All posts tagged 944

1987 Porsche 944 Turbo

by Ben on April 7, 2013 in Porsche with 3 Comments

With E30 M3 prices staying sky high it’s time to look for a new German halo car to lust over. I’m going to throw out the often overlooked yet very similar Porsche 944 Turbo. Both the M3 and 944 Turbo were launched in the middle of 1980s and are front engine, rear wheel drive German sports cars that weigh in at less than 3,000 pounds. While the M3 has been described as a ballet slipper for its incredible handling and driver connection, the 944 is more of a soccer cleat. It wasn’t built so much for finesse but rather rugged sprints and the ability to pack a powerful punch.

Here we have a low mileage 951 that looks especially clean and sharp in black. With only 67,000 miles this is one of the lower mileage examples I’ve seen aside from the Turbo S models that tend to be garage queens. Luckily, there’s a stack of service records to go with it which should alleviate any pre-purchase stress.

Year: 1987
Model: 944 Turbo
Engine: 2.5 liter turbocharged inline four
Transmission: 5-Speed manual
Mileage: 67,650
Price: $12,000

1987 Porsche 944 Turbo on Rennlist

I took a job in Boston a year ago but left the 944 back in Cary, and I’ve finally decided that there’s no reasonable way to keep the 944 up here. I’ve never driven it in the salt, it’s stayed garaged, and I’d rather see it go to a new home rather than gather rust parked on the street here.

The car has 67k original miles, it’s rust-free, and the paint is overall very good for it’s age. The guys at European Performance (highly reviewed shop where I have my work done) tell me the engine pulls just as hard as the ones they remember when they were new 25 years ago. Less than 2k miles ago, this car had it’s major engine service items done. New kevlar belts rated to last 45k miles before service (I would still change them at 30k), new OEM rollers, new OEM water pump, and everything else that comes with the service. I have a receipt from European Performance for all of the work. It’s also had a recent tune-up for all of the fluids, ignition system, filters, vacuum hoses, gear oil etc. Clutch was done less than 20k ago, also has brand new master/slave cylinders. This car is ready to go for another 30k miles (have the timing tension checked every 15k though, plus synthetic oil changes). It never leaks any oil onto the garage floor. Also, it is completely stock except for replacing the stock center console (aka cassette holder) with one out of the 968 RS (not shown in interior photo). The sunroof, electric windows and pop-up headlights still work flawlessly, unlike many examples out there.

The car has a few faults. The AC no longer works, the brakes will need servicing soon, there’s a slight tear on the shift boot and the driver seat, the driver seat power height adjuster motor is burned out (the main adjusters are manual), the front end has some rock chips and speed bump scrape (visible in photos), the driver side rock guard is almost gone, and there are a few minor scratches. The stock head-unit got really confused by a burned CD and no longer works. Luckily, it’s a standard DINN unit and a new one can be picked up at any car stereo place. I would replace it myself, but I figured the buyer probably had their own taste in what they wanted in a head-unit. I’d replace a lot of this stuff (the brakes and shift boot specifically), but working full-time in Boston means that my time back in Raleigh is too limited to really get work done on the car.

Also, the Carfax report to save you some time: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/FSBO.cfm?report=64E48BA27BB72D9CC974EA4FB630FDBA

The most expensive Porsche is a cheap Porsche. This one has a stack of service records, it’s been wrenched on by professionals, the miles are low, it’s been garaged all of it’s life, and it’s been loved.

Service records:
30k 1994 Feb – 30k service (with timing), brakes flushed fuses replaced
30k 1994 June – new starter, new heater valve,
33k 1996 May – air flow sensor replaced
37k 1997 June – cam covers resealed
40k 1999 July – entire clutch assembly replaced, cruise control repaired, front and rear brakes replaced.
52k 2004 Dec – Timing/balance belts replaced. Timing tensioner replaced. antifreeze, water flange outlet replaced
56k 2005 May – master/slave cylinders replaced, brakes flushed
59k 2007 July – new front/rear brake pads
64k 2009 January – master/slave cylinders replaced again
65k 2009 May – new fuel filter, new spark plugs, distributor, ignition wires
67k 2011 July – timing belt, water pump, front main seals, oil filter housing gaskets, balance belts, rollers, radiator fan switch, turbo boost valve

I lived in Boston for seven years and can confirm that it’s no place for a great condition 944 Turbo. To make things worse you could only really drive this beauty half the year. You can tell from the write up and service records that the owner not only took care of the car but actually really cared for it. This is the type of person you want to buy a car from. There are a few maintenance projects should you want to get this closer to excellent condition. I think $12,000 is a fair price for this 951. Seeing that it wasn’t snatched up right away makes me think it is more realistic that it will go for $11,000 but the owner obviously thinks it deservers top price given its condition and care.

