944S Test Drive

[andy watson]

ORIGINAL: 944 man

I believe that the issue relates to the camshafts' timing Andy. When new and if revved enough they were quite perky, but after a bit of use many are struggling with 8v top ends, and 16v (no) midrange.

Thanks Simon, maybe that would explain why the replacement engine seems a lot better than the old one (that let go due to camchain snapping!)
I do struggle with the lack of low down power, crawling along in traffic or in a 30 mph zone she is a nightmare, but when up and running and making progress she is good as gold

I have been toying with buying another engine and having it completely refurbished over a period of time and then fit when the time arises.
The other option after a chat with Edd is maybe to obtain a 3L S2 engine and drop in, I believe that there is not a lot needed to carry out this transplant?

I would be interested in your thoughts

 

[Chrishazle]

ORIGINAL: andy watson

Thanks Simon, maybe that would explain why the replacement engine seems a lot better than the old one (that let go due to camchain snapping!)
I do struggle with the lack of low down power, crawling along in traffic or in a 30 mph zone she is a nightmare, but when up and running and making progress she is good as gold

I have been toying with buying another engine and having it completely refurbished over a period of time and then fit when the time arises.
The other option after a chat with Edd is maybe to obtain a 3L S2 engine and drop in, I believe that there is not a lot needed to carry out this transplant?

I would be interested in your thoughts

OK, what's your S worth on resale and what would the 3L S2 engine plus fitting cost? Compare that to the cost of buying a good S2 or 968 and IMHO the S will be history and you'll be driving an S2 or a 968. I have never regretted binning the S for the 968, I've only regretted binning the lux for the S.

 

[944 man]

Chris has hit the nail on the head, I think.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Realistically, a fully-sorted S2 or 968 is a car worth many times what you'll sell an S with low power for. Don't get sucked in to the "S2 for £3k" trap unless you're a DIY expert, don't expect it to cost less than at least double per year to run, and factor in larger costs such as the worse body rot, the larger brake costs etc.

I'd suggest changing the other way, to a really good Lux, or a 924 S, if you want a real alternative to the S. Lighter, more nimble, more fun, less cost.. But, only if the car you own is going to be throwing major costs over the next few years and you can't get the mechanicals sorted.

 

[Copperman05]

ORIGINAL: Chrishazle

ORIGINAL: andy watson

Thanks Simon, maybe that would explain why the replacement engine seems a lot better than the old one (that let go due to camchain snapping!)
I do struggle with the lack of low down power, crawling along in traffic or in a 30 mph zone she is a nightmare, but when up and running and making progress she is good as gold

I have been toying with buying another engine and having it completely refurbished over a period of time and then fit when the time arises.
The other option after a chat with Edd is maybe to obtain a 3L S2 engine and drop in, I believe that there is not a lot needed to carry out this transplant?

I would be interested in your thoughts

OK, what's your S worth on resale and what would the 3L S2 engine plus fitting cost? Compare that to the cost of buying a good S2 or 968 and IMHO the S will be history and you'll be driving an S2 or a 968. I have never regretted binning the S for the 968, I've only regretted binning the lux for the S.

Difference being that Andy loves his car, has spent a few bob getting it how he wants it and his wife bought it for him as a gift. If he wants to rebuild an engine, why not make it an S2 engine and get the best of both worlds.


Edd

 

[colin944]

Just throw my 2p worth in here.

I say don't get all caught up in which model is best.The truth is that it's not the engine or the wheels or the seats that you need to worry about.
What you need to do is buy a 944 any 944 with a good solid shell.
If your S has a good solid shell then it's worth spending money on to get it the way you want it.You can change the engine,gearbox,seats,wheels,body kit etc but if you start with a duff shell it will cost you more in the long run to get a good car.Trust me I know all about rot in a 944 shell.It takes a whole lot of money and time to get the shell right.Just patching it up is a waste of time and money if you intend to keep the car.
So in short if your car is solid and good then go for it.If the shell is mot good then sell it and buy one that is.

 

[andy watson]

Gents, thanks for you replies,

Chris,
The resale of my car is irrelevant, but with independent valuation of £5k for the insurance agreed value I am happy with that, I am also very happy with my S and Edd's post should explain why! We all own and love our cars for different reasons.

Simon,
As you know your stuff on these cars, would still like your opinion my 2 thoughts are:
A. 3L to have more power etc.
B. Keep as original, one day maybe very rare.

Paul,
You should know better[], I won't be parting with her

Edd,
As usual keeping up to speed!

