New 944 NA owner from TX - Intro

['89 944]

Just stopping in to say hi and introduce myself. I'm in the Tx panhandle, I've been buying/selling LS FBodies for over 10 years and decided to try my hand at something different for a change.

I came across my '89 944 locally and snagged it for $860. Car is in fantastic shape other than a dreaded oil pressure issue. Top end had an awful racket when seller started it for me, just to prove it ran. Sounded like it wasn't getting oil to the top end. After trailering it home, I immediately changed the oil in favor of 20/50 (Yes I have 1 post and can use the search feature! :typing after seeing several recommendations of this. Started the car and let it get up to operating temp, at which time the top end clatter was eradicated. Unfortunately, I do think the rod bearing (#2 bearing likely culprit from what I've read) is shot, due to cold idle having only 3 bar and warm/driving being between 0-1 with the warning lights on and the presence of a sound that I can only describe as being a cross between an exhaust leak and a vibration in the RPM ranges of 1200-2500 under load.

Regardless, I bought the car under the premise that the motor was shot and any extra miles I get out of it are just icing on the cake. I DD it 2.5 miles to work and back and so far so good.

Ultimately, I purchased the car with intentions to do an LS swap (don't flame yet...let me continue!!) but after driving it for about a month, I'm really leaning towards either rebuilding the motor or repairing the rod bearing, and selling the car off to upgrade to a 951. Coming from the mullet world of Camaros and WS6 TAs had really left me in the dark as to what a "proper" sports car was or could be, and even this $860 car has me just as excited in the twisties as I was in my 440rwhp '02 WS6 at the drag strip.

If you managed to make it this far down in this novel of an introduction, I leave by saying I look forward to learning from all of you and being able to share my newfound excitement into this platform.

Cheers. :biggulp:

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hello and welcome to the forum! The 944 is an excellent platform to familiarize yourself with the Porsche world. I'm attaching a link to our site's DIY tech articles with step-by-step guides to many fixes. These guides will save you a lot of $$ and headaches. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Porsche 924/944/968 (1975-1995) Technical Articles - Pelican Parts

[DaddyGlenn]

Welcome! I, too just became a 944 owner. But I've been on pelican for years learning and sharing tales of woe with a 911. You will find a wealth of knowledge here. Also check out "Clarks Garage" online. It is an excellent resource. (No affiliation)

[Noahs944]

You got a GREAT DEAL of your 89!

The late cars are the best (imho) and all 944s can be wonderful.

I'd think your rod bearings should be looked after immediately if you are planning to keep the car with the mighty inline 4. It's an excellent engine, that when properly maintained will allow you to drive quickly and at the limit. They are a racing grade engine from factory. But driving an engine with low oil pressure will cause other damage... as I'm sure you know.

These naturally aspirated 944s are very fun to drive! And yours is a nice lookin' sportscar.

[Ferrariguyma]

I found the best info on 944online Home page

[pfarah]

It looks like it's all there. Good luck with the engine and have some fun while you're getting to know her.

[Slam]

Excellent deal!

I agree with above sentiment: change your rod bearings and swap the OPRV too. While you've got the pan off, replace the pickup tube gasket/seal and check the tube for cracks. After that it's just a matter of dealing with the stuff that needs attention in any old car, really. And timing belt changes aren't as scary as some would have you believe.

Cheers!