-Ben

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo

by Paul on December 15, 2012 in Porsche, Sponsored Listing with 1 Comment

One of our Featured Listings from last week, the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo, has been advertised on eBay by its owner with an opening bid of $10,000. This is a car in need of a good home and hopefully will find its way to one this holiday season.

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site December 8, 2012:

The Porsche 944 is a modern classic that has been coming into its own as of late. Not only have 911 purists begun to accept this car more so than in the past, but more and more enthusiasts are waking up to the fact that this was one of the best handling cars of recent memory. An evolution of the 924, the 944 was introduced in 1982 bringing upgrades and refinement to this four cylinder, rear-wheel drive coupe. At first, these cars offered a 2.5 liter, 150 hp engine, but in 1986, Porsche decided to bring out the big guns. The 944 Turbo arrived in 1986, known internally as the 951. Included was a turbocharged, intercooled version of the standard engine, producing 220 hp in stock form. This was the first turbo fitted to a car that made use of a ceramic port liner to retain exhaust gas temperature. Other features exclusive to the Turbo included a stronger gearbox with a 3.375 final drive ratio. A tauter suspension was also included with progressive springs.

This first year 944 Turbo for sale in Texas comes to us from our reader Chris who happens to be a Porsche Club of America member and one fastidious owner when it comes to maintenance.

1986 Porsche 944 Turbo on Rennlist

Year: 1986
Make: Porsche
Porsche Model: 944 Turbo
Mileage: 137,000
Options: Air Conditioning, Alarm System, Cruise Control, Foglamps, Intermittent Wipers, Leather Seats, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows, Sunroof
Color: Black
VIN: WP0AA095XGN156480
Price: $10,500
Location: Texas
Transmission Type: Manual – 5 speed
Engine Type: Turbo
Stereo System: AM-FM CD

On offer is my black/black 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo (Type 951, built 6/86, VIN: WP0AA095XGN156480) with 137k miles in fantastic shape. It’s a very clean, well-documented, well-maintained, well-sorted driver with minimal modifications that is original inspired and reliable enough for daily use. Always garaged. Original paint (7/10), minimal dash cracks. Michelin Pilot Exalto tires with 50%+ remaining. Spent most of its life running through hill and dale in Georgia and Tennessee. Rumored to have been tracked once years ago, no autocrosses or ‘offs’. I love this classic supercar and wish it could stay in my garage for years to come, but I must sell to fund a home project.

Mutually, it’s a good time for me to get out, and for you to get in. The car has seen a great amount of care and maintenance in the past year as well; $6k in receipts as a matter of fact, from when I bought it in October 2011. The records folder goes back to the original owner in 1993. I am a PCA member and have painstakingly approached ownership of this car, like the previous 5 owners, with a near-open checkbook policy more to maintain it, less to mod it. The last owner kept it in storage and drove it occasionally every few weeks for 6 years. I drove it more than a few times every week for the past year in a different climate, so a whole lot of items came to the surface and got sorted out. I don’t anticipate the next year needing near this much work as a result! It’s been treated like a fine classic German timepiece and most everything works.

Flickr Photoset with 79 Photos

Pictures do appear harsh in the direct Texas sun as it amplifies all details for better or worse in my lens, but looks better in person. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see more clearly without the glare that is in some of the photos. I may reshoot these on a partly cloudy day for serious inquiries (am already late getting this listed from a few folks waiting).