Colin,
After 11 years - she is a goodun

The whole, is it worth it scenario as you will gather is an argument that does not exist in my particular case, the car cost £3700 in 2001, in 2002. I spent £3k on a respray and in 08 £2.5k on a engine, clutch change, over the 11 years the receipt folder amounts to almost £14k.
When the engine gave way in 08, the question of whether to break her and buy another arose, it took me less than 2 days to decide, call me daft, silly old fool, sentimental but that is exactly what it is the car to me has so much sentimental value that I could never part with her, even Lin thinks I am mad she has said many time sell it and get a Turbo or 968

 

[gajh]

I agree with colin, my 944S is now rust free after having sills replaced and a total respray and underneath coated, have fitted gaz gold suspension, turbo seats, braided brake lines so I think it is quite a sound car except the power. I think a turbo is the best of both worlds comparing a LUX and an S, it is ok to drive in normal town driving/short trips (70% of my driving) and on the open road it is just brilliant, having said that I do prefer the front end of the S, so I am thinking of replacing my running gear with that of a turbo. Has anyone carried this type of conversion on a 944 N/A.

It amases me how much people are willing to help and provide good advice on this forum, so a big thank you to all that have contributed.

 

[andy watson]

Gavin,

Agree with you there, I do prefer the front end of the S1 over the S2
It just seems more............944ish if you know what I mean?

 

[PorkyDunc]

ORIGINAL: andy watson

Gavin,

Agree with you there, I do prefer the front end of the S1 over the S2
It just seems more............944ish if you know what I mean?

I'm with you on that one, much more well eighties... Thats why I bought my S over the S2 that on he face of it only needed a new interior, but hey we all know that it never stops there. My only concern is my sills as they look like they have been bodged at some point! But Ill suss that when the time comes, but thats after the belts (diy or not)

 

[gajh]

Here is a couple pictures of my 944S
<a href="http://s1283.beta.photobucket.com/user/gajh66/library/Porsche%20944S" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a556/gajh66/Porsche%20944S/IMG_0794_zps88b7348e.jpg" border="0" alt="Pic1"/></a>
<a href="http://s1283.photobucket.com/albums/a556/gajh66/Porsche%20944S/?action=view&current=IMG_0792_zpsec508965.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a556/gajh66/Porsche%20944S/IMG_0792_zpsec508965.jpg" border="0" alt="Pic2"></a>

 

[gajh]

Here is a couple of pictures of my 944S

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a556/gajh66/Porsche%20944S/IMG_0792_zpsec508965.jpg
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a556/gajh66/Porsche%20944S/IMG_0794_zps88b7348e.jpg

 

[Ewan]

Many years ago (about 1996) the engine on my S let go when it had done about 70,000 miles, but the rest of the car was lovely. I had Porsche Centre Bournemouth install an engine from a scrapped S2 that had done about 40,000. To purchase and install the enigne cost about £5k (from memory), but that was way cheaper than the value of an S2 in those days. So it was far cheaper for me to re-engine the car rather than replace it.

It would cost even less to source and install an S2 engine these days, so if you are happy with your current car (other than the lack of low down power), grab yourself a healthy S2 plant and drop it in. Easy.

 

[gajh]

Yes I know what you mean, I find that the newer cars nowadays have lost character and all look the same. I think porsche should of continued the 944 just as they have the 911

 

[Elliot]

Gavin

that workshop behind your car looks familiar?

Great colour by the way.

 

[Hairyarse]

Was just thinking that looked like your place Elliot! lol (sent you email btw, your inbox is full [] )

Gavin - no problem, anytime, just give me a shout if you want a second opinion. Ref the conversion, I think it's on TIPEC there's a thread of someone who's got a black S/LUX with a Turbo engine. Has Azev alloys and looks just [8D] Saw it run at the Pod at Retro Rides show back in July

 

[gajh]

Yes that is Elliot's place where I had a lot of work done, I love the colour. I will have a look and see if I can find the conversion thread.
Thanks

 

[colin944]

Good on you guys for sticking to what you want.. I for one prefer the nose on a S2 or even a Turbo.But that's just horses for courses.
When I bought my car I bought the best I could get for my budget and It just happened to be an S2. Iran it in ignorant bliss for 4 years after getting the belts,cam chain etc done at OPC Glasgow.I then decided that i wanted to change the colour as I was never a fan of Zermatt.. In the process I have spent the last 4 years completely rebuilding it.I must admit that sometimes I hate the sight of it and throw a cover over it and leave it for a while,and other times I go on a work spurt and do loads.It's been in a dry workshop all that time.
I now find myself at a can't be bothered stage again.I tried really hard to get it ready before the summer ran out but a change of job and a few other issues stopped me from getting it done.Now I will leave it for a while and then get it ready for next year.That's car restoration for you....
I could also have bought a nice 996 or a nearly new boxter for the money I've spent on it,but that is irrelevant as it's a 944 I want.