Which 944..?

[Bloooor]

Hi, I'm quite new to the forums and haven't really posted much (mainly because i've been reading through lots of posts/threads searching for information) but i still feel like i haven't made up my decision on which model 944 to go for.

It doesn't have to be the quickest or the newest but at the same time i would prefer to drive it not fix it all the time! I do plan to keep the car for a fair few miles so i have plans of a respray in the future (if the paint isn't in good condition to start with) and also trying my luck (with help from friends and family) at rebuilding an engine so to eventually have a really nice example. I also love the retro-ness of the earlier straight dash models with the upside down dials but then i'm wondering whether it would maybe be best to go for an S2 for reliability reasons. I also plan to lower it on different suspension/coilovers and find an old set or BBs race wheels or maybe a rare set of Epsilon wheels to suit it nicely (ill have to scour ebay.de for those though!)

I have began to read through all the buying guides that have been posted up too but they are very detailed and will take me quite a while to scan through them all but that may also help make my decision easier. I would also like to know if you can install the S2 engine or even the Turbo/Turbo S engine in without much modification?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,
Adam

 

[bmnelsc]

I recommend you read as much as possible before you jump in. Owning a 944 is not a low cost/no effort activity so you should be prepared to do some work yourself or pay for professionals.

As a general rule - parts are least expensive for the pre-85 square dash and getting progressively more expensive through to the S2 and post 89 Turbos. Its things like ball joints/lower control arms, motor mounts and upper strut mounts where a huge difference is found in parts cost while the 16 valve engines are more expensive than 8 valve (just because there is more).

I don't think there is any difference as far as susceptibility to rust, etc. so your pre-purchase inspection is very important - I'm sure you would rather spend your money on mechanical items rather than body work.

I have a '91 S2 which I enjoy very much but the extra cost of some components (and a LOT of extra cost) is a little annoying...

 

[Frenchy]

Good everday car with bags of torque is the S2, balls out power and tuneability to go as far as you want £££ is the Turbo, which contrary to what is posted on here are as reliable and no more expensive to run than an S2 (Unless you get the booost bug)
An early Lux is also a good choice they all are, just buy the best you can and look at a few, get yourself along to a couple of PCGB & TIPEC meets and talk to owners, 944 owners are generally a friendly lot and will be glad to advise and give you a run out.
August will see loads of car shows get yourself along and have a look see and a chat.................where are you based ?

 

[Fat Albert]

I didn't choose which model I wanted when I went looking, I just test drive whatever was in my price range that looked like it had the right care and provenance

It was a little soul destroying at first as the initial couple were complete sheds and I did wonder if it was a good idea, especially as i was travelling all over to look at them

Then I drove the almost 200k Turbo 8 miles from my house with the faded paintwork that I had ignored for those reasons....

 

[Copperman05]

Not sure if S2 is any more reliable than older lux's, all of the engines are pretty bullet proof if well looked after, biggest issue on these cars will probably be rust. S2 certainly makes for an excellent DD and mile muncher on our highways, probably easier to drive around town too. Go for Turbo for headline bhp figures and tunability but can cost £££ and tend to have turbo related 'issues'. Lux (square dash) for 70's styling and sweet handling.


Edd

 

[Bloooor]

Great bits of advice, thanks for that! I'm based in Cheshire Frenchy, I've drove past the Deanwater hotel a couple of times keeping my eye out if a meet was on but haven't seen anything so far (I completely forgot about last wednesdays meet as well!) Will definitely be attending some upcoming meets as like you say, it's summer (some weeks) and there are plenty of events/shows on throughout.

I'm thinking the 944 I choose won't necessarily be the definitive choice that I have to stick with, if i really don't like something about it I can always put her back up for sale and get another model (I doubt i could hate any 944 though) I will also make sure to test drive / sit in before buying as well and i also have to put my car I have now back to standard-ish, get it sold and then begin the hunt.

Cheers again for help

Adam