Maintenance in the past 14 months:
Professional paint correction and detailing by Details, Ltd. of Addison (also regularly hand-washed at home, 2 bucket system, Zaino)
Hatch alignment and new pin seats (hatch does not chronically rattle or squeak)
Porsche idle stabilizer screw and o-ring (idles perfectly around 840rpm)
Porsche cassette holder/tray with hinge and Lart’s black leather armrest cover
Porsche hood struts
BOSCH cruise control module
BOSCH hatch lock motor
BOSCH MicroEdge wipers (all 3)
Texas inspection sticker good until 9/2013 if sold in-state (passed in 9/12, no emissions req., still has cat installed)
New front brake hoses, system bleed/flush/fill with Super Blue fluid
Lart’s braided fuel lines with OE Porsche damper line (engine bay lines, replaced originals)
BOSCH 3-bar FPR (fuel pressure regulator)
BOSCH FPD (fuel pressure damper)
BOSCH diverter valve (full boost at 1.8 bar)
Porsche coolant tank reservoir (clear, not yellow) and hoses (Coolant temperature regularly reads at and between the two white marks on the gauge)
BOSCH heater control valve and associated hoses (heater operational)
Coolant hose from engine to radiator
Upper and lower radiator hoses
BOSCH auxiliary coolant pump and thermostat (for turbo)
Facet speed and reference sensor wires
Porsche rear half-shaft axle assemblies and CVs
K&N air filter
BOSCH distributor cap, rotor, seal, cover
BOSCH copper spark plugs
BOSCH wireset
DuraLast red-top 3-yr. battery and Porsche cover cap
Rear tail lamp, brake, and side marker bulbs
Oil and filter change @ 133k, always changed every 3-5k (May; Mobil1 15W-50, needs again in 1k or right after driving home a long way)
A/C recharged (R134a, converted in 1995; cold enough for Texas)
Engine re-seal (front)
Balance belt
Cam belt tensioner
Timing belt and water pump (2011 @ 130k miles, 7k on new belt; change every 45-60k miles)
Clutch was measured at 21mm in 2011, 6k miles ago, no abusive launches, strong hookup
Tie-rod ends, control arms, bushings looked good in 2011, no pot holes or hard knocks
Had PPI and Clarks-Garage buying guide reviewed a year ago by an ex-Brumos mechanic in Nashville; all of these were ‘OK’ or addressed, have notes

Factory Options:
All codes: C02, 158, 418, 425, 431, 454, 533, 650, 946

Modifications:
Autothority/APE ‘Stage 2’ 270hp chip; dyno sheet included in records indicates 290hp, 170mph max; makes more power than a Turbo S (done in 1995)
Cross-drilled brake rotors; previous owner, still straight and true with lots of bite
Becker/Porsche CDR-220 AM/FM/CD stereo with AUX-in adaptor (swstereo.com) and MB Quart DKD 146 speakers (four 4×6); really great stereo (2012)
Custom milled aluminum black smartphone tray in ashtray location, holds an iPhone 5 and coins, misc. underneath (2012)

Comes with: what it still has plus a spares box
Porsche ignition, door keys, 1 set (original)
Porsche 944 Turbo owner’s manuals and folder (original)
Porsche 944 Turbo Workshop Manual binder (original)
Becker radio code in owner’s manual folder
Porsche air compressor, working (original)
Porsche spare tire, jack, tools (original)
Porsche black leather sunroof sleeve (original)
Porsche black screw-in front tow hook (new)
Porsche black touch-up paint
Porsche RL bumper pad (spare, RR replaced 2012)
Porsche DME relay spare (new)
Lloyds black floormats
CoverKing fitted windshield shade (save that nice dash!)
Black wooden dowel hatch prop
Porsche Club of America ‘Panorama’ and Maverick region ‘Slipstream’ magazines from the past year
Rennlist silver die-cut decal (new)
The replaced original ashtray, stereo under pocket, armrest (junk), speaker grilles (MB Quarts don’t clear these) and washer fluid pump (broken)
Bags of various spare Porsche 944 Turbo relays, fuses, switches, screws, brackets, bolts, nuts, clips, etc. for your partsbin
Bottles of coolant (Peak, 1/2), oil (Mobil1 15W-50, new), power steering fluid (AutoZone Dextron ATF, ¼), and some paper towels

Needs and FYIs:

Don’t let the long paragraph scare you! I’m just OCD with cars. As with most 951s, the oil pan gasket leaks. Even my mechanic says this is OK and to just regularly check the oil (every fillup, Mobil1 15W-50, keep at top dipstick line). Garage drip tray recommended. If you want to start tracking the car some or get tired of ‘marking your spot’, you’ll want to replace that and the head gasket prior (last done and resurfaced in 2007) to be safe, but these are otherwise fine for street use. Very minor power steering leak, check level every 1k miles. Clutch pedal will occasionally stick at the top 1/5 of travel when cold, does not affect drivability if it happens (pull pedal up 1” with toe); hydraulics and switch are fine, I just cannot physically get up to this mechanism to lube it properly. Electric hatch motor works but the switch is intermittent. Windshield washer system from the reservoir to the nozzles needs to be replaced- I just squeegee. The sunroof works great but the microswitch tab in the panel is handicapped, so you need to use something like a toothpick to engage it only for the UP operation- DOWN is normal. The hatch struts are worn, but 944 owners know if you put new strong struts on, they may make the hatch glass delaminate from the frame faster- I’ve just used a black wooden dowel (sometimes they stay up if it’s warm). The gas gauge when full reads 3.5/4. The oil gauge when fully topped up reads 4.5/5 (2/5 when idling).

