Bought a 951, and now some questions

TNT25169 · 01:39 PM

Looking over the 944 turbo that recently purchased and there were several things about it that I'm not too sure about. First of all, there is a threaded bolt looking thing in the middle of the nose. I'm assuming this is for a tow hook, does anyone know?

The second thing I am wondering about is the lip below my car on the side. I have never noticed this on a 944 and I was wondering if anyone could give insight as to why it might be there.

I'm starting the think this was at some point a race car. The clutch is harder to push in than my other 944, there is no backlash in the drivetrain at all when I let off which makes me think the clutch might be relatively new or maybe that's just how 951's are, there are yokohama A032R tires in the front, there's yellow konis in the rear, the seats have been out at some point and I am thinking they weren't used much because of the excellent condition they are in and this tow hook thing on the front. There is no lsd and I know you aren't supposed to buy cars without records but I wasn't going to pass up a 951 with a smooth as butter engine and strong trans for $3,200. Any input on the possibility of this being a race car would be nice and thanks for your help guys. Here's a pic of the whole car.

livewirevoodoo · livewirevoodoo's Garage

i wouldnt be able to answer any of your questions, but a 951 w/ a solid engine and trans for $3,200 is sweet.

2 guesses tho:
I dont think that is a tow hook - RWD you'd be towing from the back, no? (hence the tow hooks on each side of the rear wheels..)
and
could the side skirt be part of some body kit?

sm1 · 01-14-2005, 02:28 PM

1- yes, that's for a tow hook. one came from the factory, but you can buy it from the various parts purveyors.

2-the 944 turbo came with black side skirts, but your p.o. painted them.

you got a nice deal, especially with the Fuchs!

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

ditto

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

Yep tow hook. there is a small black plactic cap that shoould cover it- damn near impossible to find.

The bottom plastic should be black, regardless of car color- it has been resprayed.

Hell of a buy, you should have asked questions first- did you get a PPI?

TNT25169 · 01-14-2005, 09:28 PM

PPI? I'm guessing that's an inspection and the answers no. The way I figure it is any 951 with a working motor and smooth trans is worth $3,200. The car can be parted out of more than that. The PO offered me $100 for the steering wheel that was in the car if I ever want to sell it back to him. I took it out today and put the stock one back on. This actually brings the cost of the car down to $3,100. I also have a set of 15 inch wheels and another set of 16 inch wheels so I might be selling the wheels also. I'm not going to drive the car until I get it looked at by my mechanic and if he says it's a horrible car and I should sell it, I will and that will be the end of it. There is no way I could lose money on this and if the car is considered to be in good shape then I got a real deal. Thanks for the help guys and I hope you can help me as the details and problems from this car unfold. Remember, you can't spell Porsche without Por.....

Ebs · 01-15-2005, 04:59 AM

Its always hard to tell if a car has been raced. If the car has not been re-sprayed, then track cars in particular tend to have the front nose peppered with marks/stone chips. Look for signs of a roll cage being fitted as well as a fire extinguisher having been mounted. Engine mods are not a sign either way, but its unusual for a stock car to have been raced of late (but not impossible). Many P cars go to driver training days etc. If it drives well and doesn't smoke etc, it should be lots of fun, and as you say the price is good. Enjoy it.

924Sman · 01-15-2005, 06:27 AM

With Yoko A032R I would say it has been tracked wether it was a DE or CR. Along w/a tow mount.

If the car has been raced in PCA there is a log book that follows it. Check the VIN with PCA Club Racing for this info.

Most likely this car is a DE car not a racer.
Nice purchase! GL!

TNT25169 · 01-15-2005, 07:16 AM

I was thinking more along the lines of DE car as well. The car will soon be going to my mechanic so we'll see what happens after that. Thanks again for all the help guys. I'm sure there will be lots more questions in the future....

ernestedward · 01-15-2005, 11:52 AM

In the vein of racing the car, it's a good idea to look for evidence of a cage (as has been mentioned). Look for welded mounting points on the front half of the door sill, on the wheel well directly behind the front seats, and on the sheet metal under the rear hatch carpet. Also, if your windshield is sandblasted (lots of tiny pockmarks, very visible when facing sunlight, bad for visibility), that's a pretty good indicator. Also check the mounting hardware for the seatbelts, if it's not a standard hex head bolt, then it's possible it was used as a mounting point for the lower half of a harness. Sounds like a good buy, overall.