A 944 on a lay-away plan

ROWSC · 10-05-2001, 08:59 PM

I feel confident I could find a well used 944 engine and rebuild it far cheaper than a Porsche dealer. Lets say I do the same thing with the transimission and the clutch. First question, how much would it cost me to rebuild these pieces assuming I wanted it done right. Assuming my plan it to put this powertrain into a 944 donor car, would I have to be exceptionally critical on my donor choice our could I get away with a cleap, high mileage car that seems held together well.

Bottom line: I don't have the space, or the forgiving neighbors, to allow me to let a car sit out while I rebuilt the drivetrain. I would like to work on the powertrain over the winter, slip it into a pretty donor in the spring, and sell the wife's car in the summer. The car would be driven daily so it needs to be 100% reliable.

Thanks,

Rich

Britwrench · 10-06-2001, 09:14 AM

Sounds like a lot of time and money to achieve a little.

If you want a 944 there are plenty of good reliable daily drivers available.
In general the engines do not wear out before 150,000 miles anyway.
It is just not worth putting the amount of money it would take into a 944 for daily driving.
Dont't forget, everything else; brakes, suspension, radiator, torque tube, etc. will be old too.

Spend about $5000 and you will buy the best 944 around. Or you could buy a Honda Accord?
Maintenance on theses cars is never going to be cheap, so budget for service and preventative repairs and it won't be too bad.
I use my 944 every day, apart from a fuel pump relay going out (yes, I forgot to change it!) it has been totally reliable.
Good luck on your search.