Comparing 924 varieties for Durability

[82 sportsc]

Guys
Having owned all varieties of Porsche 356,914,944,968 911 etc.
Recently intrigued with 924 and especially early ones 76,77…etc.
Seems the simplicity of these attracting my attention.
Horsepower is not a issue .
Originality and condition a big issue

Would like thoughts from owners past and present on maintenance ,
technical issues and pitfalls.
Also leads on great one for sale maybe even turbo ?


Thanks
Frank

[Fast Freddy 944]

Go buy a 944, its a true porsche, the older ones had issues..

[Dean924s]

the older 924s was/is a good platform but underpowered by todays standards. Fun car to chuck around. I could see it being a fun momentum car on track. Consumables will be much lower than many other cars as there is a lot of VW in the original 924.

[jjeffries]

Ergo … 924S!

John

[Jrboulder]

Basically the worst of each version of the 924 was the most produced. Early base 924s were built in much larger numbers than late base models but they made continuous improvements. Early 924 Turbos were built in much larger numbers than the later versions, but have much bigger problems. They made a lot more 87 924Ss than 88s but the 88 has the high compression engine and a few other small improvements as well as a fun special edition.

[pfarah]

The one thing to consider though is that those early engines were non-interference type so there's a great chance of not blowing up the motors...

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by Dean924s

the older 924s was/is a good platform but underpowered by todays standards. Fun car to chuck around. I could see it being a fun momentum car on track. Consumables will be much lower than many other cars as there is a lot of VW in the original 924.

The original 924 was underpowered by 1977 standards...

[Supreme]

Just remember, this was only 2hp but is a classic, fun and a beautiful machine. I have a 1979 924 and have owned a 911sc, a '98 Carrera S and a 2001 Turbo and trust me, the speed gets old. Not to take away from those legends, but 95-100hp is good enough for me.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_2CV

[82 sportsc]

Guys
More focused on the Series 2 924 Turbo……seems the HP went up to 170 .
Much less built than the stock 924 also 4 wheel disc and improved ignition

What else about these ?
Thanks
Frank

[944 Ecology]

Originally Posted by 82 sportsc

Guys
More focused on the Series 2 924 Turbo……seems the HP went up to 170 .
Much less built than the stock 924 also 4 wheel disc and improved ignition

What else about these ?
Thanks
Frank

Just be aware that the 1980-81 924 turbo used an ignition system (DITC) for which parts are NLA. If you have a problem with the ignition, you should plan on converting to another ignition system. check the rennlist archives.

[944 S2]

Originally Posted by 82 sportsc

Guys
More focused on the Series 2 924 Turbo……seems the HP went up to 170 .
Much less built than the stock 924 also 4 wheel disc and improved ignition

What else about these ?
Thanks
Frank

I had an 80 924 turbo. The first two years had a dog leg transmission with expensive replacement parts. The last year they went to a conventional trans. I dont recall HP numbers that high excerpt maybe for the euro version. Mine had 150HP. Buy the 924 Carrera instead!

[chuckw951]

I have a 1981 924 turbo with a 1980 drive train. The previous owner combined the best of two cars to create one. I got lucky, much of the hard work has been done including rebuilding the engine and turbo, new brakes and more.

I replaced the dash board, alternator, rebuilt the wastegate, recovered the seats and it still needs a carpet kit and paint....plus the G31 transmission will need at least synchos and other parts made from unobtanium at some point.

On the plus side I've added a water-cooled intercooler and turned up the boost to 15psi. Turning up the boost really wakes up these cars.

I've owned three transaxle cars before this car...starting with a 944NA, then a 944 turbo and a 968 convertible. Those cars were "better" in many ways but the lighter 924 with extra horsepower is fun to drive once the boost kicks in.

If I had to do it again, I probably would have looked for a 924S in excellent condition...again a better car. The book Original 924/944/968 outlines the changes made to the 924 over the years. https://www.amazon.com/Original-Porsche-924-944-968/dp/190143205X.

Another place to check out is the 924 Board at https://www.924board.org/index.php. There is a classified section, that is where I found my car.

Original cars in excellent condition are getting more difficult to find. It's fun to check out previous sales here: https://bringatrailer.com/porsche/924/.

If price is no object, the 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTS might be for you. They come up for sale from time to time. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-porsche-924-gts-club-sport/

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by 944 Ecology

Just be aware that the 1980-81 924 turbo used an ignition system (DITC) for which parts are NLA. If you have a problem with the ignition, you should plan on converting to another ignition system. check the rennlist archives.

Repro crank sensor is now available. Perfect time to buy a non running 82.

[Rasta Monsta]

Respect to John and Chuck, but best 924 is a 924s with 951 swap.

[924RACR]

Generally agree with most of the vibe here, having owned just about all of the 924 varieties at one point. Later is better, simply put.

Early cars are slow and uninspiriring, and the 4-speed doesn't help. They lack a lot of refinement that was added into the later cars - ride isolation etc. Then there's the issue of body; 924S's (2.5L cars) seem to be of a higher build quality on the body, or were better taken care of, or both... though the interiors almost all end up trashed.

Wouldn't mind having a 2.5L car for commuting, but just don't have space for any more. My 82 931 takes place as the fun toy/summer commuter/upgrade project car. While it worked just fine with the stock CIS and ignition, moving up to a Microsquirt conversion, boost controller and 951 IC has really woken it up and made it more fun - even when not on the boost. Now it really just needs the cosmetic work, both restoration and upgrades.

But even a later 2.0L NA car can be fun enough; the simplicity and directness of the manual steering is still enjoyable, and they sound great with modest work on the exhaust...

More than anything, as with so many other varieties of cars, find one with solid sheetmetal that appeals to you, and do what you like with the mechanicals and cosmetics, you'll have fun...

[chuckw951]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

Respect to John and Chuck, but best 924 is a 924s with 951 swap.

Touché.

So the 951 engine drops right in to a 924S?

Still waiting for in car video on boost…

[16again2009]

There is a very nice 81 931 for sale on 924board.org. It is in the parts section.

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by chuckw951

So the 951 engine drops right in to a 924S?

Aside from the radiator/intercooler mount, it's all nuts and bolts.

[82 sportsc]

Guys
Thanks for all commentary, decided on a 81 924 Turbo….bought yesterday!
It will need restoration so will need assistance & guidance
Just finishing a nut/bolt 4 year restoration of a 71 911 so can handle all mechanicals
But getting familiar with the 924 will be the next step.
If anyone has factory repair Manuals would be interested

Hope for a fun learning experience
Thanks
Frank

[Rasta Monsta]

Recommend 924board.org for help on your project. One prolific poster there doesn't know as much as he thinks, you'll figure out who. Otherwise #1 site for 924 knowledge.