[thamlin000]

Sounds like you know the basics for finding a good 944 (ppi, belts, service history). A project car will put you in the hole really quickly.

When properly maintained, they are great cars. Go drive a few good ones and make sure that you will be happy with one. They are a different flavor from aircooled Porsches, which is a good and a bad thing depending on your perspective.

They drive and handle great. There is plenty of DIY support on pelican.

Personally, I prefer 83-86 since these can fit Fuchs. And 83s, with no power steering, are a bit lighter weight than later models. I also heard that the connecting rods were forged in 83 only. For the 8v na, the power went from 143 in 83 to 163 hp in 89. The S was 188 hp and the turbos were 217 and later 240 hp in the 88 turbo S and 89 turbo. 208 hp in the S2.

Turbos can be made really fast. But I'm still happy with my 83, even after owning a few 911 and 912 cars.