I did some searching but have not been able to find this information. We are considering a 1988 black on black- NA car and it has 190k miles. sat for three years, REcent timing belt service, slave cyl, and tune up, back on the road. Boxter rims, Rack is leaking, needs rear tires, and has damage on the bumper and pass fender. (parts are included to fix) Just curious about whether the motor is about dead or if they still have plenty of life at this point. (well maint examples of course). Comparing to a 150k mile 84 model, which is better? are there enough improvements to make the 88 model just as good? I have seen many low mileage cars of other makes that were pigs from neglect- curious if P- is the same

 

it's a kit car roller waiting for whatever engine you desire.

to begin,

I advise that you cut and run from the factory lawnmower turd and install a V8 from Mr. Goodwrench.

why?? because it's a lot more power, it'll go a good ways, and you get to keep living with your wife.

instead of the opposites of those 3 nice things.

 

The 88 compared to the 84 is higher compression and an updated ECU. Other than that they're practically the same if I'm not mistaken. I have an 88 motor in my 83. If anything it runs better, slightly quicker. 190K is a lot for these motors if there was any neglect at some point. I've heard of members taking their Pcars over 300K. The 150k Sounds like a better bet, but both would give you peace of mind if rebuilt. Otherwise you are getting an updated interior and suspension compared to the 84. Overall the later cars are more refined and pack just a little bit more punch. I am more versed in the early cars so maybe some other members can chime in.

 

I think if the engine was maintained very well (which is hard to find), it might be fine. No guarentees though, that is pretty high. But so is 150k.

Things the '88 has over the '84:
All new interior, including seats
Aluminum suspension arms (earlier steel front ones were better IMO)
Higher compression ratio (as mentioned)
Third brakelight
Shorter fifth gear
Steering column sits higher (could be a concern if you are tall)
Things it might have that were optional in '88 but not available in '84: airbags (although I've never seen them optioned on a base-model car), ABS, central locking, heated seats (rare), power passenger seat, 8- or more way power front seats, um, probably some other stuff.
Some OEM Porsche 17" wheels fit the car, whereas on the '84 they don't due to being the wrong offset (Boxster wheels you mention). Porsche did release some sort of tech bulletin about how 968 castor blocks are needs for 17" wheels or something
Solid front left spindle that doesn't shatter in high-performance applications (track)
Different fuel tank - forget in what way
Probably some other stuff.

Overall how does the car look? Does it look like a heap? If so, move on. Does it look like it is in really good shape (and not poorly repainted yesterday just for the sale)? Then look into it further.

A really well-maintained 190k car can be a lot better than a poorly maintained 150k. But obviously, the opposite works as well.

Maybe try to upload some pics or post links as well.

Take care,

 

88 additional advantages:
Dash/Electrical improvements
Slightly improved cams
DME better
Lighter exhaust manifold steel in lieu of cast iron
Short 5th gear
Updated automatic tensioner for timing belt
central transmission mount
plastic fuel tank


If you do drop a V8 in it. Which would be fun for a street car I'm certain, I'll buy the pistons and cam

 

Oh man, didn't see that one coming!

 

pffft bought my 951 with 185k on the clock now I'm over 200k and daily driven so I wound't worry about the miles just the maintenance vs the price vs how much effort and money your going to put in it. BTW my 951 sat for a little while the clutch went out and a person donated it to a charity whom I purchased it from.

 

That's pretty high for mileage. If you get it for really cheap though and the car is nice cosmetically, and the engine blows, you can swap in another engine feasibly. Transmissions can be had for like $300

 

I have well over 250K on an 85.5. no engine problems. why are you worried?

 

All depends on the PO. My 951 had 100k and needed a major overhaul. My S2 had 185k and I've taken it to 200k with minimal effort.

 

I wonder guys, all you with high mileage cars did you switch to synthetic oil from GTX 20W-50?

 

There are a lot of threads debating what types of oil to use, but in general, you'll want a high-zinc oil. If you go the 20w50 route, Brad Penn and VR1 racing oil are the ones mentioned most often around here (from what I've seen).

Anyhow, GTX isn't terrible. I added half a quart of it last night because I'm changing my oil soon anyway, but bear in mind that there is better oil out there for our cars.

 

I read ans asked on BITOG forum, some said Shell Rotella T6 5W40, some Delo Synthetic 5w-40 and even M1 0-40, well all those are synthetics, where VR1 is mineral oil, so as general rule would you use mineral over synthetic, since car was design for mineral oils?

 

THanks for all of the great feedback everyone!! I am trying to make a great choice.

I assume this is sarcastic, but at the risk that it was not; I am worried because these cars are KNOWN to be expensive to own, and choosing the right car makes all the difference. And there are LOTS of choices... thankfully. but it also means that there are better and worse ones and it is not always clear which is which... especially when you are on a budget.

 

There's really not just one factor. You have to weigh together all aspects of the car. 150k highway miles with perfect maintenance and good PO records is preferred to me over 100k of being trashed with poor upkeep and no records any day.