jdog

Here is the situation:
I have an 86 951 and have completely gutted the car due to a water leak, which I fixed. Then came the the coolant in the oil so I tore it all apart and found that there was a leaking headgasket. Then found out that the water pump was shot and making a god awful noise (bearing was bad). So at this point I have pulled the engine and I am deciding on what to do. I only paid $3k for the car about 6 years ago and to get everything back to where it was I will be spending more than I paid for it. I am on the fence. Part of me wants to sell it and buy a running 996 or 997 ( I know I will pay more for that but right now it seems like a great idea) and the other part of me just can't let it go (I think I feel like it has defeated me!). First question is what would the car be worth. I have new carpet, a brand newly rebuilt head and about $1,000 in new parts for it.
Second question what would Jesus do... I mean what would you do?
Help a brother out here!
JR

Scott H

If you have the room, money, time, and inclination to actually finish it (or drag it out for years doing a little work at a time) then I'd keep it. If you just want a car you can get in and drive and not have to worry about, then a 996 or 997 would probably be more up your alley.

I'd keep it and buy a reliable DD... oh wait, that's exactly what I did

lart951

the car is worth less than what you paid for 6 years ago, fix it or part it if you want more money.

aben8057

buy a 996 and take your time fixing the 951...thats what i did

2bridges

Sounds like a bottomless pit if you are looking to make a nice all around street car.
I'd say track rat it, or send it down the road and be great full if you get most of what you have in it.

Not what you want to hear, but if you are wavering now, you will be hard pressed to stay motivated on it. Tearing it apart is the easy part. Putting it together takes 10X the finesse/effort/expense and dedication to see it through.

hally

Sounds like you have the skills to fix it and plenty of very helpful and knowledgeable people here if you take it on.

333pg333

+1. It's in the perfect position to be converted to a great track car.

AScholtes

Id fix it. But thats just me. I am kinda in the same situation. Mine needs a good bit of maintenance, which I am starting now. We dont build these cars for the investment value, we build them for the love of the car. You never get what you put in it, ever. This holds true for just about any car out there with age on it. I paid 3K for mine just a few months ago, and I probably have another 25oo in it thus far. I will probably spend another 3-4 before its where I want it to be in the next couple of years...

Tedro951

Wait for the weather to break and hit it hard. +1 on the 996 and keep the 951. It's like selling a stock thats gone way down....except you cant take the losses on your taxes. You've already taken the beating on it.

Josh B

944 turbo parts/project cars typically sell for $1500 to $2000.

User 52121

^^^ +1

There is no such thing as a "cheap" Porsche.

I paid between 3-4x as much as you did for yours 2 years ago, and while I refuse to do the actual math (don't EVER do the actual math! Don't do it!!!), I think it's a safe bet I've put quite a bit more than $2,500 into it so far in just regular maintenance items.

teamcrossworks

I usually don't agree with Lart...lol...but

Part it!

You'll get the most money back in your pocket that way to put into another car of your desire. There are so many great deals out there it would be silly not to take advantage of them.