87-924S vs. 944
10-20-2003, 10:49 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Kelowna, BC. Canada
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
87-924S vs. 944
I realize I am questioning the converted.... but.
I am looking at buying an 87 924S... I was wondering the relative merits of the 924S versus the "regular" 944.
There certainly appear to be alot fewer 924 around and for sale. I realize that the 924S has the 944 engne and transmission, and there was a boost in HP in 88 for the 924S.
Any comments greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Shaun.
I am looking at buying an 87 924S... I was wondering the relative merits of the 924S versus the "regular" 944.
There certainly appear to be alot fewer 924 around and for sale. I realize that the 924S has the 944 engne and transmission, and there was a boost in HP in 88 for the 924S.
Any comments greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Shaun.
10-20-2003, 11:12 PM
#2
Unbannable
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
What I normally tell people is that, for all intensive purposes, the 924S is essentially an '83-85 944 without the fender flares. They're a bit lighter, but look less aggressive. By the time you get to the '85.5 944, you have some updates, most notably of which is the new interior.
Those differences aside, they are pretty much the same car.
BB.
Those differences aside, they are pretty much the same car.
BB.
10-20-2003, 11:24 PM
#3
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As Berrburner said, the 924S is less 'aggresive' looking than the 944, and I think prices reflect that. Most people, even a Porsche mechanic I once, ONCE, talked to, don't know that the engines and mechanicals are essentially the same. Part of me likes the clean original lines of the 924, but I'm now starting to look at 951s, the more aggresive looks (and weight) make more sense to me than the NA 944. I have heard of some on this board preferring the 924S to track with, especially the 88 Le Mann edition I believe. I hope to track mine once I find that just right 951.
10-20-2003, 11:38 PM
#5
Race Car
The '88 924S and 944 both got the 158 Hp engine, in '87 they both had 150 hp but I've heard a few 924S owners tell me they had heard that the factory "detuned" the 924 in '87 so that it wouldn't be faster than the 944. It's just what I've heard, not sure if I believe it myself, but Porsche AG has been known to do that sort of thing...
10-20-2003, 11:52 PM
#6
I think that story may apply to RoW 924S models versus RoW 944 models. All US models were detuned to an extent when compared to RoW versions anyway. Wasn't it '88 when Porsche standardized the vehicles so all regions got the same thing, output wise.
Trending Topics
10-21-2003, 01:47 AM
#8
Race Car
Manning, Correct, the '88 was the same for US and ROW.
Duck, IF there was a difference it may have been in software in which case a chip should do the trick. They could have used a different ignition timing map or fuel, etc. or even just a slightly lower rev limit. Any aftermarket chip would be OK as we KNOW the chip makers won't be selling different programs for the different models. Who knows, maybe thats where some of the outragous HP increase claims come from, they test 'em on 924S's!
Duck, IF there was a difference it may have been in software in which case a chip should do the trick. They could have used a different ignition timing map or fuel, etc. or even just a slightly lower rev limit. Any aftermarket chip would be OK as we KNOW the chip makers won't be selling different programs for the different models. Who knows, maybe thats where some of the outragous HP increase claims come from, they test 'em on 924S's!
10-21-2003, 02:53 AM
#9
Originally posted by Dave
Manning, Correct, the '88 was the same for US and ROW.
Duck, IF there was a difference it may have been in software in which case a chip should do the trick. They could have used a different ignition timing map or fuel, etc. or even just a slightly lower rev limit. Any aftermarket chip would be OK as we KNOW the chip makers won't be selling different programs for the different models. Who knows, maybe thats where some of the outragous HP increase claims come from, they test 'em on 924S's!
Manning, Correct, the '88 was the same for US and ROW.
Duck, IF there was a difference it may have been in software in which case a chip should do the trick. They could have used a different ignition timing map or fuel, etc. or even just a slightly lower rev limit. Any aftermarket chip would be OK as we KNOW the chip makers won't be selling different programs for the different models. Who knows, maybe thats where some of the outragous HP increase claims come from, they test 'em on 924S's!
The factory manual specifies the same DME part number for 87 924s and 944. I would assume that the DME part number would be different if the DME contained a different chip for fuel maps, etc.
There was probably enough cosmetically to differentiate these cars that it didn't really matter that one was faster than the other.
Kevin
10-21-2003, 09:13 AM
#11
Instructor
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Titusville FL
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also believe that the 924S is more aerodynamic than the 944. I have gotten as high as 33 mpg with mine on the highway. The 924S also does not have the aluminum lower control arms (like the later 944) but does have the same rear suspension as the later 944. Try http://924.org for more information.
10-21-2003, 11:22 AM
#12
Race Car
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Katy, TX - Texas Greaseslingers West
Posts: 4,848
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whata you know - another dual 951 924S owner. I like them both. Actually enjoy driving the 924S more in day to day usage (although neither one ever leaves the garage). But I did drive the 951 to work today! The extra power of the Turbo is nice, but the 924S requires a whole lot less maintenance. That and I'm always wondering what mechanical nightmare the 951 has waiting for me. 
10-21-2003, 11:37 AM
#14
Racer
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i tend to lean towards the more classic lines of the 924S. this preference in appearance is the only decision you need to make. after that, you can simply focus on finding the best example that fits your budget. my advice is to waste countless hours looking at pictures of both cars all over the rennlist, p-car online, 924board, etc.
10-21-2003, 11:59 AM
#15
Race Director
Guys the detuned 924S thing is a myth for US spec cars. I know because I am using the heads & injection from an 87 924S on a 84 944 block in my 84 944-spec car. Rear suspension is aluminum and I also swaped it into my 944-spec car. Front syspension is early steel arm type. Springs & swaybars also match the early cars. The interior is early style. I believe the black is the same as in an early 944 except for white vs yellow gauge faces. The tan/brown was a light tan/black combo in the 924S.
Obviously there are no fender flairs on 924S. This limits tire width as the stock size was 195/65 on 15x6 wheels using a 52.3 mm offset. The fifth gear is 0.829 vs the 0.730 for the 944's (all 88 cars had the 0.829).
Obviously there are no fender flairs on 924S. This limits tire width as the stock size was 195/65 on 15x6 wheels using a 52.3 mm offset. The fifth gear is 0.829 vs the 0.730 for the 944's (all 88 cars had the 0.829).