jimlam56

Hi All:
I have a 1986 944 Turbo currently and have been looking at at a 1987 944S.
What kind of performance difference should I expect?
I know there's a hp difference, what about driveability.
Thanks,
Jim

Arominus

The S is like an 8v NA car until you hit 3500ish then it it hits and it likes to rev to redline (6800), its slower than an 86 turbo by far but is still fun. Its extremely smooth in its power delivery. Its what porsche should have done for all of the late NA's if they would have had the guts to ditch the 8v motor. Everything else about the S is an NA chassis, though the transaxle is based on the turbo.

I loved my S and i drove it everywhere for a few years, if your looking for a second 944 its a good choice and is the most underrated of the 944 line IMO.

ramius665

Jim, I've got an 86 turbo and an 87 944S. The short answer is the performance between the two barely compares. To expound on that point, even in stock form a 944 turbo is laggy before you're on boost but then it rockets toward red line. The 944S has a noticeable lack of torque before you come on the cams around 4k and then it pulls strongly up to the fuel cut at 6750 RPM. The difference in power, assuming both are in stock trim is only about 30hp but a staggering 55ft/lbs of torque! Power delivery in the 944S is still progressive but you'll find yourself rowing through the gears to stay in the power band which is higher in the RPM range than an 8V car. Many people swap over the later 944 S2 intake manifold which some claim returns a bit of the lower-midrange torque. To be clear, the 944S is still very driveable and I think it's a fantastic counterpoint to the base 8V cars. Plus, the 16V head sounds divine as it screams to redline. Deleting the resonator from the exhaust is just loud enough to give a good tone without getting to the point that you hate driving or hearing the exhaust.

jimlam56

Thanks guys for some solid information!
Not sure the wife would allow me 2 Porsches, that would make 5 cars between the two of us!
I hear you on the torque differential between the two models.
This has me in a quandary, as the S is in much more driveable shape as is, and it is Copenhagen Blue along with a much more clear and documented history.
Here's a link:
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/4981151846.html
I'm going to take a look at it tomorrow and maybe risk the wrath of the spouse...she'll get over it eventually.

Arominus

Looks nice, though the price feels a bit high. I'd try to negotiate this one down some. Its not very original as it has had the fenders, header panel, headlight covers and bumper swapped for turbo/s2 units. It may be a repaint to the color. The roof antenna was added as well. The stereo is vintage Alpine (not stock). One of the wheels has a small amount of rash.

No engine pics, but i would check the magnesium parts for signs of deterioration (intake, cam gear cover, Valve cover). They strip easily also. Look in the records for the usual stuff (belts ect) and specifically the Cam tensioner pads need to be done if they haven't been already. Expect that the factory J-tube to the tensioner is gone if its never been done, they were plastic tubes vs the newer metal ones and go bye bye after a while. You won't see that till the valve cover comes off.

PaulD_944S2

If you are seriously considering a 944 in that price range you should shop for a 944 S2.
Not quite as fast as a non "S" turbo, but close, with good low end torque.

jimlam56

Thanks Paul, how would an S2 compare with my 86 Turbo?
I have a good starting point with my 951, what would be the advantage to an S2?

jimlam56

I'll be trying to working this one down to 8k with a max offer of 8.5.

mel_t_vin

Looks nice...agreed.

I think someone simply added an aftermarket [probably fiberglass] bumper cover...fenders [and I suspect header and covers] appear to be OE standard parts. That being the case, it would be relatively easy to retrofit an OE bumper/valance for originality.

Arominus

I always forget that there were aftermarket turbo look noses made for the NA

ramius665

For an original 944S, I don't think $8500+ is unreasonable. They made less 944S' than the later S2s and they retain the classic 944 looks. Values are already starting to climb now that clean examples of S2 coupes are going up and Panorama and Excellence have both done articles in the last 2 years listing the 944S as a "hot buy".

PaulD_944S2

jimlam56,

If you have a 951 you know how non-linear the power band is.
The S2 is as fast as the 951, maybe faster, until the turbo comes on boost.
But the S2 is a nice controllable smooth burst of acceleration.

If you like the S, you'll love the S2.

mel_t_vin

And most, if not all, are fiberglass.

As clean as that Copenhagen car is, I would retro fit a factory front end.

Jim, if you speak with the owner, ask them if they still have the original wheels and linen front seats. Nothing wrong with what's on the car, but, originality makes a great [re-]selling point.

jimlam56

Thanks again for all the replies. Did not buy. The car was in somewhat better shape than mine, but a dealbreaker was the sport seats and no price negotiation. No way would I be comfortable with those seats for a long distance.
I think I'll focus on my 951. It's paid for...