2+2

I will be looking at a 951 S this weekend for possible purchase.

1. It has low miles but what items should I be looking for? I have looked at FAQs and I guess coolant in oil via cooler is one potential problem to look for. Anything else?

2. For Turbo S, some web pages says the normal boost is 1.2 bar but others say 1.82 bar!!! Which accurate? (to make sure not overboosting)

3. What is the recommended time/mileage interval for timing belt change? How much does this typically cost to have a professional do it?

4. Any other information or advice??

Thanks
I hope to join you guys soon. I have never owned a German car so pretty inexperienced at this....

Flight_951

[quote]Originally posted by 2+2:
<strong>I will be looking at a 951 S this weekend for possible purchase.

1. It has low miles but what items should I be looking for? I have looked at FAQs and I guess coolant in oil via cooler is one potential problem to look for. Anything else?

2. For Turbo S, some web pages says the normal boost is 1.2 bar but others say 1.82 bar!!! Which accurate? (to make sure not overboosting)

3. What is the recommended time/mileage interval for timing belt change? How much does this typically cost to have a professional do it?

4. Any other information or advice??

Thanks
I hope to join you guys soon. I have never owned a German car so pretty inexperienced at this....</strong><hr></blockquote>

1. I would check all the fluids. They should be clean and full. Check the car for body work. The panels should have an original Porsche VIN tag on each (hood, front fenders, doors, rear hatch) with matching numbers. Pull the rear hatch carpet out and look in the now exposed trunk for signs of body work, water leakage, or past deformity of the rear quarter panels. Check for the spare tire and wheel, tool kit, jack, and air compressor. Check that all panels match in terms of color, and that gaps are uniform.

2. My 89 951 boosted to 1.8 on the gauge when I bought it and it was stock. When you turn the ignition off after the test drive, note if the turbo coolant pump turns on for 30 seconds. There should be a low to moderate buzzing from the engine bay. This pump extends turbo life.

3. Timing belt interval is 45k. Many enthusiasts change at 30k. Water pumps are usually replaced every two to three timing belts since the labor is basically the same. A "ballpark" figure for timing belt replacement without a water pump is $700. Not cheap. The clutch is another biggie ($1500+). They last anywhere from 30k miles to 100k miles. 60k is about average.

4. Check every single item on the car (sunroof, turn signals, radio, cruise, wipers, etc.). Make sure the owner has the service records that go with the car.

If all this checks out, THEN get a pre purchase inspection (PPI) at the nearest QUALITY shop that knows the 944. This inspection will check items that require a lift (oil and fluid leaks, cv joint condition, etc.), as well as compression test each cylinder. Should be 2-3 hours labor for an extensive one.

Bring the FAQs with you if you have any questions. Good luck with your search.

Kool

One thing that my and a friend of mines did when we purchased them was overboost and cause the engine management to cut-off the fuel. However, the problem only occured under hard acceleration at around 90-110. For my car it was a snapped vaccuum hose.

Which brings me to another point check the hoses under the hood. Vaccuum as well as fuel and what not.

A good mechanic knows what to look for and can give you a good idea of what kind of expenses to expect.

Good Luck

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Kool

Just read my illegible post.

I apologize for that I got distracted three times while writting that.

what I was trying to say was that when I purchased my car it had an overboosting problem. The only time it would do it was under hard acceleration up around 100 MPH. The vaccuum line that snapped was under the intake so the cost to get it fixed was high. This is just one rambling example of a problem that unless you knew where to look you would't realize it existed.

Once again

Good Luck

2+2

Thanks guys.

Tom Pultz

[quote]Originally posted by 2+2:
1. It has low miles<hr></blockquote>How low? Mileage in and of itself is not a true indicator of condition. Many higher mileage cars are in better shape. These cars last and perform the best when driven regularly.
[quote]2. For Turbo S, some web pages says the normal boost is 1.2 bar but others say 1.82 bar!!!<hr></blockquote>1.82 bar, which is actually just under 12 psi actual boost.
[quote]3. What is the recommended time/mileage interval for timing belt change? How much does this typically cost to have a professional do it?<hr></blockquote>30-45K miles. My shop just quoted about $340 to change belts and all front end seals, plus parts, which could run over $300 if you do the rollers and tensioners.

[quote]4. Any other information or advice??<hr></blockquote>If you do purchase it save some cash for repairs. Chances are you'll need it. These cars can kill you with cost if you get a bad one.

Hopefully, this car will have already had a new clutch, a new head gasket, recent belts, etc.

If there's no maintenance records, walk away, or be prepared to spend a lot to insure it's in good shape.

Try to look at the car when the engine has been sitting and is cold. That way you'll detect any unusual vibrations or possible malfunctioning sensors when it's cold. They usually run a lot smoother when warm, even if the motor mounts are a bit shaky when cold.

Good luck.

2+2

Actually, it is a very low mileage car so its got the original clutch etc. Don't tell my wife that these cars can be very expensive to maintain!! LOL.

Peckster

I won't if you won't.

Get out your wallet.

(All right, I just picked my car up from my mechanic yesterday. In a few days, all will be forgotten.)

Jerry

Put more concern on condition than miles. Maintenance is what you would pay for any car costing what a $46K (new) car would be - high. Things to check, clutch, motor mounts, ball joints, oil leaks, and oil consumption. Water pump problems were solved years ago. If you make your purchase put on new front rotors, battery, get wheels painted if needed and change timing belt and check belt rollers. One last hint if you get your car aligned as you can find out if there are any serious unseen problems.

steve g

was this the white/blue 89 944 turbo with 32K miles ? good luck !