944 - My First Porsche

[Logie]

Hey all, just got a 944 but wont be driving it till early July. Due to Insurance and its having a few bits and bobs done to it!

Its the 2.5 8v. Its quick, but nothing special. But, as its my first manuel RWD with out t/c etc i think its a great first step. It handles great and i love the driving position!

My question is, i know its always easier to always get the better model ie S2, 3.0ltr or 2.5 Turbo. But thats not an option. Just wondered if theres any where that can rebuild the head and give it a nice Port & Polish to free a few ponies? Is it an option to pop on the 16v head? Or is that not as easy?

What about more agreesive cam + Chip?

Thanks in advance

[tr7v8]

Hi & welcome, yup you'll enjoy it just had 12 months on my 944 which is first Porker.
As for getting more it's apparently quite difficult. A Pro-max chip will release
a few ponies but debatable as to how many. A dansk exhaust & a panel air filter
will make it breathe freely but it's quite a high state of tune already so quick
wins are difficult. As for a cam I suspect you'd destroy the bottom end torque
without massive gains at the top. 99% sure the 16V head would mean changing so much in
the existing 8V lump that it wouldn't be worth it.

PS Join TiPEC lots of 924 & 944 owners to help out & good club nights,
I'm RO for South East London North Kent.
Come over to www.porsche-1.net & have a look. Also tipec.net

[Logie]

Guess i will leave it as it is! It already has electric leather front seats and rears (lol if u can call them seats). Door handles arnt really that bad. But, there are like gun metal grey with Porsche written across!

[Pecker944]

Hi, I've got the Porsche bug as well! How do you deal with it? I'm looking for a nice 944, preferably an S2 with less than 100k on the clock. If anyone knows of a decent one knocking around the south then please let me know.
I'm struggling with insurance living in London. It's a second car but all the classic car insurers seem to insist on it being garaged - not very practical in the smoke. Any ideas?

[davey68]

likewise starting to look round for well looked after 944 turbo (250). not easy finding em is it!?

[jamesm]

I guys, I've also just got myself my first Porsche. I wasn't even looking for one - it just came up for sale through a friend of my Dads and I just couldn't resist it! It's a 1986 944 LUX AUTO in Black. The car has covered 107k miles but it had and engine rebuild at 78k so has only just had it's 48k mile service. The engine is sweet as a nut, however cosmetically the cars not that great. However this is not and issue as I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and treating her to a few new parts. E-bay has been great for buying a new steering wheel and ash/trays etc, however it all mounts up! Going to keep the car all original.

I too have a few questions if anyone can help me?
• Where is the best place to get insurance from, as so far my best quote was for £380 from 'confused.com' . Now thats taking into account I'm 29 with 7+ years no claims on a limited 5k a year miles. Is that any good?

• I have some rust on a couple of the wings, should I just deal with the rust my self, and if so what is the best way? Or should I just buy new wings and get them painted?
• The alloys need a refurb, has anyone attempted this themselves?

• I would like to upgrade the alloys to some 17'' cup rims. How do I know what offset will fir when I'm looking to buy some, or even what size spacers I will need to buy?

Thanks for the info guys, loving the PH community!

[ripton]

Try Lancaster - mines about £450, I'm 35 and limited to 15k per year on an 87 turbo.

Welcome to the addiction

[Pecker944]

I'd have their arm off at £380. I was quoted £1300 this morning on a similar deal as you which makes things far more costly all round.

[doctorpepper]

Logie said:

Hey all, just got a 944 but wont be driving it till early July. Due to Insurance and its having a few bits and bobs done to it! Its the 2.5 8v. Its quick, but nothing special. But, as its my first manuel RWD with out t/c etc i think its a great first step. It handles great and i love the driving position! My question is, i know its always easier to always get the better model ie S2, 3.0ltr or 2.5 Turbo. But thats not an option. Just wondered if theres any where that can rebuild the head and give it a nice Port & Polish to free a few ponies? Is it an option to pop on the 16v head? Or is that not as easy? What about more agreesive cam + Chip? Thanks in advance

EMC in bham can give you a reliable 190BHP from the 2.5 8v. They prep a lot of the 944's for the Porsche Open/Club. ncluding Tom Segrues championship winning car.
0121 328 2225 Ask for Kevin.

[logie]

Thanks for the DrPepper! Spoke to Kevin who advised its not suitable for road use really, mainly due to fuel comsumption, but if anyone is wants there 944 done for track use. EMC sounds good!

>> Edited by logie on Tuesday 18th April 17:02

[nervous]

welcome to you both

enjoy it, the 944 i had the other day was lovely, really good fun. im very jealous

[logie]

Heres a few pics of my baby, gutted i cant drive her untill July. Well, unless i want to pay hefty insurance!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288

[nervous]

looks perfect. youre a lucky chap

the numberplate really lets its down tho

[jamesm]

She looks cracking! What year is it?

[stann1234]

Hi guys.Try norton-ib.co.uk.Got my insurance through them for my 2.7 944.£213 comp,agreed valuation,breakdown cover,5000 miles.I am 38 with 1yr ncb

[Scogue]

Generally ticking all the boxes. Esp the colour. I did see a Guards Red 944 around the lake district over the weekend. Looked Fab. Good luck. Regards C

[pcn1]

A word of advice, really think before you throw money at the car. Some times you really need to think with your head and not the heart. I intend to maintain my S2 correctly and give a little TLC as required, then just drive and enjoy. I would not throw money on performance upgrades etc as you never get it back. If you have spare funds save them towards your next car "upgrade"

[nervous]

or....see it as a running expense that helps you enjoy the car more. either way, enjoy.

[doctorpepper]

I know its been said lots of times before, and without knowing your driving history i would be inclined to spend the money on improving "your" perfromance. Once your talant is greater than that of the car then start looking at improving the car.
The 944 is a beutifully balanced car and you'll get the most out of it by learning how to get it to carry its speed through the twisties rather than trying to drive it in a "brake-point-squirt" fashion.
Check out the posts in the "advanded driving" section. IAM/ROSPA/HPC...

Quick and relativly cheap gains can be got by "renewing" aging parts... changing the suspension bushes and gearbox oil will make the car nicer to drive and you'll enjoy it more. Getting thicker ARB's is another one to look at.

Also have you joined PCGB? the 944 section of the forum is a hive of information and will allow you to sort out lots of things on yoru car yourself and save you a packet at the same time.

[jamesm]

I completely agree. When buying a new used car I tend to spend my time looking for a genuine 'unmodified' car, as past experience has taught me that a car with nice wheels hasn't had a nice driver!

Yet, here am I wanting to put 17'' cup alloys on my lovely 944 ... Madness! As you say, better save my money for an upgrade! So, what should I be looking to put my money towards - an S2 3.0L, or the Turbo model? I too no very little about the Porsche models so really appreciate everybody's input! All I know is I've stumbled across a cheap 955 Lux Auto, and now I have the bug!

Thank you all.

James