Dustin:
I see in your siggy you have a 914! Cool beans: Love those cars!
Anyway, regarding the 944 series, here are some pointers. Note that within the 944 community, there are many opinions about the 944 series (924/944/968), and these opinions aren't always the same. That said:
1. Get the best car you can buy for your dollar. You're better of spending the same amount of money for a well taken of car that is a "lower model," than for an abused, more powerful model. (ex: Super Clean 944 Turbo vs. a tired 944 Turbo S).
2. If you are interested in performance modifications, the turbo models are the best way to go.
3. The 944S and 944S2 (16 valve cars), are probably the 'least best' cars to do performance modifications on. For one, the 16 valve head is not fun to work on, and for another, (esp. with the 944S2), the Porsche engineers have tweaked that engine pretty well.
4. It's better not to buy a 944 n/a and plan on turbo charging it. While some people have had success with that, you'll save tons of $$ in the long run by
starting with a turbo if forced induction is an ultimate goal of yours.
5. Regarding brakes/suspension: the turbos and 944S2 have upgraded suspension components that depending on the car, can be fitted to the other 944's. It may take some 'creative' engineering! (Again, it may be cheaper for you to start off with a turbo or S2 that already has the upgraded hardware.
6. Cars with maintenance records are desireable. (My car had 12 full years of service records!) Also: once you get your 944, bear in mind that keeping up with the maintenace is
vital for happy 944 ownership! Stuff like timing belts, rollers, seals...etc need to be replaced at regular intervals. A 944 requires more attention in this respect than a 914.
Oh, if you're looking at 944's already, I have a checklist that may help you weed out the bad ones. This checklist is loosely based on a checklist in Excellence magazine from a few years back. While it is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection done by a knowledgeable Porsche mechanic, it can get you started in your quest. If you want it, just let me know what your eddress is, or email me direct:
z-man@pelicanbbs.com
Good luck on your search! Once you get your 944, make sure to get involved with PCA's driver's ed program!
-Zoltan.
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