944 2.5L (1983) Automatic - Buying Advice

[fazious]

Hi, I'm new to this. I was looking at loads of buying guides but can see nothing about automatic 944's. Can anyone advise me as to if they are as good as the manuals in terms of repairs/daily running etc? Many thanks in advance. I'm considering buying a 1983 944 2.5L which is an auto.

Are automatic transmissions expensive to repair when they die?

I know early 944's are cheaper to repair when they go wrong compared to later models and the s2 has better equipment but I prefer the retro look of the first ones that were released with the dial dash.

 

[zcacogp]

Hello and welcome.

The automatics weren't as peppy as the manuals as the box sapped more power. They weren't very popular and are pretty rare now.

There was a thread recently on repairing an auto box, here:

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=775863&mpage=1&key=automatic&#776522

I can't comment their reliability but it does sound like repairing them can be a game if they go wrong.

Keep us posted with how you get on.


Oli.

 

[Lowtimer]

Is it absolutely essential that you get an automatic? If not, don't.
If you really must have an automatic, you would be a lot better off getting a 968 Tiptronic instead of a 944. They are also very expensive to fix if they go wrong, but at least the later electronically-controlled 4-speed box is less crippling ot the car than the old 3-speed slushmatic on the 944.

In both cases the real probelm with keeping them on hte road is no tthe gearbox itself but the availability of the cush drive. They are extremely expensive.

 

[bmnelsc]

I agree with everyone else to date. Also - the major source of woe with an automatic is lack of maintenance. Assuming the car drives well and there is no evidence of slippage and the kick-down function is working correctly - look for maintenance history specific to the trans such as trans oil changes, etc. Also - not sure if you are aware so I apologize if this old news to you - the "dipstick" test. On the 944 I believe you will have to get under it and open the reservoir on the side of the trans to examine the oil (there is no traditional dipstick). The trans oil should appear clean and free of moisture/dirt/grit. Not sure what color the original oil was - most were red in those days - so check for any off color and give it a good sniff - there should be no "brownish" tinge to the oil and it should not smell burnt or overheated as these are signs of slipping clutches/bands in the trans.

Best route would be a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or automatic transmission specialist. I expect either one would be referring to the workshop manual for info as neither one likely has much experience with these transmissions but I believe they could check operating pressures, etc without opening up the box.

 

[Dockrell]

On the later 944 automatics there is a transparent reservoir for the transmission fluid visible underneath the car when viewed from the back with the maximum and minimum fluid levels. The sump for the gearbox can be dropped, after the fluid has been drained and the mesh filter inside cleaned or replaced - the sump gasket and mesh filter are not too expensive.
Under light load the gearbox changes up at about 20 mph into 2nd and into top at about 40 to 45 mph.

Mike
White 2.7 automatic

 

[os951]

Both 944 auto & 968 Tip transmissions are strong. Problem is that rubber damper where clutch is normally located. In 944's damper might last for ever, but with 968's power damper just can't last forever. I have changed damper to 968 and it is very time demanding job to do. 944 automatics are also very sloooooow, so if you don't necessarily need automatic, skip it.