Porsche 944 - kollected again

[HillmanImp]

Imp Jr is getting on a bit now as he'll be reaching the big 3.5 soon. What this has meant is that we stopped using Mrs Imps Megane and started using the Jag more as a family car in the last year or so as most of the bulky things we used to have to drag around don't need to come with us anymore.

 

However, Imp jr is well into his biking. Well, he might not be, it might just be me living vicariously through him - but thats an aside. Basically we are about to move up a level from his current balance bike:

 

 

To a bigger BMX as I've just ordered a WeThePeople Seed for his Christmas present which I am REALLY jealous of (watch this space for me buying myself a BMX and never ever riding it soon).

 

This bike will not fit in the boot of the Jag, well the handlebars won't. Do you know as I write this, I bet they would if I just took out the spare wheel cover.

 

(Stock photo - Obvs, I have a wheel not a gas lump)

 

Shit, there goes my reasoning. Fuck it, lets roll with this and pretend I never thought of that.

 

Anyhow, pretending this is still a good idea.....When I was at the bike park the other week some dude and his son turned up with this:

 

 

Both his and his sons bikes fitted in the back with the seats down. 

 

I've not quite been able to get this out of my head for a while now and keep looking at 944's. It seems the perfect solution to me. I know there are nowhere near as cheap as they were 5yrs ago when you could pick a nice one up for £1,500 but you can still get them at a reasonable price. Look at this one that finished tonight for £3,100.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1985-Porsche-944-LUX-2-5L/183560244412

 

Seems pretty tidy. I was quite tempted by this but need to reign myself in a bit before I decide this is the way I want to go.

 

I know a few people on here own these.

 

Are they a car you can use as a daily? I know they rot but you should see the state of the Jag I'd be replacing (i'll come onto that in a minute).

Are parts plentiful etc?

Are they comfortable?

Do the seats fold down or had the chap I saw fecked about with his? Are there models that do and some that don't?

Are parts/labour cheap(ish) and are there any reasonable people to do the work on them near me in Shipley if it's something I can't or don't fancy doing.

 

People might say 'Get a 924' but I just prefer the 944, it just looks cooler. Yes I have become that person, hate me for it.

 

I need to get onto what happens if and when I buy one of these. 

 

Basically, people might remember I REALLY regretted getting rid of my old Jag which Barefoot now has. I don't want that to happen again. I can't sell the Jag, well not for much, as its rusty as fook. Look at the last MOT:

 

 

So its work jack shit. What I'd probably look at doing is loan it out to a trusted shiter (if any wanted it) whilst I decided if a 944 was good for me. Current MOT runs till May so if I get the go ahead from the missus to buy a 944, it would have at least 5 months worth of life in it. If the 944 didn't work out I could get the Jag back and do the welding it will invariably need for the next test.

 

Does this interest anyone on here? Here's my most recent photo which is a couple of months old but it's pretty flattering. Its grotty wound the wheel arches etc but looks good from 10ft.

 

 

In other news, I did this to the GT6 today:

 

 

I've never fucked up a bit of bodywork more. I cut the sill I was attaching it too by too much and the door shut too. It took me so long I didn't get to finish it as Mrs Imp was off for a spa day, so i had to pack up early as was on Dad duties and took Imp Jr out on his bike. 

 

I've also have to butcher the repair panel lip to sort out the arch. 

 

Basically I should've stayed in bed.

 

Will have to finish it next time I get a chance.

 

[stormee]

Buy it now, I also want one. The have half the 928 engine in them, no rockets but reliable and very durable. All parts available, daily use recommended, they don't like to rest (fuel injection). Yes all models have folding seats. Get a sunroof-model (Targa) for delicious summer fun. Good on MPG also.

[HillmanImp]

Buy it now, I also want one. The have half the 928 engine in them, no rockets but reliable and very durable. All parts available, daily use recommended, they don't like to rest (fuel injection). Yes all models have folding seats. Get a sunroof-model (Targa) for delicious summer fun. Good on MPG also.

 

Brilliant answers. I'm loving this idea even more.

[Tamworthbay]

I had a couple, non turbo and turbo. Check for rust obviously and usual signs of poor maintenance but they are great cars. Rear seats are tiny though with pretty much zero leg room unless you are a midget. S2s look better and have a better dash layout and interior (to me anyway). Turbo’s are insane and were quicker than the same years 911s for a while but obviously command a premium and always have. Would have another tomorrow. Also don’t overlook the 924, they are totally different car in some ways and the same in others but good fun and a lot cheaper.

