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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Latrobe, PA
Posts: 407
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What to look for in a 951?
It's a little early for this but I'm getting antsy. I'll have the money for my 951 i want to buy in the spring very soon
 With that being said, what should i look for when I go turbo shopping? I know i want one with no oil leaks whatsoever because I'm sick of my leaks, and semi- low miles. obviously timing belt, water pump, etc. as well. I know basically what to look for on an NA but not a turbo, and you guys are the experts!
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'87 Guards Red 924S - First Porsche - SOLD 5/21/10 '67 Red VW Beetle - Restored by me and my dad, 2115cc motor. '87 951 - Silver/blk, full leather interior - LR Chips - 3 bar FPR - LBE '92 Ford F150 - Winter truck '04 Yamaha R6 |
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12-09-2009, 11:26 AM
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Cars & Coffee Killer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: State of Failure
Posts: 32,246
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It's just about impossible to seal these engines anymore. The external oil seals were designed for a different specification of oil than is currently manufactured (less magnesium now, for example). If you use synthetic, it exacerbates any leaks. A few drips wouldn't concern me much.
These things have a lot of plumbing under the hood. I'd check oil lines, vaccuum lines, and brakes lines. Look for cracks in the J boot. Make sure the blowoff valve and wastegate function. When was the timing belt done? When was the water pump done? When was the clutch done? How are the brakes? What about the turbo? Has it ever been rebuilt? Has it's thermostat ever been replaced? What about the electrical system? The alternator in these cars sits between the turbo and the AC compressor. It gets hot. Has it ever been rebuilt? If not, it will need to be at this age. When was the ignition system (plugs, coil, wires) last changed? Are the headlights bright? Do they dim when you turn on the stereo? Does it have an alarm system? (You will probably want to remove it as these are NOTORIUS for draining the battery.) Does the battery stay charged? Do the windows roll up and down? Do the other lights work? Does the sunroof open? Can you remove the sunroof? What about the suspension? How old are the shocks? How old are the ball-joints? How old are the bushings? Are the CV joints in good shape? How is the body? Cracks in the paint? Does water get inside if it rains? Does the rear hatch close AND seal? Does water get in around the rear tail light? Do the drain tubes leak? Does the car smell like gas inside when you fill it up? Does the car smell like exhaust inside when you drive it? Does the shifter get hot when you drive it for awhile?
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Some Porsches long ago...then a wankle... 5 liters of VVT fury now -Chris "There is freedom in risk, just as there is oppression in security." |
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12-09-2009, 12:39 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Latrobe, PA
Posts: 407
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Lots of good info there....Thanks!
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'87 Guards Red 924S - First Porsche - SOLD 5/21/10 '67 Red VW Beetle - Restored by me and my dad, 2115cc motor. '87 951 - Silver/blk, full leather interior - LR Chips - 3 bar FPR - LBE '92 Ford F150 - Winter truck '04 Yamaha R6 |
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12-09-2009, 12:57 PM
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All or what Legion said and: Get a PPO before you buy, and buy the most original, best condition, best maintained, lowest mileage one you can find for the money you are looking to spend. Stay away from the "fixer uppers" and projects unless that is exactly what you are looking for. It is far better with these cars to spend a little more money up front than to buy a car that needs "fixing up". A few known problems can turn into bigger problems that can cost you a fortune to repair. Hopefully, you can perform most maintenance and repairs yourself......if not, you better have good mechanic for a friend or have a good reserve in your savings account. Not trying to scare you, just being realistic.
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1988 944 Turbo Guards Red - Black Leather Autothority Stage 2 Chip Set Weltmeister Strut Tower Brace 1984 944 - Sold to rcecale |
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12-09-2009, 03:22 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Latrobe, PA
Posts: 407
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Yeah, I'll be able to do most/all repairs myself....I sort of know what I'm getting into, my dad has been in the Porsche club for 35 years and has had tons of 911's, 930's, 944's, 14's, 356's etc. I'm probably going to be looking in the $12k range, hope i can find a black on black one with 80k miles or less. I just can't wait to get it!
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'87 Guards Red 924S - First Porsche - SOLD 5/21/10 '67 Red VW Beetle - Restored by me and my dad, 2115cc motor. '87 951 - Silver/blk, full leather interior - LR Chips - 3 bar FPR - LBE '92 Ford F150 - Winter truck '04 Yamaha R6 |
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12-09-2009, 06:21 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 2,688
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Yup - I can pretty much guarantee that any 944 turbo for sale will have at least a couple of these issues....
Cracked exhaust manifold at the head Negative battery cable covering coming apart Power steering sytem leaks Rear balance shaft seal on low side going Injector harness connectors integrity going Speed and Ref sensor connectors crumbling Shot motor mount on hot side Shot CV axle on exhaust side Probably other issues I am forgetting about 
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89 944 - Alpine white/blue, Focus 9 DME and MAF, MSDS headers |
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12-10-2009, 08:57 AM
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Avatar's are to SMALL.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Belvidere, NJ
Posts: 1,051
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How far you away are you willing to look for a 951? theres a great one on ebay. I have been talking to this guy since he posted it. 135,000 in great condition. It is in cali though. But it's only 9950. Seeing your budget is 12000, you can have it shipped. Just a thought.
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1986 951 - Wrecked. Being used for engine swap and parts. 1987 944 - SCCA specification track/ street car. Awaiting 951 engine and parts. |
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12-14-2009, 08:37 AM
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