i've started looking into a late 80s (86+, preferably 88-89) porsche turbo or S2 (n/a) as a project car. according to grassroots motorsports, these cars can be had anywhere from $8000-13000 depending on options and quality.
does anyone have any experience with both a 944 turbo and itr (stock trim for both)? i'd like to know how they compare powerwise (acceleration, boost lag, etc) and handling (better, equal, worse than itr). i realize the porsche isn't exactly new so no need to talk about the old fashioned dash.

 

I've got a lot of experience with the 944 series. If you find a well maintained example, something with lots of service records, it will be a good car. they are quite fast even in stock form (i kept up with a modded Impala SS in my sisters stock 86 Turbo), and a small investment makes them VERY fast. Lag is noticable, but not too bad. Handling is great, they feel very secure and tight. One thing i've noticed though is that they are nowhere near as tossable as the ITR, they dont feel as light. IM me if you have any more questions, and also i highly recommend http://www.rennlist.com sign up for the 944 turbo (951 to porsche folks) mailing list, lots of great info.

 

Out in Arizona I see a lot of guys running 944 turbos at the track events. they are really fast right out of the box and are a great track car. From what I hear they handle great (I think they have a LSD).

The ones at the track were way faster than me; and thye were running stock boost, etc, almost completely stock. I think if you go with the 944 you will not be disappointed.

As mentioned, you need to find one in good shape, and possibly be prepared ot rebuild the turbo and/or engine.

 

do you guys happen to know the approximate weight of a late 80s 944? i would be quite willing to strip out sound deadening and other non-essential items.
there is a porsche race shop local to me called: speedsport tuning. they always have an assortment of race prepped cars in their lot. i'll ask them a few questions too.

 

stock for stock the 944 turbo will walk an itr - especially at speeds over 100mph. if it is the later (88 1/2-89) 944 turbo, then it will walk on an itr right from the get go.
Like someone said above though, the 944 turbo can be made very fast (400+hp) with a relatively small investment and still be relatively reliable under higher boost since it is a turbocharged car from the factory. I have two older porsches, and my only advise is that you yake it to a reputable PORSCHE mechanic. They cost an arm and a di-- to fix (for a 944 turbo a clutch replacement is more than $1500 by the dealer - NOT including the price of the clutch ~$500). If you plan on investing in a porsche, be aware that they are great cars but expensive to maintain

 

depending on trim, the late 80's 944's are between 3000 an 3200lbs


[Modified by markaria, 1:08 PM 10/8/2001]

 

You will easily find a 944 turbo but you will have a hard time finding an S2 - now there's a sweet and rare car.

If you stick to plain 944 turbos you will probably have better luck. There are tons out there and you can take your pick.

 

Of the two I'd take a 944 Turbo over a S2 any day. Can't build an s2 to sick horsepower for nearly as cheap as the Turbo. I looked at a lot back when I was purchasing a car

 

does anyone know of a porsche site similar to this one?
has anyone autoxed with both an itr and the 944T, how do they feel?

 

I've autocrossed my ITR, and driven 944 Turbos enough to think that the ITR makes a better autocrosser. The Turbo needs room to stretch its legs, and is probably better suited to fast road courses. I have not however driven a modified 944, so the results could be different.

 

rob, check your mail.
hmmm, having never been in a 944, i'm no expert, but perhaps if the 944's suspension was set up a bit firmer (similar to an itr), it would fare better as an autox car.

 

I don't know about the 944T, but a coworker had a 944, and it was SLOOOWWWW... I was amazed at how slow it was. I know the turbo model is faster, but most car guys make fun of the 944.

 

NA 944s are slow. 944S's are less slow, and 944S2s are less slow still. The Turbo can definately be called quick.

 

the turbo versions had 220+hp. i still haven't found any exact info, but at 3000ish lbs it should do 0-60 around 6s.

 

86-87s 0-60 in low 6s, 88-89 Turbo S models in mid-high 5s depending on your source info. I do seem to recall the weight being closer to the 2800lbs mark though.

 

1989 944 Turbo
2.5L I-4
247 hp
258 lb-ft

curb weight : 2998 lbs

 

Sounds like a recipe for fast.

 

just put some numbers into cartest (they didn't have a 247 hp turbo 944) and I came out with a 14.2 @ 98 mph....this program usually gives average times, so I'm pretty sure this car would be capable of a 14.0 or very high 13.9

 

then add ~$800 for a Mass flow air sensor kit and associated software which makes around 260rwhp....

 

http://gene.wins.uva.nl/~marcol/tech...944/specs.html

you guys need to search the net a little, there is tons of info on this car

crap....

944 TurboS 1988 and 944 Turbo 1989 Power Increase at Flywheel
RPM Stock Hp New Hp +Hp +% Stock Torque New Torque +Ft/Lb +%
3000 135 175 40 30% 236 306 70 30%
3500 167 207 40 24% 251 311 60 24%
4000 196 244 48 24% 257 320 63 25%
4500 207 270 63 30% 242 315 73 30%
5000 230 300 70 30% 242 315 73 30%
5500 236 300 64 27% 225 286 61 27%
6250 242 293 51 21% 203 246 42 21%

thats from a chip and a ... well, just a chip...70 hp, 70 lb-ft...good lord


[Modified by 01GSR, 5:53 AM 10/9/2001]

 

i take back my previous statement on 1/4 mi time...

the 217 hp turbo runs a 14.2

the 257 hp 89 turbo and 88 turbo S run....


13.5, add a chip, mid 12's? this car would be sweet out on a road course

 

damnit, this is going to be like the hids, falken azenis, and rota slipstreams - the itr board is gonna buy out the world of 944s. everybody, the 944 sucks, there is nothing to see here!