodised on the outters, but like both of you, I think that polishing would look far better. That'd be great if you're able to find some contact details for that place in Campbellfield.
Pauly, having had a look at some pics of your beast, I'm very impressed! I like the way that you've decided to do other jobs "while you're in there" and everything's apart. The attention to detail and quality of the fabrication work is fantastic...you must be really excited knowing it's so close to being finished!
I had a few parts arrive today and last friday, but will have to wait until thursday before I can make a start fitting them:
Clarion headunit
Nakamichi front speakers
Nakamichi 4ch amp
Handbrake lever handle
K&N oil filter
Thermostat
Distributor rotor button
And there are some ball-joints which I haven't got a photo of yet.
10-11-2011, 10:47 PM
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Here's a photo of the ball-joints, and the Nakamichi 6x9 rear speakers. I'm antsy to find out what arrives in the post over the next couple of days! I got a call earlier to say that my front brake discs and padsd have arrived, so will pick them up this afternoon, woohoo!
I got a call earlier to say that my front brake discs and padsd have arrived, so will pick them up this afternoon, woohoo!
10-13-2011, 12:39 AM
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After purchasing all these stereo items through the same seller, I was able to negotiate an even better deal on the Nakamichi sub/box/amp combo, and have just purchased that. The Australian dollar is VERY strong against the New Zealand dollar, so I was able to get some excellent deals on all the components. I expect it to arrive by the end of next week.
The 6x9's will go in the factory rear position, and will possibly need a bit of light trimming to fit, but these will tucked away incognito behind the interior panel. You'll never know they were there unless you turned on the system.
Last edited by El_Duderino; 10-13-2011 at 01:14 AM.
10-13-2011, 01:41 AM
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I haven't removed the rear speaker/side panels yet to see what's required, but have read from many people that 6x9's fit easily in that space without too much drama...I'm just allowing the possibility that there may need some minor metalwork trimming, which is fine by me as it's a concealed area.
10-13-2011, 02:12 AM
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On a different note, when I went to pick up my front brake discs and pads yesterday, I had the car checked over and got some pleasing news.
I went to Mr Brakes, a local business around the corner who specialise in 944's...they have a 944 Challenge car, a rally/khana 944, a Targa 944, plus a couple other staff members have 944's for their toys. and do a lot of other racecar builds. It's rather cool having them only a 2 minute drive from home, lol! I wasn't expecting half the workshop to drop-tools and have a perv when I pulled up out the front, haha!
Their 944 guru came out to have a good look over the car, and reckoned it was one of the cleanest, straightest and most original examples he'd seen in a long time! It seems that mine is rare for having the auto transmission with the power steering option, which I wasn't aware of. He noticed the transmission had been overhauled not that long ago, and told me that the reason the suspension wasn't feeling great at the rear, is because the Koni shockers weren't setup correctly.
All the key issues he could find were ones I had already found, such as worn ball-joints, worn front discs n pads, a driveshaft boot which had come adrift, a slight power steering leak from the base of the reservoir and a weeping valve cover gasket. I've already purchased these items, and while most have arrived, the rest (as well as many other precautionary items) are due to arrive any day. We also found with a stethascope that the water pump bearing is making an ever so faint noise, and while not required for quite some time, I will also replace the pump assembly for peace of mind. While there, I got a quote for the timing belt kit to be installed and was pleasantly surprised...they don't crank the price up just because of the badge, and have a full array of all the specialist tools on hand!
The guru also told me the best places to get the parts, as well as the best local businesses to get various things done, such as my wheels reconditioned, auto electrical work, etc. He was extremely friendly and helpful, and was clearly an enthusiast, even showing me his personal 944. To find this level of expertise in such a small town/city, and just around the corner was brilliant! I will definitely be dealing with them for some work to be done, and have been really happy with their customer service.
I went to Mr Brakes, a local business around the corner who specialise in 944's...they have a 944 Challenge car, a rally/khana 944, a Targa 944, plus a couple other staff members have 944's for their toys. and do a lot of other racecar builds. It's rather cool having them only a 2 minute drive from home, lol! I wasn't expecting half the workshop to drop-tools and have a perv when I pulled up out the front, haha!
Their 944 guru came out to have a good look over the car, and reckoned it was one of the cleanest, straightest and most original examples he'd seen in a long time! It seems that mine is rare for having the auto transmission with the power steering option, which I wasn't aware of. He noticed the transmission had been overhauled not that long ago, and told me that the reason the suspension wasn't feeling great at the rear, is because the Koni shockers weren't setup correctly.
All the key issues he could find were ones I had already found, such as worn ball-joints, worn front discs n pads, a driveshaft boot which had come adrift, a slight power steering leak from the base of the reservoir and a weeping valve cover gasket. I've already purchased these items, and while most have arrived, the rest (as well as many other precautionary items) are due to arrive any day. We also found with a stethascope that the water pump bearing is making an ever so faint noise, and while not required for quite some time, I will also replace the pump assembly for peace of mind. While there, I got a quote for the timing belt kit to be installed and was pleasantly surprised...they don't crank the price up just because of the badge, and have a full array of all the specialist tools on hand!
The guru also told me the best places to get the parts, as well as the best local businesses to get various things done, such as my wheels reconditioned, auto electrical work, etc. He was extremely friendly and helpful, and was clearly an enthusiast, even showing me his personal 944. To find this level of expertise in such a small town/city, and just around the corner was brilliant! I will definitely be dealing with them for some work to be done, and have been really happy with their customer service.
10-13-2011, 02:18 AM
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maybe they where 4x6's LOL had them in the front and back.
You're lucky you found a good workshop! and around the corner. i have a trust issue with most work shops since 90% have never worked on a 944 turbo.
You're lucky you found a good workshop! and around the corner. i have a trust issue with most work shops since 90% have never worked on a 944 turbo.
10-13-2011, 02:32 AM
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I too have serious trust issues with a lot of workshops, especially as I used to be a factory BMW and Jaguar technician, and a parts manager for Volvo. I've spent too many years in the industry and know better than most how things really go-down behind the scenes. 
Given their specialisation in 944's with a proven record, and having spoken at length with them yesterday, I have no hesitation in trusting them with my new baby. It turns out that they get quite a lot of business from Melbourne to work on Porsches, which doesn't surprise me given the number of them I often see parked out the front, yet very few Porsches in town belonging to locals.