SoulFunkdUp

It's great to see so many people involved with these cars, from what I know about them they're an outstanding performing car that are capable of even greater performance with a small amount of tuning. One thing I'm also starting to see (which is expected when dealing with a 20+ yr old vehicle) is that there are many things that can and will go wrong with them and the up keep is far from cheap.

For someone considering jumping into the 951 world, what should they expect after purchasing their much loved car? What things need attention right away and what things should you look out for?

Thanks for the help and from what I've seen, you guys/gals have some wonderful examples of what I'm quickly falling in love with.....the mighty 951!!

tone3721

Belts and water pump will probably be first on the list. There will be times youll want to pull your hair out. Sorting these cars is not cheap. Ive seen very few cars at 20+ years old that still look good, and can be resaonably reliable. Most cars by 20 years have fallen apart. P-cars, are/can be an exception. Not that their arent a whole lot of poorly maintained lumps out there(esp 944's), there is trust me. Its hard to say what to look out for on your car. Like I said belts, and water pump will probably number one on your priority list, depending on when it was done. What may potentially go, in my experience has alot to with where the car is from. The climate in the environment you live/car is from, has alot to do with it. In the desert just about anything rubber, or plastic, is possibly dry rot, or cracked. Seals of all kinds, belts, dashboard, etc, etc.

SoulFunkdUp

Thanks Tone, the car I'm looking at is located in CA and seems to have spent its life in the Bay Area. The history has been lost and the vehicle seems to run well and drives tight but on the lift I notice a CV boot that was torn (not a huge deal), the car is pretty clean but the dash is cracked and the seats are getting tired.

I was thinking the timing belt would need to be changed right away.

Thanks again....

Keithr726

CV boot isn't too difficult just depends on which side and if you have an oil cooler. Clutches are a PITA with these cars and if you don't do it yourself quite expensive (~$2,500). I bought my car for $8k and put that amount into it in two years of maintenance. When you get it don't go turning up the boost because headgaskets go real easy. I know which 951 you are talking about, paint looks great and I really like that interior color combo. That price is good, but thats considering the dealer doesn't have or need to disclose any maintenance history.

SoulFunkdUp

Thanks Keith, they dont have any history...there is oil on the No. 1 spark plug though which makes me wonder what the cause is and what its gonna cost to correct. Any thoughts?

Keithr726

I've seen quite a few 951s with scored cylinders from using the wrong octane fuel with performance chips and improperly set boost. It shouldn't be too much of a problem, how was compression on that cylinder and how much oil was it? Could also be worn valve guides but nothing too severe.

sebastian944

What do you mean by wrong octane? you mean putting in 87? or 89?

400hp944

A drained bank account!

SoulFunkdUp

That cylinder had the highest compression. No.1/150, No.2/135(then went up to 140 on 2nd pass), No.3/140, No.4/140. This is why I'm a bit confused...the compression seems to be ok. I'd rather see them all the same at either 150psi or 140psi.

SoulFunkdUp

I expect to spend some money. I just want to make sure I'm driving more than repairing. Wishfull thinking!

CPR

Soul,
Don't listen to these guys....before you do anything you need a new wing and a new splitter. That way when it does breakdown at least it looks good!

J/K....good luck with your purchase, and welcome to the luny bin.

SoulFunkdUp

That was great CPR....I'm sure I'll be in the market soon..

JohnKoaWood

dagame27

From personal experience, it'll definitely cost you (time and money). However, when it's right, it is all worth it!

SoulFunkdUp

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it if as long as its still around but was really hoping to get a good idea of what I will need to do to fix the issue of the oily No.1 spark plug.

BTW-Whats the average cost for replacing the timing belt?