Is it worth buying 944 Turbo to restore?
Discussion
On most days, I see a 944 Turbo that has been sat on a drive for as long as I remember (a few years) looking pretty sorry for itself, although from what I can see the other sills look sound, the bodywork looks OK other than some patches on the surface of the bonnet, and the leather interior seems quite tidy.
Not knowing the background of the car there is potentially the reason it was taken off the road in the first place, and refresh of brakes, tyres, etc to account for since its been laid up for so long. What's the likelihood of terminal failure of a major component on these such as engine, box or turbo, other than timing belt failure, and likely costs? There is a well known specialist named on the number plates, and although they hint at some maintenance before it was laid up, it doesn't confirm exact age, etc..
So would it be worth even considering, given current values and potential headaches, even with a big helping of man-maths and low purchase price?? So, potential money pit or worthwhile project?
Not knowing the background of the car there is potentially the reason it was taken off the road in the first place, and refresh of brakes, tyres, etc to account for since its been laid up for so long. What's the likelihood of terminal failure of a major component on these such as engine, box or turbo, other than timing belt failure, and likely costs? There is a well known specialist named on the number plates, and although they hint at some maintenance before it was laid up, it doesn't confirm exact age, etc..
So would it be worth even considering, given current values and potential headaches, even with a big helping of man-maths and low purchase price?? So, potential money pit or worthwhile project?
randlemarcus said:
220 or 250? The latter car is gorgeous when running well, so from a mechanical perspective, well worth it. Actual cold hard cash sums? Maybe not, but you will have rescued something special.
Not too sure on the exact model as it stands, as the plate doesn't give any clues to age, and it is missing a front bumper at the moment. I know its a potential money pit, although not as much as a 928 could be, but you're right about the satisfaction of having saved the car as they look pretty special on the road.I'm partly hoping to put this thought to bed, but the temptation is there.
That should give you a year, and unless its an 88 registered, it mostly answers the 220/250 question.hoegaardenruls said:
Reading around the subject suggests its the 220, but might have to live out that fantasy and find out for sure.
Does the bigger turbo give the 250 much difference in character?
Not this again... I'm not picking on you OP, but don't be fooled in to thinking the earlier 220ps 951 is a lesser car, as it's not and generally the differences between the two amount to a larger turbine housing (and a corresponding later boost threshold) and 'possibly' m030 suspension which will be junk any way. All 951's are great to drive and with the usual minor upgrades and refreshed items the difference between the two is pretty negligible. Also, a lot of the experience comes down to the individual spec of the car irrespective of whether it was a 220 or a 250. Does the bigger turbo give the 250 much difference in character?
As you've already eluded to one of the main considerations is the condition of the body, as everything else can be easily sorted. I would be concerned if it has been sat for a while though...
Just don't expect a re-commission to be cheap though; some parts are very pricey and they are a reasonably complicated and well engineered car for the 1980's so some jobs are quite time consuming. Just go in with your eyes open and if the price is right, then right now they are worth a punt IMO!
They really are lovely cars to drive when in good order, they offer a lovely mechanical experience a newer Porsche just can't match.
R
Thanks for a very honest response, the later boost threshold was something I was curious about as a small turbo can have its benefits, and being an 80's turbo the 220 might feel a little more responsive - the reason for the question was having owned a Audi RS4, the 2.7T had better low-down torque in the S4 until both were moving (and different 3rd/4th ratios). I wouldn't be looking for headline figures, so the smaller turbo with a mild remap could be an attractive option. I have since established it is a 1986 car, so indeed a 220.
I'm assuming the more expensive parts might be gearbox and anything specific to the model?
I don't see this one moving anytime soon, but I can't help thinking this would be a way of having the contrast of an older Porsche alongside a 997, at a (possibly) reasonable cost..
I'm assuming the more expensive parts might be gearbox and anything specific to the model?
I don't see this one moving anytime soon, but I can't help thinking this would be a way of having the contrast of an older Porsche alongside a 997, at a (possibly) reasonable cost..
