GSL-SEX2

I'm shopping for a Porsche 944 Turbo.

Right now I'm looking at an '87, but what is the best year of 944 Turbo to get?

From my limited research, I think the 88 Turbo S and the 89+ Turbo.

What are the differences in these models?

What options were available in the 944?

Thanks everyone!
IJ

Black Arrow

I would go for a 88S or 89->
Better suspension, upgraded brakes, larger turbo and different engine management is the main differences between the models.

If u`re planning to upgrade anyway it isnt that big of a issue what year you gonna buy, u`ll upgrade it anyway!

Randy_J

here's a good start http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Pit/4786/

but google search 944 Turbo S and you will find quite a lot of information on the cars.

oh, '86 if you are into modding the car, '87 for better spindles and more wheel choices, '88S / 89 for all the factory upgrades for a OEM car.

v944god

86 should be a lighter car also, if your looking to upgrade don't bother with an 89 or a turbo S.

also, if your modifying the car, do yourself a favor and find one with LSD. my 951 has no LSD, and its annoying as hell when one tire spins, and the other doesn't.

C5Driver951

You have to ask yourself what the purpose of the car will be, and if you're going to modify it. If you like stock cars with great capability then buy the 88-89 "S". If not, buy a nice example of an 86-88 951 and mod the snot out of it. Check the archives for many threads on the specific differences.

ELLSSUU

Joel, still have the rims for sale?

poormans9fitty1

Make sure it has an LSD. Then try to find one that has not been chipped. It is better for the engine. Then chip it. Ha. The 86 models do not have ABS or air bags in them. That makes them lighter. They also have different offsets for the wheels. There are different timing belt tensioners? Not sure on that last one, but basically, 86 is a little stripped. I really dont see the point in the air bags...I have seen two of the worst accidents with these cars, and the air bags did not deploy. SO not having them makes the dash look clean and less stuff to worry about. Hope this helps.

C5Driver951

Nope, sold them a couple of weeks ago to a guy on the list, but I did make an addition to the 944 stable.



Sorry about the off-topic...

ELLSSUU

Very nice, Back to our regularly sched. program.

Silverbullet951

I think a regular 88 turbo S is the best 951 you can get, but since you can't find them anywhere, an 89 is another car that is basically the same car as an 88 S. But they go for much more than a regular 88. I have an 88 951 non S and it's great. And basically you can get the 88 non S as fast as an 88 S or 89 with about 300 bucks. So it's not really worth it spending all that extra cash.

Waterguy

The key thing in my book is to find one with an LSD. You may be pushed into a Turbo S/1989 to get the LSD, since they all come with a stronger one stock. I bought a 1989 to keep mainly stock (well, chips and MBC) and have all the goodies, but if you are thinking of modifications by all means get an earlier model with LSD or budget to add LSD with the other mods. I also lucked into the sport seats, but wouldn't want to give them up either!

GSL-SEX2

Thanks guys, I was looking at an 87. Does that one have LSD?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

Is the benefits of the 88 Turbo S or 89 Turbo pretty much negated by chipping an 86 or 87?

How are the brakes on the 87 or 86s? Are they adequate?

This is gonna be a street car.

Peckster

They're all good! Just find one that's in decent shape.

hosrom_951

'86 and '87 models used manual tensioners while later models were fitted with spring-type tensioners.

I have an '86 German spec model, it's probably faster stock than the RoW/US/Japan models (stock)

The best models were probably the '89 since their transmissions had a much strengthened 1st and 2nd gears (along with LSD,ABD blah blah...).

Want a project car? go for the '86, cheapest and lightest of them all......

Randy_J

220 Locking (Limited Slip) differential is what you are looking for in an 87

88TS and most 89 951's should have option pkge "758 Special model 944 Turbo" and that includes quite a few changes over a regular 951 - there's a pretty good write up at:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Pit/4786/

They're all pretty special cars in any case. Just find a good one that hasn't been abused. Maintenance records and PPI by a competent shop are really important.