The car has a clean CARFAX, though you’ll note a mileage discrepancy- the previous-owner swapped in another gauge cluster rather than repair the faulty speedometer plastic gear (2010). The car shows to have 96,XXX miles but really has 136,XXX miles (am selling at 137k, still driving it some). CARFAX more obviously shows the actual mileage (rule of thumb- add 40k miles to whatever is on this working ODO… again, this is a very nice driver, but will not pass a PCA concours show car test). If you decide to address these items and really want to make it perfect, the nose and front bumper along with the side rub strips trim could use a respray as they’re faded from 26 years of road rash and touch-up paint spots. Otherwise and elsewhere, the original paint is really a very nice 8/10! A couple small dings on the hood. No critical showstoppers- just gas and go!

How to get it:

Experienced drivers and serious enthusiasts only who have funds ready. The car is available with a clean Texas title in my name in-hand for $10,500. This already takes into account a few of the needs. The car is an increasingly rare solid driver out of the box, with much documented recent maintenance, few needs, and a couple modest upgrades. It cleans up really well, drives smoothly and solidly, and isn’t a neglected project basketcase nor a concours trailer queen. This is one of the nicest, most sorted, turn-key, desirable and interesting black-on-black 951s on the market that is ready for you to drive home today. It’s been reliable and will start and go whenever you want. Available for a fresh PPI on your dime. If you’re a hobby mechanic like me, you can maintain this car using the wealth of open technical knowledge on clarks-garage.com and the Rennlist.com forums. And join PCA!

As I have done with all other cars I’ve bought and sold online, funds are to be either wired to my bank or delivered in-person with a bank draft check. I trade you a title, bill-of-sale, and keys. A refundable $150 PayPal deposit is required up front to hold your place. Whether you’re local or flying-in, plan on a short overview of the car in my garage before you set off with it so you’re as familiar with it as possible. I can pick you up from DFW or Love Field with a full tank of gas and throw in a local case of beer if you want. Fly-in, drive home in your new Porsche, and see America along the way. Such trips to pick up a ‘new car’ are among my favorite life experiences. Plan a route and make a brief vacation out of it! You’ll be glad you did. If you don’t plan to travel, I have a great transport broker I’ve used a few times that can ship the car to your driveway on a transporter. Hope to hear from you soon!

As one of the commenters said on the original Rennlist post, THIS is how you write a classified ad. The seller leaves little unturned and it’s quite obvious that this car has received the respect and care it deserved over the years. I’ve admired the 944 for many years, and even though it has higher mileage than I’d normally consider, I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on this car if I was in a situation to do so. Anywhere between $7,000 to $12,000 will buy you a solid, higher mileage 944 Turbo these days, so this seller is right in the sweet spot when it comes to the asking price.

-Paul

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S

by Paul on November 17, 2012 in Porsche with 9 Comments

Even though you’ll always get the “why didn’t you buy a 911″ look from people, I’ve always been a fan of the Porsche 944 as a stand alone entity. Sure, it isn’t quite as iconic as its rear-engined sibling, but this was one of the best handling cars to hit the pavement and they are a relative bargain on the used market today. The Turbo S debuted in 1988 with the M44/52 engine with 250 horsepower, Koni adjustable shock absorbers, harder bushings and larger diameter anti-roll bars. Larger front brakes from the 928S4 were also fitted and ABS was standard. This Turbo S for sale in Georgia has 67,000 miles on the clock and comes equipped with what could best be described as a very ’80s themed interior.

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S on eBay

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S Silver Rose Edition (1 of 339). Absolutely beautiful, garage kept, meticulously maintained 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S Silver Rose Edition with 67K original miles. One meticulous owner with documentation including original window sticker, stamped factory maintenance book, all keys, and scores an 80 on AutoCheck (normal score range 24-50). Could be considered extremely close to a “10″ interior, exterior, and mechanically. One minor ding in the front valence and minor sand blasting of rocker panel behind front wheels and and ahead of rear wheels on both sides of car (see pictures). Everything functions as it should including A/C, Heat, Sunroof, etc. She was just serviced and completely gone through by Technica Motorsports in Atlanta. Belts, Rollers, Tensioner, Water Pump, Oil and filter change, Transaxle fluid change, Hood Shocks, H4 Headlight upgrade with 55/100w bulbs, etc. No paintwork or damage history, factory paint is untouched, please see detailed Paint Meter results.