How do the economics stack up?
When it was restored, how much would you get as a private seller? [put your own number in here] 12k?
How much would it cost to buy? [your number] £6k
You have 6k to restore it. Not going to happen without some serious man-maths.
Maybe if you get it for 2k and value it at 14k then 12k might do it.
Bert
When it was restored, how much would you get as a private seller? [put your own number in here] 12k?
How much would it cost to buy? [your number] £6k
You have 6k to restore it. Not going to happen without some serious man-maths.
Maybe if you get it for 2k and value it at 14k then 12k might do it.
Bert
hoegaardenruls said:
On most days, I see a 944 Turbo that has been sat on a drive for as long as I remember (a few years) looking pretty sorry for itself, although from what I can see the other sills look sound, the bodywork looks OK other than some patches on the surface of the bonnet, and the leather interior seems quite tidy.
Not knowing the background of the car there is potentially the reason it was taken off the road in the first place, and refresh of brakes, tyres, etc to account for since its been laid up for so long. What's the likelihood of terminal failure of a major component on these such as engine, box or turbo, other than timing belt failure, and likely costs? There is a well known specialist named on the number plates, and although they hint at some maintenance before it was laid up, it doesn't confirm exact age, etc..
So would it be worth even considering, given current values and potential headaches, even with a big helping of man-maths and low purchase price?? So, potential money pit or worthwhile project?
Save yourself a whole lot of effort, pain, frustration, tears, sweat, wasted time and MONEY!Not knowing the background of the car there is potentially the reason it was taken off the road in the first place, and refresh of brakes, tyres, etc to account for since its been laid up for so long. What's the likelihood of terminal failure of a major component on these such as engine, box or turbo, other than timing belt failure, and likely costs? There is a well known specialist named on the number plates, and although they hint at some maintenance before it was laid up, it doesn't confirm exact age, etc..
So would it be worth even considering, given current values and potential headaches, even with a big helping of man-maths and low purchase price?? So, potential money pit or worthwhile project?
Find a nice one for £10k and enjoy.
Unless, of course, you really enjoy the long process involved in restoring a car. In that case, go for it!
NJH said:
Entirely MHO but the early 85 non-ABS 944 turbo is the pick of the entire run of cars from 83 through to the last 968s more than a decade later. If I was buying one to keep forever as a road car a lightly modified 85 turbo would be my choice.
My 1st choice would be an 88 Turbo S for the uprates and sunroof delete. Seeing as the later cars had most of what the 88 car had I would pick one of those next and a 220 last. The bridge spoiler looks much better IMO.Talk of the 220 being a lesser can than the 250 is comical and definitely 'received wisdom'.
There is little real difference beyond increased turbo lag and a hint less push in some circumstances.
Theoretical slightly lower top speed coupled with a practical decrease in fuel economy.
The problem with 944s is that everyone 'knows' about them, whereas the reality is that few know much at all.
There is little real difference beyond increased turbo lag and a hint less push in some circumstances.
Theoretical slightly lower top speed coupled with a practical decrease in fuel economy.
The problem with 944s is that everyone 'knows' about them, whereas the reality is that few know much at all.
I had a 220 that had been to promax and it was a lovely car pushing out well over 250BHP (it was not far short on straight line performance as my old 310bhp SAAB Aero) and of course the early 220 internals are much stronger.
In other words, don't care whether it is a 220 or 250, you can make the car whatever you want.
Having seen how the 964 has gone from unwanted to desirable, you can see the 944T prices doing similar just behind the 968CS, in fact the guy that bought mine from me will probably re-coup most of his expense in bringing it back up to standard as I sold it when prices were on the floor
In other words, don't care whether it is a 220 or 250, you can make the car whatever you want.
Having seen how the 964 has gone from unwanted to desirable, you can see the 944T prices doing similar just behind the 968CS, in fact the guy that bought mine from me will probably re-coup most of his expense in bringing it back up to standard as I sold it when prices were on the floor
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