Early 944 vs late 944

[Gordon Rankin]

Ok, somehow my last post from Monday night was deleted????
I am looking at an 87 944. I have a 83 model.. early, early...
What differences and advantages will I get going to the '87 ?
What disadvantages?

[Schumi]

Late offset wheels are more common, many more to choose from.

Late rear suspension trailing arms are aluminum. Later cars are slightly stiffer sprung, rear sway bar.

Electronics are mostly different and completely better.

Interior is much higher quality and more modern looking.

Engine is slightly higher output (163 HP vs 150)

Engine has tiny improvements like sprung belt tensioner, fuel rail, tube headers over cast headers.

Windsheild is flush mounted instead of sunken in to frame, much better looking.

Car is heavier due to interior gaining weight. Only big disadvantage.

[Grandad#3]

Hi Gordon, I don't know of any disadvantages. With the 87 you get the upgraded interior, better electrics, easy to reach fuse/relay box, sunroof, 16" wheels, late offset for more wheel choices, better brakes and the engine without the hesitation you now have with the 83. Plus the car is three years younger. If the 87 has the documented necessary work belts, rollers, water pump and clutch change out go for it. Remember the cam and balance belts 3 years or 30K miles whichever comes first. I wish you luck on the new car. Read over the PPI on Clark's garage.com to refresh your memory on what to look for.

http://www.clarks-garage.com/purchase.htm

Cheers,
Larry

[Gordon Rankin]

It comes from an estate sale with no records. Mileage is about 125,000 and current owners just don't know any history other than for the last 9 months "It runs good". PO passed on. But one of the first things I'll do is change the belts and check out the water pump. (probably change it out as I am in there and I have one on hand..) Just hope they accept my offer..

[Porsche-O-Phile]

To each their own. Personally I like the early cars better. Lighter, simpler, easier to work on, less electronics crap. I also personally can't stand the auto tensioners even though they theoretically help prevent t-belt failures. If you change yours regularly and tension it properly you don't need one.

The later engines do make more power mostly due to higher compression ratios. You can easily accomplish the same thing with an early engine (swap out the pistons and/or shave the head). The '83 engines have all forged internals too incidentally.

If you want a "late" 944 I'd seriously consider an S2 cab or a 968. They're the best of the bunch, IMHO.

[ewalt98]

I would think one big advantage of the early cars is that the front A-Arms are easier and much cheaper to repair when the ball joints wear out. I know you can retrofit later cars, and there are kits to replace the joint on later cars, but the early steal A-Arm's ball joints simply bolt in.
And, as IDEOLA and others have shown, you can spruce up the early interiors quite nicely.

Also, aren't there more shared parts between VW/Audi, and the early cars than the later cars???

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yes there are.

Price a 968 water pump sometime.

[smokin_944]

Gordon, its a toss-up. There is no doubt that the early A-arms are far easier and cheaper to work with. The electricals can be a pain on the early cars unless they have been sorted out (ask me how I know) but once sorted out, not so bad. As far as a car 3 years younger, well, you are looking at a 23+ year old car so I don't see the point of age. If you wrench your car, brakes are a piece of cake to upgrade in either case. IMO the engines of both cars are the weakest point. They go a long way with regular maintenance, but not so much on the performance end of things. I like my Series 1 car enough to contemplate a 3l transplant in the future. To each his own I guess.

[racer]

'83 is lighter

'87 came with 7x15s, someone above mentioned 16s.. they were optional, just like in '83

Control arms.. early are "rebuildable", but really, how often do they need rebuilding (especially if they are not lowered)

Rated (US) hp.. '83 are 143, '87 are 147 but I don't think there were any actual engine changes. '88s had 158hp.

Late models - yes, more wheel choices.

If the mechanicals of both cars are in equal condition, it just comes down to personal preference, no real advantage one way or the other.

[Gordon Rankin]

Well, it looks as if my offer was turned down. So plan B is to find a new (newer) engine for my car. an '87 is in the future but for now I'll get the '83

running again.. Anyone have a good (somewhat low miles) engine for sale at a good price? Contact me at

GRSGI@YAHOO.COM

or 714 472-4951 (sprint cell) 24/7

[smokin_944]

Gordon, have you talked to Plyhammer or Josh mebbe? They usually have the goods.

[Gordon Rankin]

Unless I am mistaken, shipping costs on an engine might make it somewhat costly and prohibitive to take delivery on anything outside of Southern Calif...But you never know and I won't dismiss anything that's reasonable.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Shipping is far less than CA tax.

Do a search on Legoland951 (Frank) in Long Beach - he's got a ton of 944 parts and is a great guy to know.

[Bamf3000]

Not to thread jack, but I figured I didnt need to start a new thread. Is the only difference between an 86 and 87 the offset for the suspension? Does the 86 still have the upgraded electronics/brakes/etc?

Also does anyone know what is needed to upgrade to the 87+ suspesion from an 86?

Thanks

[J1NX3D]

one of the things i like best about the late dash is it breathes better. the heater/ a/c, etc are much more efficient

[Slam]

Fuel line routing on late cars? Not for me...