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Porsche 944 and 924

124 messages,  Last post on Dec 28, 2012 at 12:40 PM

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What is this discussion about? Porsche 944, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 2 of 14

#3 of 124 944 History 101 by 944boy

Jun 14, 2006 (11:11 am)

In order to improve build quality, over the 924 production done at Audi's facility in Neckarsulm, production/assembly of the 944 was done in Zuffenhausen. The power plant was literally derived from half of the 928's V8. At 2479 cc (2.5 liters) the engine was large by four cylinder standards of the day. The engine was a modern design with high compression and a broad power band. The initial power plant was rated at 163 hp (ROW) and 150 hp for the U.S.
 
The 944 was originally announced to the world at the September, 1981 Frankfurt auto show with the U.S. introduction one year later. Upon its introduction the interior of the 944 remained much the same as the 924 while the rear suspension, although improved, retained the VW-derived architecture. In addition to a change in the front suspension control arms, the rear suspension would change with the major revision of the 944 that occurred mid year in 1985. Often times, owners will refer to there 944 as an 85.5, designating the completely redesigned interior and other improvements to the base 944 including; new heater, air conditioning, minor revisions to the bodywork including a flush mounted windscreen, new cats aluminum front A-arms and rear trailing arms suspension components. Although changes where made to the engine, Porsche did not announce any changes to the factory performance specifications. Practical comparison of this watershed model change and it's predecessors indicates performance gains did result however.
 
At the end of 1985, Porsche announced the 944 Turbo (factory model designation 951) which arrived in the U.S. as a 1986 model. Performance of the 951 was a reminder of the 944's legacy, even in it's toned down production form. Aside from the turbo charged power plant generating 217 hp with 243 ft/lbs of torque, the 951 had other major enhancements over it's normally aspirated brother. Specifically the 951 included aerodynamic polyurethane front bumper/spoiler with new air intakes serving the turbo's intercooler mounted between the headlights under the front panel. Under body panels where added to cleanup air flow beneath the car. This extended to the distinctive air diffuser mounted under the rear of the car to cleanup exiting airflow past the rear end. As well, the 951 received Brembo 4 piston calipers to bring the car to a stop as well as special forged alloy wheels. The suspension received stiffer components to round out the comprehensive performance upgrades. The 951 also has the distinction of being the first sports car to offer both driver-side and passenger-side airbags. Porsche also produced 198 versions of the 944 Turbo as Cup racing cars.
 
The 944S arrived as a 1987 model year addition with a redesigned 16 valve dual overhead cam engine producing 190 hp. In addition to the increased number of valves and cams, the 944S came with an improved Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system with knock-sensing regulation capabilities. Also included on the base 944, the 944S benefited from the new timing belt tensioner which was implemented for the 1987 model year. As well, the 944S received the Bembo brake calipers with optional ABS. The initial 944S shared the base models bodywork until 1990.

#4 of 124 944 History 101 by 944boy

Jun 14, 2006 (11:34 am)

Porsche revisited the 951 and in 1988 introduced the 944 Turbo S with total model year production of 718. This performance version of the already impressive 944 Turbo received many significant improvements including: bigger Brembo brakes, ABS, firmer springs and torsion bars, stiffer Koni low-pressure gas adjustable shock absorbers, a thicker front sway bar, and firmer suspension bushings. The following year, Porsche dropped the "S" designation and the standard 944 Turbo was infact the "S" form factor, building 1385 for 1989. This was to be the last year the U.S. market would have access to the 944 Turbo.
 
In 1990 Porsche releases the 944 Series 2, designated 944 S2. The S2 was an extensive revision of the 944S which now included the aerodynamic bodywork of the 951. The previous three engines available were replaced by the 3.0 liter's 16 valve engine and a big turbo 2.5 liter 944 Turbo (sold in Europe). As well, a soft-top version of the 944 was introduced, the 944 S2 Cabriolet. The new cabriolet was produced jointly by Porsche and the German division of the American Sunroof Corporation.
 
Unfortunately for the U.S. market, Porsche offered a Turbo Cabriolet version to the rest of the world through 1991 with the U.S. having the standard S2 Cabriolet to satisfy our open air appetites. Only 625 (non-U.S.-spec) 944 Turbo Cabriolets where built. Unless you know someone abroad who owns one and have driven it, we are left to only dream what a drop head coupe in Turbo form factor would have felt like.

