Notices
944 Turbo and Turbo-S Forum 1982-1991
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Clore Automotive

Looking to buy 951.. Newbie

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-06-2011, 11:31 PM
  #1  
pandaboo911
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
pandaboo911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Looking to buy 951.. Newbie

Hi I'm new here and I've come across a 951 that is worthy of a purchase

I just wanted your opinions on what kind of a deal I'm getting, I also wanted some buyer's advice.(aside from getting a PPI at a porsche shop)
Here it is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5597027834/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5596444591/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5597028040/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5597028298/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5596445539/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5596445131/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5596445377/http://www.flickr.com/photos/55875676@N02/5596445729/
It does have some minor front end dents.

It's a 1987 951 with 145k miles. Black on black. "sport's package"..I assume this was standard on 951s
The owner claims the engine was fully rebuilt (not just reseal of block) at 108k but has no documentation because it was done by the PO. Since then the turbo has been upgraded to a KKK (he didnt specify which) turbo running 18psi, with an aftermarket header that he said won't crack. He also mentioned that the injectors have been upgraded, and that the car is making somewhere in the neighborhood of 300whp.

He is asking 6k.

Can a stock HG hold 18psi reliably?

He mentioned that is has a stock intercooler, and radiator. He also mentioned he installed a custom piggyback "from a guy in San Luis Obispo who races 944s," That was kind of vague to me. He also mentioned it passed smog, and that the rear hatch is waterproof as well as the sunroof.
The VIN is WPOAA2952HN151724

Any advice appreciated! Thanks in advance
Old 04-07-2011, 12:34 AM
  #2  
JohnKoaWood
Nordschleife Master
 
JohnKoaWood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fly Away
Posts: 7,759
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Sounds like a seller who doesn't really know what is there..

Vin checks as a basic 944 turbo, no real desirable options (sport seats, suspension groups)..
http://www.autoatlanta.com/life/vin/...AA2952HN151724

If the car is over all clean, and passes a PPI reasonably I would say 6K is fair..
Old 04-07-2011, 12:37 AM
  #3  
pandaboo911
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
pandaboo911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yea I checked that too. The carfax reports inconsistent mileage, is there any way to get the actual mileage off the DME?
Old 04-07-2011, 12:50 AM
  #4  
JohnKoaWood
Nordschleife Master
 
JohnKoaWood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fly Away
Posts: 7,759
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by pandaboo911
Yea I checked that too. The carfax reports inconsistent mileage, is there any way to get the actual mileage off the DME?
No... inconsistent mileage how, like a broken odometer gear, or swapped cluster? Or registration with varying mileage on the report...

These are all cause for pause, and have a thorough PPi performed before buying, unless you feel like potentially buying someone elses problems...

The carfax report isn't reason to NOT buy it, but is reason to be concerned...
Old 04-07-2011, 12:53 AM
  #5  
plumbum
Burning Brakes
 
plumbum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 1,150
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

nice looking car! I just picked up an 86 for 7k...from what i read before buying a car other than the ppi find out when the timing belt/water pump was last changed...also look into the clutch if it has been changed or if it will need to be changed.

I looked for quite a while before buying..not a bad idea to check out a couple other examples out
Old 04-07-2011, 01:50 AM
  #6  
OUNATE
Instructor
 
OUNATE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Granville, OH
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sounds like a money pit. Missing the front spoiler as well, I'd stay clear of this one. There are a few on here in that price range that are much cleaner. Good luck
Old 04-07-2011, 01:51 AM
  #7  
plumbum
Burning Brakes
 
plumbum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 1,150
Received 7 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Not from a ppi... If something feels wrong look for another
Old 04-07-2011, 01:51 AM
  #8  
David Floyd
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
David Floyd's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 7,109
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Red Flags ! proceed with caution

Have a PPI then if ok offer something well less than $6000, some pretty GOOD examples out there in the $6000 range
Old 04-07-2011, 03:28 AM
  #9  
CyCloNe!
Rennlist Member
 
CyCloNe!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA 23322
Posts: 4,122
Received 124 Likes on 105 Posts
Default

ya i would avoid it, that mileage is probably closer to 200k plus... my title is way cleaner then that and I paid 2800 for my 951... of course I put 2500 into it for preventative maintenance lol still worth it. Shop around, maybe look and see what rennlister may be selling. Honestly 5-6k should get you one that is in good condition, may need a little tlc, like the interior
Old 04-07-2011, 09:16 AM
  #10  
Tedro951
Three Wheelin'
 
Tedro951's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Indianapolis,IN
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The turbo emblem alone would be enough to make me walk away...
Old 04-07-2011, 09:30 AM
  #11  
67King
Race Car
 
67King's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I'd stay away from this one, unless you want a project to strip down and start over. Looks like it has been owned by someone who wanted a fancy car, but lacked the resources to care for it. Under hood is filthy, but has obviously been tampered with. Intake and intercooler pipes were painted. Looks like some aftermarket vacuum resivoir. Aftermarket wires. But again, filthy. Just looks like a typical high school aged ricer Civic type maintenance job. Option codes listed do not list an M474 suspension, but it appears to have the front shocks from it, anyway.

