[Jay H]

I bought a running and driving '87 924S beater (as John mentions above, a nearly identical car to your 944) three years ago. Oil leaks and oil pools everywhere on top of the motor. Horrible gas mileage (18 mpg was typical) and pretty much everything else worn out. Vibrations, noises, slop, etc. The only saving grace was zero rust and full records from new. 171,000 miles on the clock when I got it.

I paid $4,000 for the car. The only thing I didn't do myself was the timing belts and water pump replacement. I had the torque tube rebuilt by Black Seas. I have not refreshed the motor internals or transmission internals, but have pretty much replaced everything else myself other than the DME (prior owner replaced) and mass air flow sensor (still original). All coolant hoses & tank, half shafts rebuilt, shifter parts, all vacuum lines, injectors rebuilt, new fuel lines everywhere ($$), sealed fuel tank, fuel pump, all new suspension in front, steering rack, power steering ho$es, shocks, tires, brakes (calipers rebuilt, rotors, pads), wheel bearings, exhaust (including cat), rebuilt speedo, all fuses and relays, sensors, belts, AC compressor bearing, alternator, most switches (turn signal, wipers, rear hatch, lights, etc.), sunroof gears, trim parts, bulbs, gaskets, hundreds in dent removal fees, newer seats, plenty of soap and carpet cleaning solution, I could keep going... Everything was worn and I replaced it. It's insane how much stuff just wears out or fails due to age and this is on a rust free tub.

Using good parts (not cheap Chinese parts), I put $12,000 worth of parts into the car and countless hours. It runs and drives like (nearly) new, does not leak (much), will keep it's temperature steady in 28 degree weather or 100 degree temps, shifts perfect, starts every time, has zero vibrations, rides nicely (for what it is), handles very well and most importantly to me, is super fun to drive. I would drive this car to the moon and back and I bet it would make it.

I did not have the ability or lift to pull the motor and did everything with the motor in the car. You can get all of the drivetrain out of the car including the fuel tank from underneath with a good set of jacks, jack stands and blocks.

I highly recommend reading John's thread on this forum on his restoration process. It's probably the best read on the internet as far as these cars go.

I'm still left with a $4,000 beater with shoddy paint. Maybe I could get $5,000 for it on good day. George's 4 points above is very good advice. Monetarily, I'd have been better off doing option #4, but learned a ton over the course of my "restoration" (a.k.a.: checkbook draining process). These cars are cheap to buy, but can be very expensive to get running correctly as they did when new. Having a project with your son could be worth every penny too.