924Board.org

exc911ence · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 182 Location: Ottawa ON

I'm interested in buying a 924 Turbo and was wondering what I should be looking for specific to the 924 Turbo. We have an 87 924S at home already so I'm somewhat familiar with that model, but the Turbo brings a whole new bunch of idiocyncracies that I'm unfamiliar with.

Thanks!
_________________
1975 911S

CMXXXI · Joined: 05 Nov 2002 Posts: 1939 Location: Vicksburg, MS

If you're already familiar with the 924 and what to look (out) for, and are wanting to know only 931 issues, I'd suggest you start by looking for service records and receipts. The turbo and wastegate are expensive to replace. Be leary if there is smoke in the exhaust after it reaches operating temp. Look for OEM nuts and bolts securing the turbo and oil journal. I've seen a ton of "examples" where the turbo has been replaced, and "non-standard" hardware was used to re-fit. To me, that is an indicator of poor maintenance standards and practices.

For an '80 model, the snailshell synchros are always suspect, as are the shift linkage bushings. The 5-bolt option is definately desireable, but I'll guess that most all 931's you'll see already are outfitted. New style exhaust manifold (with reinforcing ribs underneath) is also a plus, as the older non-reinforced ones are prone to cracking. If you can, check the condition of the plugs as an indicator of engine health.
_________________
'79 Eurospec 931

exc911ence · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 182 Location: Ottawa ON

I appreciate the info, thanks!

I've found an 81 for sale in Saskachewan... waiting for an e-mail from the owner. Car:

_________________
1975 911S

Tigger937 · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 914

check the condition of the cam lobes for signs of wear

Paul · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:52 am Post subject:

Also check:

The clutch master cylinder for leaks

The clutch slave cylinder for leaks

Determine how much of the clutch is left by following the procedure in Haynes (et al). (takes 5 minutes)

Check the waste gate mounts, most are broken.

Check the intake system for oil especially at the throttle body.

Check the heater fan.

Have the timing belt and pulley replaced before you move it unless the owner can prove its been done recently. (less than $40 of parts).

exc911ence · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 182 Location: Ottawa ON

Unlike the 944 series engine, can I assume that the 924 Turbo's 2.0L isn't an interference design? If true, a cambelt failure isn't the end of the world like in the 2.5L right?
_________________
1975 911S

jl924t · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 214 Location: Surrey, BC Canada

The 924 turbo engine is an interference engine in stock form.
_________________
1980 924 turbo

Paul · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:35 am Post subject:

Yep, if that $10 belt breaks or the $25 tensioner breaks say goodbye to several valves even if you are just cranking it with the starter!

Don't ask me how many I've fixed over the years.
_________________
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.

exc911ence · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 182 Location: Ottawa ON

Dang... I was hoping that with the low compression, there'd be plenty of room in there.

_________________
1975 911S

Paul · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 1:22 pm Post subject:

Don't let it worry you, the belt will last 60,000 miles or more. They are also easy to change, and don't require any special tools. Some would argue that a special tool is needed for the tensioner ( I have one BTW), but if you ever need to do it, just drop me a note.