When you throw in the CarFax stuff which is obviously a big deal, that makes it a huge issue. If I were in the market for a track car, I'd look to spend $2500, maybe $3000 for it. Nowhere NEAR $6000.
Old 04-07-2011, 11:15 AM
  #12  
pettybird
Burning Brakes
 
pettybird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: cleveland ohio
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

tell him you need to make 12-15 passes on the runway, and then don't buy the car.
Old 04-07-2011, 11:55 AM
  #13  
User 52121
Nordschleife Master
 
User 52121's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,695
Received 134 Likes on 91 Posts
Default

*shrug* I dunno... assuming it passes a PPI, it seems like $6k is fair-ish. Maybe barter him down a few bucks from there?

There are definitely some red flags here... unknown mods, no documentation, turbo badge on the wrong side (why?)

Unless he can document when the belts and water pump were done, plan to do that right off the bat. It depends on the tune but 18psi is a bit higher than the average around here - most guys keep it to 15psi or less. These cars aren't Evos, they don't seem to hold up well under insane boost levels.

Otherwise it could be a driver. Realize that, with the car being 24 years old, even the most perfect example is going to take maintenance. I paid almost double this for my '86 2 years ago, all maintenance was up to date, car was really clean... and I've still easily put $6k into it over the last two years in routine maintenance. So this particular car here is probably going to need a few things. If you're stretching to afford this car, or are planning to DEPEND on this car for your ONLY transportation, you might want to look elsewhere. If you have another car to drive, and don't mind losing an occasional weekend to repair or maintain the car, then this sounds like it might not be a bad deal.
Old 04-07-2011, 01:12 PM
  #14  
TX951
Instructor
 
TX951's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by pandaboo911
Yea I checked that too. The carfax reports inconsistent mileage, is there any way to get the actual mileage off the DME?
CARFAX can be wrong, quite often, but it makes for good pre-purchase discussion points.

Case in point, I ran one for my Father-in law on Tuesday. It showed inconsistent mileage reports, and failed emissions tests. The seller had all records proving otherwise.

Regarding the price, I think $6k is about right for this car with all its faults and unknowns.
Old 04-07-2011, 01:48 PM
  #15  
schip43
Three Wheelin'
 
schip43's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Carson City NV
Posts: 1,507
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by OmniGLH
*shrug* I dunno... assuming it passes a PPI, it seems like $6k is fair-ish. Maybe barter him down a few bucks from there?

There are definitely some red flags here... unknown mods, no documentation, turbo badge on the wrong side (why?)

Unless he can document when the belts and water pump were done, plan to do that right off the bat. It depends on the tune but 18psi is a bit higher than the average around here - most guys keep it to 15psi or less. These cars aren't Evos, they don't seem to hold up well under insane boost levels.

Otherwise it could be a driver. Realize that, with the car being 24 years old, even the most perfect example is going to take maintenance. I paid almost double this for my '86 2 years ago, all maintenance was up to date, car was really clean... and I've still easily put $6k into it over the last two years in routine maintenance. So this particular car here is probably going to need a few things. If you're stretching to afford this car, or are planning to DEPEND on this car for your ONLY transportation, you might want to look elsewhere. If you have another car to drive, and don't mind losing an occasional weekend to repair or maintain the car, then this sounds like it might not be a bad deal.
+1, as long as your not buying it now and planning on throwing it into daily driver duty right away, you'll be fine.

PPI to find things like collision repair/slash damage,records for water pump TB change and last clutch job would be important. Records and doc for what has been installed would be heplful.

Regarding boost levels my 89 S runs 18lbs of boost daily (when it runs, problems unrelated to engine ) with Max Chips and supporting mods. I turned the boost down to 12 when I got it and it ran like crap ie lazy off boost performance.


Quick Reply: Looking to buy 951.. Newbie



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 11:47 PM.