New here - what are the best year(s) for 944 T

BertBeagle · 01-04-2008, 06:21 PM

I am new to the 944 forum and don't know much about them.

Looking at an 86 turbo. Is there anything inherently wrong with that year?

How do the various year models rank in desirability?

The car I am looking at for possible purchase has a new clutch, starter and some other new parts. 95,000 miles and all service records. Its in good mechanical condition. I know the family of the owner and feel somewhat comfortable buying the car but still know very little about them.

What do I need to look for when doing an inspection?

Thanks in advance for any advise.

Luis de Prat · 01-05-2008, 02:43 AM

Welcome. Search is your friend.

The short answer to your question is 1986 is the most abundant and economical if you want to modify the car.

1987 is the first year with ABS brakes.

1988 & up are more expensive and make less sense if you plan on modifying the car since they came with several performance features that you'll end up upgrading anyway on a modified car (suspension, larger turbo, etc.)

Most desirable is, arguably, the 1988 Turbo S, if you can find a real one. HTH

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

keep in mind I do not own a 944T but when/if it comes time to buy a 944T I will look for the '86. The '86 is simpler and lighter with no ABS, no airbags and you can run the early offset wheels (Fuchs).

The Turbo S is also very desirable do to the upgraded brakes, suspension and increased power in stock form 250 verses 220.

Very common mileage on a 944 seem to be between 120K and 180K and I have seen some in the upwards of 250K.

I would get a PPI by a 944 shop. There are some very expensive potential repairs you should be aware of if they exist before you purchase the car. An example would be the clutch... it is about $2000 to get it replaced at the shop but if you do all your own work it is about $500 and about 20 hours of your labor. In my opinion if you are able to do all your own work the 944 is a cheap car to own.

Speedy

BertBeagle · 01-05-2008, 06:53 AM

Thanks very much. That's the sort of info I was hoping to get.

nynor · 01-05-2008, 11:04 AM

'88 S or '89, which is S spec. then all the mods have been done for you. also, the '86s had issues with the front spindles not being strong enough. if you don't like the ABS, remove it, like i i did.

adrian1 · 01-05-2008, 05:45 PM

i think every 86 came with the trans cooler,
its lighter,
no airbags,
no abs,

88BlueTSiQuest · 01-06-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrian1

i think every 86 came with the trans cooler,
its lighter,
no airbags,
no abs,

Don't forget that all the '86s also had forged rods. It seems that it becomes debatable on the later cars.

Every advantage that the 88 S or 89 has over an 86 can be added to the 86. That 30hp advantage goes away with a set of chips and a boost controller

70SWT · 01-06-2008, 06:42 AM

As always - the best advice remains to buy the nicest, newest and lowest mile accident-free example you can.

If you want to talk perfect world, get a 1990 example. Good luck; they're super rare. The rarity combined with the fact that you may get the 968 style spoiler as a factory installed item gives them a little extra panache.

Otherwise, a reasonable goal is to get an 89, and next in desirability would be the 88 S.

However, I tend to look at the 87 and up 951 cars as being "effectively" identical at this point in time; by now, most will have had modifications and upgrades done. If they haven't, most of the things that make an S-spec 951 an S are easily and wisely upgraded as they wear out. So the snob appeal of having an S-spec car is usually, or at least temporarily, only skin deep and 87 and non-S 88 951s can be had for a lot less than an 88 S or 89.

If you want the classic look of the Fuchs wheels or simply dig the deep-dish look you get with the early offset while using aftermarket wheels, go with the 86. They are also the cheapest to buy and most abundant. They may be more likely to have front spindle failure vs the later cars, mainly a problem if you plan to heavily track the car. An 86 951 was my first Porsche way back when, I loved it...

BertBeagle · 01-06-2008, 07:25 AM

Thanks again for the good posts and opinions.

Aufgeladen944 · 01-06-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luis de Prat

Welcome. Search is your friend.

The short answer to your question is 1986 is the most abundant and economical if you want to modify the car.

Most desirable is, arguably, the 1988 Turbo S, if you can find a real one. HTH

Guess that means I have the best of both worlds?