[skattrd]

I used a 944 for as a daily about 10 years ago, they're acceptable dailies. Small boot, rear transaxle or something iirc.

Comfy seats and proper sports car driving position, low and the gearstick in a nice position. Careful with the handbrake lever though, it's by the door and if you have flared trousers you'll catch them on the lever.

Post 85.5 (oval dash) are better than earlier ones, better suspension, different wheel offset etc.

Parts not an issue, there used to be a specialist breaker for them, porkaparts. Some jobs are expensive, belts and oil seal behind the belts iirc.

 

If I was going to have another I'd prob go for an S2 as they have a bit more power, the 2.5 is ok, but not great.

[Tickman]

You were never going to get a 'it is a bad idea don't do it' from anyone on here so I applaud you planning

[Rusty_Rocket]

Don't underestimate the rot on a 944.  Any that haven't had sill attention will be in great need by now and it's an involved repair to do nicely.  I had an 'S'.  Great car but not especially fast.  They do look great.

[garethj]

I had a 924 and my children were fine in back up to age 8, they’re a lanky lot too. They loved the bucket seats.

 

It might be worth looking at an Audi TT as well, you might need a quick release front wheel on the bike but there’s more Audis around than Porsches.

[spike60]

I have a 1989 2.7 manual, rot seems to be the biggest worry as sill repairs car run very deep as the rear suspension more or less mounts there. Mine came with some bonny bills, I think the panels for the sills were about £1150. Engine parts car run dear as well, cam followers are £200. Each. Stuff like strut top mounts seem to unobtainable. Clutches are ££ and a pain to do apparently as the rear mount gearbox has to come out despite the clutch being on the engine. 

 

It sounds like I'm an anti but probably just not warmed to mine so it'll be going in the spring. I got a Z rear half exhaust in mine and have had a bike in a Corvette so 1 bike certainly should fit.   

They seem to have hard suspension and soft seats  which doesn't agree with my fragile back.

[HillmanImp]

You were never going to get a 'it is a bad idea don't do it' from anyone on here so I applaud you planning

 

Ha! True. I'm just looking for something to show the missus when it all goes wrong as I can say everyone else talked me into it.

 

 

I have a 1989 2.7 manual, rot seems to be the biggest worry as sill repairs car run very deep as the rear suspension more or less mounts there. Mine came with some bonny bills, I think the panels for the sills were about £1150. Engine parts car run dear as well, cam followers are £200. Each. Stuff like strut top mounts seem to unobtainable. Clutches are ££ and a pain to do apparently as the rear mount gearbox has to come out despite the clutch being on the engine. 

 

It sounds like I'm an anti but probably just not warmed to mine so it'll be going in the spring. I got a Z rear half exhaust in mine and have had a bike in a Corvette so 1 bike certainly should fit.   

They seem to have hard suspension and soft seats  which doesn't agree with my fragile back.

 

I might have to test drive one. The suspension can't be worse than Mrs Imps Megane but will see. Might be a surprise after the lazy waftiness of the Jag for so long.

[Tamworthbay]

Suspension and handling wise it’s by far the best car I have ever driven. I didn’t find mine over hard either and have numerous back issues, so maybe spikes has been got at by someone who has ‘upgraded’ it?

[skattrd]

When I got mine it had silly 18" wheels, 10j rear and 7j front, it rode horrendously and tram-lined on the motorway. 

Fitting stock (and much better looking) oe 16" d90s transformed the ride and handling.

 

TLDR: make sure it has sensible wheels or ride/handling will be shit.

[Rusty_Rocket]

Same here, my 1988 car was comfortable and handled well.  Just right for a road car in fact.

[spike60]

Suspension and handling wise it’s by far the best car I have ever driven. I didn’t find mine over hard either and have numerous back issues, so maybe spikes has been got at by someone who has ‘upgraded’ it?

Pretty sure mines standard, it's more the seats that are the problem. The 1980 924 was much the same. I have a 2.8 Z3 and the seats are much more supportive.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

They were an excellent car new, always a good start. I’d have a SOHC 2.7 with a reasonable history and just maintain it best you can. Rust can always be fixed and mechanically they are nuts and bolts. The engine is superbly engineered in old Porsche fashion.

 

Verdict: do it m8

[gm]

I've owned two, a 2.7 lux and a 3.0S2, both very nice cars but I never really felt the same bond with them as my mx5s.