Car will come with either Polished Club Sport Wheels or Refinished Club Sport Wheels, buyer’s choice, either set is perfect with new tires in proper factory sizing (225/50-16 and 245/45-16). I am a long time PCA member and have owned a 356B, 911′s, 928S4, 930′s, 944 Turbos, and a 996 GT2. I am a connoisseur of unique automobiles and I personally buy and sell 5-10 cars per year (hence the dealer’s license). I fully disclose every known detail about my cars so that there are never any surprises. I have exported several automobiles and I will gladly assist overseas buyers.

The last 944 Turbo S we featured had 35,000 miles and sold for $21,000. With almost double the mileage, can this car bring $20,000? Maybe $17,000 to $18,000 would be more realistic. But there might be someone out there looking for the best 944 they can find, and given that this car was owned by a Porsche enthusiast and PCA member certainly has its merits. Personally, this color combination isn’t my favorite, but the 944 is one of those bucket list cars for me. A Turbo S in this kind of condition would certainly be high on my shopping list when the time came.

-Paul

Week in Review

by Paul on September 16, 2012 in BMW, Porsche, Uncategorized, Volkswagen with Comments Off

Welcome to week in review, where we look at some of the vehicles featured over the past week:

The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro Westfalia did not meet its reserve at a bid of $25,000: Closed Auction | Our Post on this Car

The 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo S sold for $21,000. Perhaps a sign that 944 values are on the move? Closed Auction | Our Post on this Car

The 2001 BMW C1 Scooter did not meet its reserve with a final bid of $8,100: Closed Auction | Our Post on this Car

-Paul

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S

by Paul on September 13, 2012 in Porsche with 6 Comments

Porsche upped the 944 ante in 1988 with this car, the Turbo S. This version included the M44/52 engine with 250 horsepower, the added power resulting from the use of a modified turbo and revised engine mapping. Extensive suspension modifications came in the way of Koni adjustable shock absorbers, harder bushings and larger diameter hollowed out anti-roll bars. Larger front brakes from the 928S4 along with ABS was included in the package, as well. The following year, the “S” designation was dropped, as the normal 944 Turbo was now made standard with the Turbo S engine. This Turbo S for sale in Ohio has 35,000 miles and has had a good bit of maintenance and other items tended to in the past two years.

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S on eBay

1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S – Guards Red over Light Frey Partial Leather. Excellent condition. Recent full service including water pump and timing belt. Heavily optioned car with the rare factory Turbo S option. Original option list as listed on the Certificate of Authenticity:

Special Chassis Rigidly Tuned
Limited Slip Differential
Headlight Washers
Protective Side Moldings
Rear Window Wiper
Full Power Seats – L/R
Cruise Control
HiFi Sound Package w/Speakers
Amplifier System
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Electric Sliding Sunroof
Split Fold Down Rear Back Rest
AM/FM Radio with CD Player
944 Turbo ‘S’
Partial Leather Seats Front

All books, both keys and fobs, dash cover, Porsche car cover, and original factory radio are included. Recent service includes the following:

– August 2012: New tires mounted and balanced, wheels refinished. Bridgestone Potenza 205/55-16 and 225/50-16

– February 2012: K&N Air Filter, ECU chip set, Distributor cap, and rotor, Cat bypass down pipe, DME relay modified, intake manifold gaskets, OEM factory motor mounts, waste gate shim kit, high performance spark plugs, PFC front brake pads, front brake lines, all fluids changed, and more. Total bill $7956.26. With upgrades the car put down 270hp to the rear wheels on the dyno.

– October 2011: New front hood struts, upper radiator hose, coolant/water pump connector, O-ring, coolant flush, brake fluid flush.

– December 2010: PFC rear brake pads, brake fluid flush, oil and filter change, new front brake rotors.

– June 2010: Water pump, timing belt, counter balance belt, timing roller bearing and idler bearing, counter balance roller and idler bearing, thermostat kit, upper and lower radiator hose, brake master cylinder, brake fluid flush, reman Bosch starter, oil and filter change, coolant flush, power steering fluid flush, r-12 freon, new spark plugs, and more – total bill $3543.31.

As you can see this car has been meticulously maintained and serviced with all the major and minor services done and some good upgrades performed for performance while keeping the car original. A very clean car with all original paint, no damage or accident history, and great service history.

While this is a nice example of a Turbo S, the price is out of line with current 944 values. True, this car has some upgrades and a decent amount of money was invested in maintenance, but that doesn’t change the fact that realistically, this is a $15,000 car, give or take. The Turbo S is a rare piece, with 718 examples sold in the US. For those who think the standard 944 is a bit soft and want something harder edged, the Turbo S certainly fits the bill.

-Paul

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