Is this a Turbo S ???

Wolf1 · 09-30-2006, 09:16 AM

I'm looking at an 88 951 to buy. The car is immaculate with 35464 original miles.

I'm trying to determine if its a regular turbo or turbo S. Here is why I'm confused.

Its paint color is Maraschino red: This color only shows available on S cars in 88.

It has the S wheels.

The options decal does not show M44/51 or M44/52.

In fact it shows nothing for options, but the car is loaded with options.

The only thing on the options decal is as follows:

951 352

LY3V/LY3U

The vin: WPOAA2953jn151575

Any ideas?

aribop · 09-30-2006, 09:24 AM

Bigger brake calipers up front. Height adjustable Koni's up front. These are the more obvious ones.

lleroyb · 09-30-2006, 04:40 PM

Look at the rear left side of the engine from the passenger side, where the block deck is there is a flat spot with some numbers stamped in it, M44/52 = S motor. /51 = Non S.

If you can't open the hood, you can feel the fender lips, they are factory rolled on an S. Nize did some research a couple of years ago and figured out a way to tell a K26-8 from a K26-6 (S vs non S) while installed in the car. Unfortunately I don't remember the details, you would have to search.

Also the S has welded in strut braces in front of the strut towers and some minor plumbing changes to accomodate that.

I am sure I am forgetting some other ways, but that should answer the question OK.

Lou

natey · 10-01-2006, 04:45 AM

I'm not sure if the info on the strut brace is accurate, lleroyb...my '89 turbo does not have one. (Does it look like a regular strut brace, above the engine between the strut towers, or am I just looking for the wrong thing?)

Also, where did you get the info on the rolled fenders? (It's not that I don't believe it, I haven't checked mine...I'd just never heard that before.)

If you can see the engine serial number, I'm told that it should be between 47J00001 - 47J01830 for the 88's with the -S equipment. But if you can see that, you can see the /51 or /52 stamp as well...

Another indication from the outside of the car is that the transmission of an -S has an external oil cooler...you may be able to see this, I think it just looks like a coil of tubing coming out of the transmission.

The Chris · 10-01-2006, 08:10 AM

Just call Porsche of america and give them the VIN. They will be able to give you the option codes (if there are some missing) as well as the model

lleroyb · 08:21 AM

Natey,
The tower brace is between the tower and the frame, not across the engine. See the photo. The rolled fender trivia came from a Porsche document about the differences. The fenders are not definative because it can be done after the fact. It would be difficult to add the braces and have it look factory. As far as serial numbers I have not heard that the /52 motors were made in series during the '88 model year run. The transmision oil cooler is also an option on non-s cars, not an indication of a factory S. Yes the cooler is unmistakable if you look under the car.

As Aribop mentioned above the front brakes were a pretty major upgrade and visible but also an easy retrofit, expensive but easy. Same with suspension parts.

If you can open the hood, then first look for the engine number ending in /52 and the tower braces. This will tell you the engine and tub are S spec.[IMG]f:towbrace[/IMG]

lleroyb · 10-01-2006, 08:23 AM

I give up, how do you post a .jpg?

WaA420 · 10-01-2006, 02:12 PM

Like the earlier poster said, all '88 M758 code 951s and '89 and later have the rolled rear fenders. the strut brace he is referring to isn't from tower to tower but infront of the tower hooked to the frame.

Wolf1 · 10-01-2006, 03:58 PM

I looked at it again and here are the findings.

The rear fenders are rolled.

It appears to have adjustable Koni's on the front and Koni's on rear.

The front brakes are big. But I would need a regular 951 to compare to be sure.

I couldn't look for the engine code today I'll have to try later.

So, I think it may be an S

WaA420 · 10-01-2006, 04:56 PM

Yep, Yep you have an S there. Are you considering buying it? M758 code cars in any color other than silver rose are rare. Looks like a decent car. Good luck.

ae1969 · 10-01-2006, 09:20 PM

If it smells like an S .......and taste like an S........

Must be an S.

Thinking of getting back in the game.

That would be a very nice place to start.

Wolf1 · 10-02-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ae1969
If it smells like an S .......and taste like an S........

Must be an S.

Thinking of getting back in the game.

That would be a very nice place to start.

Yep, I've been looking for quite a long time for the right car. After my last 951 experience I decided my next one would be in a LOT better condition and I wanted either an 88S or 89.

This car just happened to come out of storage last week. The current owner bought it new and has hardly driven it. It is absolutely bone stock, never been messed with or tore apart or abused or anything.

Its also never had ANY maintenance except for oil changes. Meaning it needs the belts replaced before ever driving it, and whatever else might need attention.

I think it would be a great place to start. A mint condition car with very low miles and tons of potential. Now I just need to check the engine #'s and start haggling about price!!

Wolf1 · 10-02-2006, 05:57 PM

Just for entertainment.

What do you think a fair asking price would be for this car?

ilikemy944 · 10-02-2006, 06:03 PM

That is beautiful.
I am jealous.
Gah. I need another one already.

AFJuvat · 10-02-2006, 06:27 PM

That is an S

Look in the warranty and maintenance book or the spare wheel well for the Kardex sticker.

Look for option M755, M756, or M758

AFJ

SD Porsche Fan · 10-02-2006, 08:29 PM

Forged Club Sports give it away as an S if it is stock.

You said it is low mileage and in great shape so I'd guess $18k+. I don't think belts and other routine maintenance items take away from the value. Even if the owner says belts were done "recently" you sould have have them done anyways unless you know who did them and if they were done properly with quality belts.

Probably should look into replacing the rollers and possibly the waterpump. Check for front seal leaks. If one is leaking reseal the whole front end.

Looks like a clean beautiful car. You'd sure have a nice one!

Max2.0 · 10-03-2006, 05:04 PM

Well, how can I put this....

If you don't buy it, I DO wnat the owner's phone number!

Like I need another one to worry over!!!

Let's see... Passport auto Transport from ID to MI... fuel prices are down a bit... Let's say $1,500.00...

New Belts and Rollers, Water Pump, Front end kit, Clutch Kit...$1,500.00, if I do it all myself...

Boy, those $1.5K's sure add up in a hurry! But send the phone number, or more photos if you buy her!!!

Wolf1 · 10-03-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AFJuvat
That is an S

Look in the warranty and maintenance book or the spare wheel well for the Kardex sticker.

Look for option M755, M756, or M758

AFJ

Hey Juvy,

The options decal in the rear between the tailights and the card in the owners manual don't list any options. That is what got my curiosity started.

But the car is obviously loaded with options. Koni's, trans cooler, headlight washers, Huge brakes and sway bars, club sport wheels, etc...

The dash and entire interior are perfect, tan and black.

The asking price is pretty high, but it is a VERY nice example of a 951. I think it might be worth the extra $$.

Maybe you should fly out here for a good drunk and a PPI..

Max2.0 · 10-04-2006, 04:53 AM

If no Option codes are listed on the Sticker, that indicates they were all part of the original package for that car... Sounds like the Turbo "S" was a package deal in 1988... Hmmmmm...

See if the Owner has the original Window Sticker...

Of course, you can always order a Certificate Of Authenticity if you have the VIN...

lleroyb · 10-20-2006, 10:30 AM

So...after all of that, did you buy it?

At the last Seattle Porsche Saturday in Issaquah I checked a 1988 non S against two '89s. There is no clear difference in the front fender lips but clearly a big difference in the rears, maybe 3/8".

Lou