 

the 2.7 was an impulse purchase off a mate when I was pissed, trying to explain that one to mrs gm was quite a challenge. she eventually came round after I let her take it to work a few times, I think it rather showed up her colleagues corsas and matizes. 

 

 

it was very comfortable to drive, capable of high speeds but didn't feel quick in the way the mazdas do, well suited to a nice flowing A road but not a full on hoon. I spent quite bit on servicing and preparing it for knockhill, only for some arsehole in a people carrier to ram me from behind at a set of temporary traffic lights and write the car off.

 

mrs gm was upset (what a great excuse) so I did the decent thing and bought an s2

 

 

the difference between the 2.7 8v engine and the 3.0 16v was like night an day, the S2 scared the pants off me the first time I really let rip, so much torque from an n/a engine. I took it to knockhill a couple of times and gave it the beans, it was such a treat flooring it along the straights but I reckon the mazda would have it in the twisty sections. I got carried away and had a big spin off which rattled my confidence a bit, in truth the car was too much for my ability at the time. combined with the HORRIFIC BILLS that I had for a water pump, timing belt, tyres and then a clutch (omg megabucks) , I decided to go back to mx5s for my fun car. and haven't looked back since.

 

but to answer your question, yes, of course you should buy one - the boot is a decent size for bikes and they do look cool as fuck. 

 

the official Porsche owners club is pretty focused on 911s as you would expect but TIPEC (the independent porsche enthusiasts club) have a good following for the front engined cars

 

 

[Marm Toastsmith]

Yeah get one. I'm gutted that I didn't get a one (or a 924S) a few years back when there were loads of cheap ones about. But if you have the spare cash for a half decent one I don't see how you can lose.

[inconsistant]

“Get a 924”

[inconsistant]

 

Bike fits in easy with back seat folded and wheels off. Probably room for another one. 944 will be the same.

[gm]

“Get a 924”

 

turbo

[Ghosty]

Where's Barefoot? He has one.

 

(also yes 924s are shit)

[garethj]

Where's Barefoot? He has one.

 

(also yes 924s are shit)

 

I'll disagree with that, even though the 924 I owned was far from a minter.  If you judge it against its contemporaries of the 1970s and 80s it was streets ahead.  I've driven Capris and while they make you feel like a getaway driver rather than a grand prix driver, they don't really feel like a sports car.  Obviously an MGB is a car of the '60s and even worse it suffered from the British disease of under development for years so that's not really a fair comparison either.  A Lotus is certainly faster and great handling but let's be fair (and I've worked with guys who have owned an Eclat and and Excel) they're not entirely cars you can use without racking up big bills at some point.

 

Probably closest for me is an Alfasud Sprint which is an absolute weapon to drive but its 1500 engine doesn't have the performance figures of the Porsche's 2 litre even though it feels faster when you're going for it.

 

I'd like to try an early RX7 which look fantastic but I think it wasn't until the late '80s and early '90s that the Japanese really got their A Game on when it comes to coupes.

[Tamworthbay]

Pretty sure mines standard, it's more the seats that are the problem. The 1980 924 was much the same. I have a 2.8 Z3 and the seats are much more supportive.

I wonder if the foam in the seats has gone then as the seats in both of mine were great. Mine were 6 and 11 years old when I bought them so much newer than they are now.

[Rocket88]

944 is a lovely thing..............had an 8 valve, and although not epically quick, loads of torque, always felt really solid.

[MikeR]

if memory serves me right , the front wishbones are expensive and they do go ..

 

used to be a chap years ago that would fit new bearings , I think he was up in Scotland ...

[chadders]

Doesn't the 924S have the same engine as the 944, albeit with a few horses less?

[inconsistant]

...even though the 924 I owned was far from a minter..

Immaculate & one careful lady owner from new you told me.

[HillmanImp]

(also yes 924s are shit)

I don't think 924's are shit, i just think the 944 look well weapon in comparison. I'd still consider a 924 but would always be thinking I should've bought a 944 if I'd got one.

[Marm Toastsmith]

Doesn't the 924S have the same engine as the 944, albeit with a few horses less?

Unless I'm getting mixed up I'm pretty sure it's exactly the same engine with all the horses in the more slender 924 shell.

[inconsistant]

924S detuned by about 10bhp but a tiny bit faster because more aerodynamic/ lighter than 944.