twichel04

I had a 944 many years ago, and I am considering getting back into one. It will mostly be for daily driving/occasional autocross. Back when I had my old 944, was way back before I really knew anything about cars (a lot has changed since then), So I am looking for some information on what to look out for, I feel like I have a pretty good idea, but it cant hurt to have some insight from other members who have had these cars a lot more recently than I have. I am looking for an NA between 85.5 and 88. It will be a lengthy search because I am looking for something well maintained and possibly with some autocross friendly mods.

I would also like to hear from some members who use their 944's for autocross. Any suggestions on suspension/brakes, etc?

Sterlingx2011

Well I use my 944 just for daily driving so I can't really say anything about auto cross. Pelican parts has a pretty comprehensive buyers guide for the front engine family.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...yers_guide.htm

SpeedyC2

I'm no pro at AutoX by any means, but I have found my S2 to be an excellent platform. The gearing and handling feel are great and I am usually competitive against much newer and more powerful cars.

twichel04

Thanks for the link!

twichel04

I wish I could afford an S2 or a 951.... but IF I can find a decent 944s, that would probably be in my price range.

goatfarmerdave

951 no good for autocross.I came in top 5 out of 30 cars every time in my 84 with konis.That's it.
This is Porsche Club fun autocross.Would regularly beat most 911's.Made them crazy!

johncos3777

Why is that exactly? Anyhow, if you cannot afford a 951, I'm not really sure you can afford to own a 944. These cars need lots of love. And love costs money.

Arominus

Buy an "S" it's 30hp more than the NA in the same chassis. It's a great and overlooked car and the prices for a decent one are not much more than an NA. I love mine, its smooth and quick. It's no more maintenance than owning an NA with the exception of the cam pads, which need to be looked at periodically.

Did i mention buy an S?

twichel04

I assume that the turbo is not as good for autocross due to turbo lag, but that could always be fixed

It's not the maintenance costs that drive me away from a 951, it's the initial cost. At least in my area, a well maintained turbo will cost at least twice as much as a well maintained NA. I'd rather buy a clean well maintained ready to go NA, and still have plenty left to do any and all maintenance that needs to be done and then get to a few mods for auto cross.

Sure I could get a Turbo for less without records and in rough shape, but I'd rather have a well cared for car to start with.

twichel04

Definitely keeping my eyes peeled

thirdgenbird

Your years make me think you want late interior, but if you are open to both, don't forget the lowly little 924s. Prices are great, it uses late rear suspension, the front suspension has early a arms (cheaper), they fit late offset wheels, and they don't look too shabby all cleaned up with a modern wheel design.*


*biased 924s owner

twichel04

You are absolutely right about me specifically wanting a later interior, lol. My old one was grey with a burgundy interior and I loved it. I really dont care for the early interiors at all. And I am not really a fan of the 924's either (no offense, just a personal preference)

I would be open to an early 944 IF it was extremely well maintained AND already had (well done) autocross friendly mods. Those things would help be over look the interior style, lol.

All I know for sure is that I will be taking my time with this one, and there is no way in hell I will get an automatic!!!!! lol

twichel04

Also, surprisingly, 924's seem to be harder to find in my area anyway.

thirdgenbird

I think the 924s has distinct advantages over the early 944. The late 944 is really a much more refined package.

There were very few 924s (2.5) cars made in comparison to the 944. I think a lot of early (2.0) 924 cars have died off.