[Rob-O]

As usual I disagree. Besides the motor, what else is different than the 8 valve? Not much.

Wolfpri said he's owned a dozen P-cars over the last two years, how many of the "S" version?

I had one, I thought it was a fine car (I'd post pictures, but she's....she's....gone). The only problems I ever had with the vehicle were those that also plague the Turbo and the n/a.

On the things that we know of that go bad on 944's (clutch, steering rack, motor mounts, timing belts, water pump), most are just about the same price as those of the normally aspirated version. And usually less than the Turbo parts. Really, probably 85% of the parts on these vehicles (clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, brake pads, brake pad sensors, the list goes on and on) crossover from "S" to n/a. Some even from the Turbo to the "S" and n/a.

Same brakes as the n/a. Same suspension as the n/a. Same body as the n/a. Same interior as the n/a. I mean, if the cars a turd, it's a turd. Don't buy it. If it's sweet, it's sweet. Don't dump the car just because it's an "S". We went around this subject in earlier posts. So Wolfpri you had a bad experience with an "S", tons of people had/have bad experiences with the Turbo's and the n/a's also.

Canyonland, if you're interested, take it to the local (Porsche)dealership, have them give it a good going over. If they give it the thumbs up, deal away. If they don't, keep looking.

But Wolfpri, what's up with marginally more power than a Honda Civic? C'mon Dude, are you on your medication again? What is your definition of "marginally"? Last years (2002) 1.7 L VTEC Honda Civic made 127 horsepower. The 944"S" made 188 h.p. A difference of 61 h.p.

By comparison the 944 Turbo made 217. The difference between the 944 Turbo and the 944 "S" is 29 h.p. Even THAT is a little more than what I would consider marginal. 6 horsepower, now that might be marginal. But 61? Yeah, you won't feel that difference (?!?). I've driven all three, the n/a, the "S" and the turbo. In each I can feel the power difference (Chime in here anytime Ballgofar). Please do some homework before you spread the "stupid" disease.

I looked at that tensioner under the valve cover and I'll bet I could have that job done in less than an hour and a half. Been in there a couple of times now, I think the last time I did a valve cover gasket job it was completed in about 20 minutes, and that was letting the sealant firm up a bit before we threw it back onto the car. But if that's the type of job that would scare you away from owning a Porsche, and that includes any of the 944 models (the youngest of which are approaching 15 years old), then you would be safe to look at a new car. Of course if that type of work scares you, you probably shouldn't own any fifteen year old car.

As always, my .02 and then some.........


Rob-O