I've found a local 951 that is in my price range (cheap). I currently have a 944 N/A. I pretty much know what to look for on a N/A but was wondering what specific thing with the turbo cars should I look out for? Says that the car has had a lot of work done and has extensive records but body needs work.

 

Pretty much all the same stuff as a N/A as far as I know.

Though "cheap" and "lot of work done" are generally not two items that accurately describe a single car, turbo or not.

 

Have a PPI done.

 

Make sure it boost's nicely and has a solid idle. When you turn it off, listen for the turbo coolant pump running for 30 sec. Check option codes sticker for code 220(LSD). ckeck for smoke coming out of tailpipe. I little black smoke will come out with a hard rev. See how much the motor moves when idling.

 

Others on here with a lot more experience than me, but this cheap car will turn into an expensive one if the clutch is slipping. You already know the costs of parts, and I'm guessing you'll do all of the labor yourself. Bodywork is straightforward and as cheap on a 951 as it is on a Corolla.

PPI is not a bad idea, but I wouldn't celebrate if it comes up clean. docwyte's recent project started with a PPI....

 

There is no such thing as a cheap Porsche, especially if a turbo is involved.

 

We could give you a list of stuff…but your best bet is to bring a long somebody that knows 944 turbos to look at it. There are so many things that could be wrong the list would be just about endless!

The only ‘real’ cheap Porsche 944 turbo is called a parts car….

 

Most important is to look under the seats and carpet for the previous owners wallet and loose change. your gonna need it.....

 

I paid $3,800 for my first one, and $20,000 later, it finally worked the way we wanted. $1,900 for my second car, and i got a busted cycling valve which overboosted the crap out of my car (30-ish psi) and blew the motor. It now has the motor from the first car. I would really listen to all of the things everyone is saying. We didn't, and paid for it...

 

Sound advice. I got a reply from the seller and it sounds mechanically sound. He has been driving it long distances with no problem (so he said). Main issue is paint has clear coat peeling from hot CO sun and the front fender has been hit and dented. He owns a 944 N/A too. He was going to sell the N/A and restore the 951. He has all reciepts since the car was new. I will at least have to go look at it. If it is any good, I'll have to convince the wife that I need another 944 or have to sell my N/A. I should just take her for a test ride and let the boost do the talking. Then she will understand why I want one so much

 

Haha boost can do many things. well, good luck with it. The clear coat peeling seems to be pretty normal. What color?

 

Not sure of the factory codes but it looks like a dark charcoal grey metalic finish. From the pics looks like maroon interior. He's out of town until next week so I hope to take drive down to look at it then.

 

I'm a huge fan of that and just plain white....

 

More heat in the Turbo=less flexibility in the hoses. Turbo's run on vacumm...hoses. The heat also dries out the wiring insulation more. Check the Reference sensor wires and PLUGs. Fuel lines are pricey but a 'Must' to have in good shape. Pull the IC pipe and look for oil, [mist is right] pooling is bad=IC will need to be flushed. The guys are right, check your wallet for space, more then .002 in and trouble ahead