Porsche 944 Project

[ParkMyCar]

Hello, there is this guy who is selling his Porsche 944, its a project car. He said it was his senior project but he never finished it because of time. The car looks good, it has several fiberglass and stainless steal parts, but needs to be painted.

Anyways, it had been sitting for several years about 7 or 8 but he said he took it out about two years ago. And I was wondering if there is anything specifically I should look for, it has low miles 20,000. The cover he had on it came off so there is water on the inside. He is selling it to me for $900 but he also has lots of spare parts and extras, so the only cost would be my own labor. I have lots of DIY experience, and last year I took a shop class in high school where we earned the basics of cars and repaired/worked on cars, so I have some experience.

Do you guys think its worth it? Also is there anything I should be specifically worried about or look at before I buy the car? Also there is zero rust on the car.

Thanks in Advance
-Parker

[JJK78-951]

Sounds like it could be a great deal... do you have any pics or more specific info, year, model etc.

[ernie9944]

Welcome to Pelican _ParkMyCar_If the car been sitting that long do not try to start it,all 944s are contact motors & if the (timing belt/balance shaft belt breaks) which will probably happen with belts that old you migth damage the head beyond repair.So TB & BSB will be first thing to check.Please check this garage to know & learn more about the car you interested in buying.Clark's Garage Home Page refer to (Puchasing a 944).

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by ernie9944

Welcome to Pelican _ParkMyCar_If the car been sitting that long do not try to start it,all 944s are contact motors & if the (timing belt/balance shaft belt breaks) which will probably happen with belts that old you migth damage the head beyond repair.So TB & BSB will be first thing to check.Please check this garage to know & learn more about the car you interested in buying.Clark's Garage Home Page refer to (Puchasing a 944).

SO true,do the belts please,also get rid of the old fuel and change your fuel filter,change the oil and look @ the coolant and hoses,for the price you will have a good buy if you do this pre-start work.

[ParkMyCar]

Thanks for all the info! I think it's an 83' or 84' I can't remember exactly, but I just texted him so I'll find out soon. Are there any books or manuals or online guides that outline the procedures for replacing things?

Thanks

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by ParkMyCar

Thanks for all the info! I think it's an 83' or 84' I can't remember exactly, but I just texted him so I'll find out soon. Are there any books or manuals or online guides that outline the procedures for replacing things?

Thanks

Just go on Clark's Garage Home Page & enter (Garage Shop Manual) all you ever need to know is there with DIY & pics on most repair.

[John_AZ]

Early 944s---The odometer is only 5 digits.
The 20,000 mile car could be 120,000 or 220,000
Get a CarFax to find out.
The car sounds like a lot of work and money.

GL & welcome
John

[89-944NA]

Do yourself a favor, if you are serious about getting this running, don't just check the hoses, replace them all, the time and money spent doing the job properly from the start will be worth it in heartbreaks as hoses start going south (at the most inopportune times).

Just over a year ago, I found an 89 turbo that had been sitting for 10 years, injectors were clogged, fuel pump was gummed up and not working, all the vacuum lines had been chewed on by rodents, some wiring had also been chewed.

While you are in doing the belts, spend the extra money and replace the water pump at the same time, if it fails 2 weeks, 6 months, or a year down the road, you have to pull the timing and balance shaft belts again to change it....save some time and do it right.

Off the top of my head, you should do the following list to bring the car up to a proper running condition (then you get the joy of looking for the "small" stuff):

REPLACE:

cam and balance shaft belts and rollers
water pump
power steering and air conditioning/alternator belts
ALL coolant hoses
ALL vacuum lines
coolant (flush the system before you add the new coolant)
oil & filter
fuel filter
battery
tires (they are going to be weather checked and hard as a rock...unsafe)

CLEAN/DRAIN/CHECK:

fuel injectors (possible replacement necessary)
fuel pump (possible replacement necessary)
brake fluid (FLUSH the braking system with DENATURED ALCOHOL, available at Home Depot)
drain old fuel from the tank
check the wiring for breaks, chewed spots, corroded connections (CLEAN ALL ground points), etc

Remember that this is a project, and as such, unfortunately with these cars that have sat for a long time, you are going to get the idea you are throwing money at it....and you are at first, but once it's done properly, you are going to have a great car that drives and handles well, is reliable, and the sense of accomplishment when you turn that key for the first time is priceless.

Good Luck, welcome to the community and don't be afraid to ask questions....we all like to help.

[ParkMyCar]

I just got a reply from the guy, and its a 1984, but it has 105,000 miles I guess I was mistaken for another car or something. Given the 105,000 do you guys think its still worth it? And is there anything else I should look at now considering the milage is much higher?

Thanks

[John_AZ]

Is it still $900 and a lot of spare parts?

"He took it out 2 years ago...." If it does not start now it will be major work and $$$

Offer $400, he may just want to get it off his yard.

Buy a decent running late 944/924S and sell the parts not needed.

John