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p-talk · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 152 Location: Tucson, AZ

So I looked at an '84 944 last night. It only has 75k documented miles, and has been owned by an elderly gentleman who used to take impeccable care of the car (all suspension redone, MAF rebuilt, hoses, wires, mounts, exhaust, timing belt and front seals, you name it). But it has sat for two years under a cover, and now he's looking for a loving home for the car.

So right off, from age and sitting, it needs the tank drained and the timing belt replaced. On a "normal car" I'd do the belt myself, but we all know how much of a pain the timing/balance belt job is on a 944. So I'm torn, as the front service can run $1200 or so at a good shop.

Excuse my rambling, I'm just thinking out loud. Any advice? Should I just plunk down the $1200+ to have the front service done, or should I dive in and try the front service myself? Is there a place I can rent the special belt adjustment tools from?

Thanks for listening to my rambling - I'm just excited to be looking at Pcars again .
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1984 Porsche 944
1990 Audi 200 TQA
1990 Audi 90S

Joes924Racer · Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 5:18 am Post subject:

It takes a special tool doesnt it. if you have that i say go for it your self its just one of those things ..like do you like saving money...you know.
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1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.

cgalyon · Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 249 Location: Knoxville, TN

Has he basically knocked the $1200 FOES off the price?
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1988 924S Navy Blue - Phone Dials

ic932 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 1104 Location: UK

Firstly it's a Porsche, and therefore engineered for high milage everyday useage. Just because it's an interference engine does not in anyway make it more prone to cambelt failure than on a non-interference engine.

What's up with the 924S/44 cambelt paranoia lol.

I would say buy it and fit a belt yourself... not to tight and not too loose (like any cambelt), then take it to a shop and have them use the special tool to measure the tension.

Like everyone else, you can give yourself a pat on the back when your efforts were within spec...just remember to go back after a few k and re-tension it.

Khal · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:35 am Post subject:

ic932 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 1104 Location: UK

Fair play Khal, but what do you really think the cost of a complete used servicible 944 head is going to cost?

you would be lucky to sell a good one on ebay...so don't give up your day job lol.

If you get it wrong then its cheaper to replace the head than it is to replace a worn out tyre!......but feel free to give your £ away if you wish...

Paul · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 6:00 am Post subject:

Now's a good time for everyone who owns a 924S or 944 to buy a spare head, I doubt they will ever be cheaper. A couple of my friends have bought complete running motors as spares for $400 or less. One guy bought a complete drive train, suspension and interior from a running car for $500.
_________________
White 87 924S "Ghost"
Silver 98 986 3.6l 320 HP "Frank N Stein"
White 01 986 "Christine"
Polar Silver 02 996TT. "Turbo"
Owned and repaired 924s since 1977
Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.

ic932 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 1104 Location: UK

Paul, thanks for your respected wisdom on this issue....

For the longevity and GROWTH of the 924/44 world lets bring it back down to Earth...

These are the best cars available for PEANUTS!

Let's leave anal tendencies where they belong...924S/44's are an excellent option for the guy on a budget...PERIOD!

I'm not in the buisness of babysitting idiots with no mechanical instincts...such clowns NEVER listen to advise anyway!...if they need an opinion on whats too tight or too loose then they can simply ask the wife

Khal · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:34 am Post subject:

ic932 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 1104 Location: UK

Porsche...it's a European car maker.

I'm in Europe...Whatever the Arizona market means nothing to me.

I buy and sell all things 944 within the E.U market and beyond.

That 16v head you've seen is a ####' bargain!

buy it, make some beer money and get off my my back fella!

Khal · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

p-talk · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 152 Location: Tucson, AZ

Wow, I'm entertained by how much discussion this brought up

. But seriously, thanks for everyone's input.

So far it looks like I am getting the car. The owner wants to wait until Monday evening to make sure a previous 'potential buyer' is not interested, but so far it looks good. We've already agreed on a very fair price, and I've lined up a mechanic to do the front end service. I COULD do the job, but I've got other fish to fry (like parting out my '89 Audi 200 TQA - sucks but I think it's just beyond saving).

Wish me luck!
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1984 Porsche 944
1990 Audi 200 TQA
1990 Audi 90S

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Khal,

Was the short block you found on eBay?

I looked at it, and the cylinders are scored.,notonly that, but not even really a shortblock. No pistons, and no crank on the one I saw. More like a stripped block.

Part of the problem with buying a used 924S/944 engine, is you still have to do the FOES, and replace the clutch before you can even install the thing to test it.

That's about $1500-$2000 in parts, not counting the labor.

So happens if you buy a used engine, pull yours, buy the parts, and service the engine before you install it, and it turns out to be no good?

Pelican924 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Mountains of WNC