My first 944

[DaddyGlenn]

I've been a 911 owner for many years. But, couple weeks ago, I picked up a 1985 944 track car (street legal). It is set up nicely and runs well.



I'm really excited to learn about how the 944 works and drives, compared to the 911.

I already know there are a few mechanical items I will want to address and I'll need some help from this forum.

Here is my list, so far:

1. Replace front rotors and brake pads
2. Rebuild front brake calipers
3. Water pump noise (belt tensioner?)
4. Replace belly pan
5. Replace TT bearings
6. Rebuild wiper motor
7. Replace current race seats with something lower
8. Replace fuel tank (or repair leak)

Any advice on these items or other things to check would be greatly appreciated.

[JBC]

For item #3. Really check that noise source. If you don't know when the belts were replaced or if the car has been sitting idle for a while, replace the timing belt, balance belts, rollers, etc. Do it yourself, it is not difficult. Another item for preventive care is to go ahead and pull the oil cooler and replace the seals. Another easy job that will pay back for another 100k miles. The 944 is a great car if you take car of preventive maintenance. I would buy a spare rely for fuel pump and a few others just in case they fail as they are likely old and will need to be replaced at some point I'm sure. Check out your wheel bearings. These cars are old and if they have not been replaced, they likely need new ones.

[djnolan]

First do a full assessment of your fuel system in the engine compartment or underneath by the tank. There are 5-6 different (baked) lines with crimp connectors to examine...

[pfarah]

Good luck with your new toy!!
#5: TT bearing replacement is a nice single afternoon job..................... NOT! Measure the location of each of the four bearings along the tube before pulling them out. PM me if you run into an issue and I'll send you the distances based on my rebuild.

[DaddyGlenn]

Rebuilt the front calipers last weekend. Pretty easy job. But discovered that both inner tie rod ends had too much play in them. One was real bad.

So, I pulled both tie rods. And in the process noticed the steering rack, that had been converted to manual and supposedly been done the "right" way, was leaking power steering fluid. So much for being done "right".

I spent the last few days trying to remove the steering rack. Should have been easy, but the universal joint did not want to let go. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the first time it had been removed since new.

Today, I shipped the rack off to Martin Willis for a proper conversion.

So much for auto crossing it this weekend.

[Alexb944]

send your TT to Contantine at Black Seas R&D. best in the buisness.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by Alexb944

send your TT to Contantine at Black Seas R&D. best in the buisness.

I was thinking about purchasing his Super Bearings and doing it myself. But, damn those things are expensive.

[Alexb944]

yeah it is a pretty penny, but from what ive been told that is a small price to pay for the bearings and for them to do the work. nver need to be worried about them in the future!

[DaddyGlenn]

Took for my first track experience. SCCA Track Night in America at Pitt Race.

[GostRidr]

Hey Glenn,

Congrats on getting her on the track! How did it compare to what you thought it would be? Did you complete your list or is it still in progress?

Good luck!

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by GostRidr

Hey Glenn,

Congrats on getting her on the track! How did it compare to what you thought it would be? Did you complete your list or is it still in progress?

Good luck!

Thank you. It really was more fun than I even expected and all the other drivers were very courteous.

I learned that with my limited horsepower, it is best for me to grid near the back of the pack. I have a lot to learn as a driver, but happily not as much as some of the others.

I also learned that 20 minutes can go by very quickly when you have an open track and almost empty mirrors but when your mirrors are full, it is a completely different story.

The car felt very solid, braked well but could use different gearing. There were several sections where I had to decide to hold it at red line or hit the next gear for a second or two before clamping on the binders. And my speed at least one turn was right at the 2-3 shift point.

I was on Toyo Proxes (225/50/15) on 15x7 phone dials. Since I rarely needed 5th gear, I think when I wear these out, I will move to 205/50 to lower and tighten the effective gearing. I really liked the feel of the Proxes.

Also learned that the side extensions on my accelerator pedal are not needed with my wide foot, in fact they get in the way. So, I've taken those off. I'm also considering putting a pedal riser on the brake pedal to get better alignment between the brake and gas at full brake.

Mostly, I learned that I need to hit the lottery so I can stop working and spend as much time as possible on the track. It really was that much fun.

Regarding my list, I suppose it is time for a summary update....

1. Replace front rotors and brake pads - Turns out they were not needed yet. So I've put the parts on the shelf for later
2. Rebuild front brake calipers - Done
3. Water pump noise (belt tensioner?) - Adjusted the balance shaft belt tension and, thanks to my new HF stethoscope, I know that that tensioner is the source of the noise. But with the adjustment, it is much better. Regardless, I ordered the parts and will be replacing it.
4. Replace belly pan - Done
5. Replace TT bearings - Not in a hurry but will likely send it out for a rebuild with super bearings. Perhaps a winter project.
6. Rebuild wiper motor - low on the list
7. Replace current race seats with something lower - With some adjusting, I found a position that worked. But I have now removed the interior trim from the roof and gained a 1/2 inch or so. Still considering my seat options
8. Replace fuel tank (or repair leak) - After some research, realized that my assumption that the tank was leaking may not be true. I plan to tear into it to see if, hopefully, it is an easier fix like an old hose.

Added to the list:

1. Replace worn tie rods - Done
2. Power steering rack was improperly converted to manual - Had Martin Willis (The Machine Shop) rebuild it
3. Steering wheel was loose - Tightened
4. Couldn't see out the back very well - Removed tint from rear window
5. I have only seen one of the cooling fans run - need to investigate
6. Rear hatch didn't like to open - removed and cleaned latches

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Sounds like you've been putting in quite some work on the 944. I'm attaching our site's DIY tech articles on the 944 platform - if you're not familiar with them, they'll be a great, useful guide for you if needing to troubleshoot.


Porsche 924/944/968 (1975-1995) Technical Articles - Pelican Parts