#5 of 124 Mileage by shawn_in_wis

Mar 06, 2007 (11:53 am)

Can you tell if the mileage has been altered just by looking at it?

#6 of 124 sneaky-sneaky by 944boy

Mar 06, 2007 (2:21 pm)

Unfortunately Shawn this day and age the Speedo can be swapped out easily and often is instead of repairing the original and there is no ID numbers to verify that it’s a replacement Speedo. I know this because for 25.00 bucks I put a new Speedo in 944 girl’s 1983 porches and now her odometer works and her car has 23.000 miles now instead of 97.000
Sorry
944 boy

#7 of 124 Just bought a 944 by todd82ta

Mar 25, 2007 (12:59 pm)

I recently purchased a 1984 Porsche 944 about 4-5 months ago. It's been quite a bit of work, but I'm really happy with my purchase. Long story short, I was drunk, ended up on eBay, and bought it.
 
I towed it home with my 2002 Crown Victoria, and managed to get it running. I've since completely replaced the ENTIRE interior. The previous owner spray painted the entire interior with flat-black (he didn't like the original brown). I ended up replacing about 90% of the interior with all new / used interior items off eBay, the rest I simply repainted with real vinyl paint.
 
You can check out my progress here if you want...
 
1984 Porsche 944

#8 of 124 Re: Just bought a 944 [todd82ta] by 944boy

Apr 04, 2007 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: todd82ta (Mar 25, 2007 12:59 pm)
looks like your getting the work done!!! these are great little cars. a full interior swap?!! UGGGG!,, have you made this your daily driver yet...they have a way of slowly becoming your favorite car to drive
good luck Todd it looks really good
and may
the Porsche be with you
944boy

#9 of 124 sunroof by krzydad

Jul 18, 2007 (11:34 pm)

Hey yall!! I just bought an 86 944..and it's a great car (as you know) I ran across a problem..I can't get the sunroof to work by button...in fact, it looks like I'm missing some hardware..any help out there with a photo of what the hardware looks like installed..? Thanks

#10 of 124 Having mixed thoughts about my new 83 944 by porschegirl3

Jul 28, 2007 (8:16 pm)

Hi guys, I bought my 3rd Porsche yest my first 944 and It's a bit needy for me! All day I have been going over the car I'm far from a mechanic but know a bit! First thing replace the 4 tires, find out I have a bent rim from the Inside! Not good news mean probably I have a bent frame ok I can handle this! Then This am I wake up to a puddle of oil! EEEkk It's the oil gasket not bad really bad considering I have to lift the engine out to fix this! thirdly The rear end knocks bad after I learned I have new struts back there I tighten them still has a bad knocking sound! I haven't figured out this problem yet! then the brake pedal vibrates new brake lines and pads probably need rotors! the Interior is nice the car needs to be painted dull paint and a bad replaced fender on the front I bought the car for 1,400 it needs a tune up and has a mere 207,000 miles on thats not a big deal for this Porsche I hope! any suggestions? should i have bought one without all these problems? or will I be stronger but broke after this one? Thanks a lady Porsche lover in Milwaukee

#11 of 124 Re: all things 944 and 924 [944boy] by douglass2

Aug 02, 2007 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: 944boy (Jun 05, 2006 9:42 am)
YES! Let's have a 944 club. I love my '85.5 and would very much like to be able to contact other owners. Here's a question for anyone: I get exhaust fumes in the cabin when side windows or roof are open. Yet I have no leaks in exhaust system or boot. If windows are closed, no exhaust fumes. I'd be interested if others have this experience, and whether there is a cure. My solution is to keep the windows up and rely on the blower and a/c for ventilation. I'd also like to know whether I should switch to synthetic (full or semi) on my oil change, and also whether using higher grade gasoline, or fuel additives like Lucas, is a good idea. My 944 is a delight to drive and own, its only fault is a leak in the steering rack hydraulic, which is not excessive so, for now, I'm just adding Lucas when needed. I live in Toronto, Canada, so I put my baby in the hayloft when it snows.
Douglas

#12 of 124 944S camshaft by meccariello

Aug 08, 2007 (7:13 pm)

It seems difficult to find a repair manual for a 944s, 1987
I purchased a Haynes, "All porsche repair 83-89, only to find out it didn't include the 944S....
 
Right now I'm trying to remove the Cam shafts but not sure how to remove the front cam sproket. It doesn't look like a wheel puller will fit, Does anyone know how to get this sproket off, or where I can buy a good repair manual...Thanks

Messages Page 2 of 14

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