JE_951

Awesome! Thanks for the info and help guys! Now i just have to keep my search going until i find the right one.

Ahmet

My response was in line with many others here, along the lines of "no bad years, if you're going to upgrade heavily, start with an 86", etc.

After owning 5 944 turbos, tracking them and working on dozens, I'm more opinionated. 1986 944 turbos are not bad cars, but the 87s are significantly better in many ways, and the 88S and 89 turbos are that much better. In my opinion, first buy the best car you can afford, condition is very important, however now that turbo S spec cars can be found under or around the $15k range in descent condition, it makes more sense to buy one of these for any purpose. As a street car, they're better due to improved stereo, lock mechanisms, insulation, etc. and with light mods they peroform better. Similarly they also make more sense for a heavily modified or track car, you start with a far better chasis (spindles, control arms, brakes, transaxle, and chasis reinforcements, so on). At the end, if the purchase price difference between a turbo S and a regular turbo is too great, you may not have enough money to play with 944 turbos (unless you do your own work, and are fairly comfortable with auto mechanics).
Ahmet

Eric

Where are you located? My 86 is for sale. Great condition, all stock, and a ton of records(and yes it has LSD and Fuchs).

Evan70

Buy the best maintained car you can find within your budget, no matter what year. Having said that, I'd personally try to find an 88 S, or 89 model. Also, even if you find a very well maintained car, you need to make sure you keep about $2500 in reserve for maintenance/repairs at all times.

EdC

Unless you REALLY want a turbo, consider a 968 or S2 as well.

If you are in school and money is tight, you might be better off with say a Honda until you finish school. Don't be impatient, get your education out of the way before acquiring toys. Your time, energy, attention and resources should be on school and not Porsches. You will then be able to better enjoy the Porsche, appreciate it more, and not worry as much over expenses. (That is my "Dad" advice.)

JE_951

Im located in the seattle but my father lives in danville california which is where ill be going to school. But i will be in community college with a heated garage parking place and good job (for a student). THe market sucks right now...not many out there.

Jon Moeller

'86-'91 are good years, depending on your location.
-Jon

Porsche-O-Phile

Have to agree. There are no bad years. If you're building one to mod the hell out of and don't care about collectability, I'd say look for an '86. They're fine platforms. If you're a collector looking for a rarer, limited-production run car, consider the cups or one of the (very few) '85 951s built (ROW only) or Turbo Cabriolets (again, ROW only).

I still want to someday get a turbo cabrio and import it. It'd be worth it.

EdC

You should have enough on your plate going to school and working. The LAST thing that you NEED now is a vehicle that is likely divert your attention from school. At this time in your life you need to work to get the most out of school, the Porsche can wait. Get back to hitting the books and homework. Believe me when I say that when you are in college you will want, and have to, spend money on other things than a vehicle that could eat you alive with expenses. Youth's enthusiasm sometimes clouds judgment.

JE_951

I think ill just end up getting whatever car comes along first. I like the ABS of the 87' because of seattle winters so that may be my preference.

quick question. Is the difference between the 951 and 951S in the turbo/more boost? or is there a difference in displacement? (engine wise)

But i agree with EdC on the school/work time issue. But the one luxury i have is that my job is a self employed auto detailer. I can work half the hours as my friends on any day i like and there are always customers. So yes i need to spend my time on school, but i need a hobby too, and im sure my 951 will keep me busy.

SD Porsche Fan

951S and the '89 were rated at 250 hp vs. 217 for the standard 951. this was primarily achieved with a larger 26/8 turbo vs the 26/6 and a slighly larger exhaust valves.

Other differences included the big Brembo breaks from the 928S4, M030 suspension, LSD, Carrera2 rims and a few other small differences.

Clark's Garage has a pretty good FAQ that lays out most of the differences.

http://www.clarks-garage.com/951faq.htm

Jfrahm

I believe the 951S exhaust valve *stems* are larger diameter, not the valves themselves.