Thoughts from 944S owners please

89944TurboS · 03-10-2002, 11:19 AM

Hey guys, I passed on a poor shape 97 944S awhile back, it just needed way too much TLC to get back to par. I have just found another one that seems to a better example of the model. I know the basics of what to look for, but what are cost issues of replacing the cam tensioner, pullies ect. What other area's should I make sure to be aware of? Also, do they respond well to basic mods of increased intake, exhaust, chips ect.? Thanks much!

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

Okay. Before I get slammed for defending the "S", I'm gonna come out and say that there is pretty much ONE area to have serviced intervals over the standard N/A. This is the cam tensioner. I've heard about a 50/50 argument that you should:

1. Just replace the tensioner pad (a cheap and easy fix), or

2. Replace the entire unit for a couple hundred bucks.

Either way, the official service interval is 90,000 to adress this. I asked the head tech at my local P-car dealer once. And be religious about timing belt tension. Other than that, the same usual 944 issues apply. You will hear people whine that "944S heads are too fragile" (what the hell does this mean?) and "944S cars are WAY more finicky and not worth all of the trouble" and so on and so forth. Whatever.

So to finally answer your question, see when the tensioner was last replaced. If they cannot tell you, get it done and you'll be set. That's it! As far as mods and such goes, mine is bone stock so I couldn't give ya an accurate answer.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

Porsche never made just the pad to replace: you have to buy the whole tensioner/guide. (At least with an S2: not 100% sure about the 944S).

I had mine done at 118,000 miles (I got the car at 114,000) for about $1000.00 at an independant shop. I also replaced the cam chain.

BTW: When the mechanic pulled the original tensioner unit, the guide broke in his hands! So I was running on borrowed time!

It is paramount to keep ontop of this tensioner! It is best to replace it every 100k miles. If the cam chain slips, the LEAST of your troubles would be new valves, and at $90.00 per valve, well, you do the math... (Of course, you probably already know all this!)

Hope this helps,
-Zoltan.

89944TurboS · 03-11-2002, 07:26 AM

Thank you both very much! I loved how much more power the one I have already drove has over a na 944. It was very noticable over 4k RPM's! Any other thoughts are also appreciated!

overkill · 03-11-2002, 10:19 AM

DUDE, I LOVE MY CAR! WHA HOOOOOOOOOOOOO! BAD AZZ! Oh, and what they said!

89944TurboS · 03-11-2002, 12:57 PM

Cool, Cool!!! Now what about Boyee???

overkill · 03-11-2002, 05:01 PM

Where is BOYEEE? Usually, hes all over this! Oh, and he LOVES HIS CAR TOO! BAD AZZ! HE HE HE!

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

overkill:
Ease off with the language a bit, ok?

Thanks,
-Zoltan.

944S Boyeee · 03-12-2002, 11:54 AM

Hey - I'm here. I was "away" for a few days (long story, I'll start a topic on what happened to me).

As for the S, I'd look at the Cam Tensioner also. My S has about 75,000 miles on it and I just did the whole Tensioner. First I did the rails myself, just so I wouldn't be so worried about it failing, and I had the Tensioner, chain and such done last week by a backyard mech I know. Parts all together were around $500 Canadian. The guy only charged me fitty bucks to replace it all (took him 25 minutes).

Also, keep up on the timing belts and remember to push the car a lil' more than the 944 N/A. The power is in the higher revs (but, I'm guessing you already know this from driving one).

Also, one more thing - buy some Crest Whitening Strips, cause you will be smiling allllll the time!!!!

944S Boyeee