924S or 944S for autocross/Time Trial?

[sushinav]

Wondering what folks opinions and reasons are for choosing either a 924S or a 944S (not S2) for autocross or Time Trial events. Any advantages to either model?

The 924S is lighter, but the 944S has more power, what about suspension upgrades, etc?

[pkt1213]

It depends. You'll be able to produce more power and if you're serious you can do weight reductions to help out the 944S. But there are some more reliablity problems with the DOHC engine. Also in '88 I belive there was a Sport option on the 924S and the 924S is a bit faster than a base 944 esp for AutoX. Also if you're going to be driving it every day you'll want to take in to account the diffrent interior and other things. Mainly I would think it would come to personal pref. if a buget isn't a big deal. If you're doing it for as cheep as possible the 924 will be a lot cheaper.

[GMingst]

Actully for AutoX see where each car will be classed. One could be a class killer, and the other DOA due to what else is in it's class...

[yellowline]

Go with an early 944. It's pretty much the same as a 924S, but you won't get fender envy.

[jwade944]

The 924S is a little more aerodynamic and has the later suspension with aluminum arms on the rear with the early steel control arms on the front. I race a 924S in PCA class I and I think that the 944's have a slight advantage due to being able to run larger tires on some tracks. On some tracks, I think the 924S is better. I agree that the all things being equal, (mileage, condition, etc.) you should be able to buy a 924S for less. I have never autocrossed, but I would think that the 944 with stock 15x7 wheels would be better than a 924S with stock 15x6 wheels.

[Dave L]

the 16v is no less reliable than the 8v if taken care of. The 16v has the cam chain tensioner that needs to be serviced. change the cam chain tensioner, J tube and chain and you are all set. Seeing as everyone wants a little extra power I figure the S is a good way to go. For the cost of the cam chain service (around $600?) you get 188Hp, hard to get on the 8v without major modifications.

As mentioned in an above post check your rules and regs to see where each would class. Both cars would be great cars to take to the track

[Techno Duck]

In my region (MetroNY) the 944S is classed with the regular 944/924S. I believe the 944S's gearing from 1-4 is the same as the 944 Turbo, meaning that any real distinct advantage in power is not really noticable unless your in the right gear. Thats what i think atleast!

I think the ultimate autocross / time trial car (atleast with the 944 series) would be the '88 924S. They did come with the higher compression motor which made 160hp, also somewhat lighter than the 944.

[Z-man]

In my PCA region (NNJR) the 944S is classed with the 924S, 931, 944, and the 928. I'd say you're biggest competition would come from the 1989 2.7liter 944's. Not too many of them around, so the 944S would probably do pretty well in that class.

In SCCA Solo 2, the 924S runs in E-stock. (Other Porsches in that category are the 931, and the 944 n/a) Your biggest competition there would be in the form of the Miata's (1.6 and 1.8's) and the MR2 n/a's. It would be mighty tough to beat those formidable autocross machines.

The 944S runs in B-stock in SCCA Solo2. (Other P-cars running in B-stock: 356 Carrera, 911 Club Sport & other 911's, 914/6, 928, 944S2, 951, 968, 964). Your biggest competition here would be the Mini Cooper S w/ John Works package, BMW M3, last gen RX-7, and the MR2 Turbo. Tough bunch of cars to run against in a 944S.

Bottom line: for PCA racing, either car is a good platform. Even for regional SCCA stuff, it's good. But to be competitive on the national level, you're really against the Eight-ball in terms of how much car technology has progressed in the last 15 or so years.

Just my $0.42,
-Z-man.

[vnarma]

I went through the same decision two years ago and went for the 924S. The logic was as follows:

924S
pros: Cheaper, lighter, simplier. With the M030 sport package it can take 225/50-15s all around. Lower gearing No ABS
cons: Not much power, No Abs

944s
pros: more power. bigger tires, ABS
cons: problematic Dohc, spares are unique, gearing, weight

944
pro: bigger tires, ABS on some models
cons: weight

I've been driving the 924S for two years, primarily for Autocross, with good success. Its a great learning tool. Light/nimble and direct. It really forces you to learn the line. The car does well in local events against MR2s and Miata, but you have earn it.

It really depends on your goals. I wanted cheap, reliable and competitive. I'm very happy with my decision. I know two other guys guys who foolowed the same path and are still smiling. Where else can you spend $5K fully prepped and go racing a Porsche?

My Porsche 924S Autocross Car