S2

[troy]

Thinking of bidding on a '90 S2 Cab on ebay. Any advice for a newbie on S2 issues? Are these cars as reliable as the two valve 944's (I used to own an '86)? If the engine or trans needs rebuilding is it expensive?

[Rollins]

I would advise you to make a very thorough list of things to ask the seller. If you can't phyiscally see the car in person, and actually drive it you are at a considerable disadvantage. It is very easy for people to mislead you over ebay. I personally would not bid on a car over Ebay unless I knew what I was getting into. So make a good list of questions to ask the seller before you bid.

[Pilot_951S]

If the car was taken care of it is probably the most reliable 944 ever produced. Having said that the Cabriolet has its share of complexities.

Now as with any older car there are some sore spots , but like the rest of the 944 range nothing that can't be taken care of with a little preventative maintenance.

The only really S2 specific thing to watch fro and change is the timing chain and the timing chain tnesion. These both sit between cylinders two and three under the cam cover. They should be replaced between 60K and 100K miles (depending on usage). The synthetic material that the chain rides on gets old and brittle and can loidge itself in the chain. Worst case scenario is a cracked head (expensive but not impossible to fix) but as I said keep the maintenance up and she'll run trouble free. IMO the best 944 road car ever built (and it makes a mean track car too) Very tractable engine, good suspension, and good looks too.

EDIT: I forgot to mention I agree with Rollins.

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The shortest distance between two points is in my car.

[This message has been edited by Pilot_951S (edited 12-24-2000).]

[Allldi]

Troy, what Pilot said about the chain and chain tensioner is very very true. Trust me. Good luck.

Ryan
1991 S2 coupe

[redleg]

I've seen elsewhere on this board that the timing belt and tensioner should be replaced every 30-45K on all on the 944s. Is there a different spec for the 16v cars, or just for the S2. I own an 87 944S and I am getting to the 30K mark since the last belt change.

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Luke Falk
'87 944S

[Pilot_951S]

You should be looking at the timing belt the same as any 944 the timning chain and timing chain tensioner should be checked and possibly replaced every 50-60K miles this is specific to 944 S and 944 S2, I'm not sure about the 968.

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The shortest distance between two points is in my car.

[troy]

Decided not to bid, just couldn't commit to a car I'd not seen. The car went for more than I would have been willing to bid anyway ($14,700)for a 90,000 mile car. Thanks for the advice, T. Roy