OT-Bought a 1983 944 non-turbo, FYI $1600, clean Title, running car-had head repaired |
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OT-Bought a 1983 944 non-turbo, FYI $1600, clean Title, running car-had head repaired |
A&PGirl |
Apr 2 2012, 09:09 AM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
I'm going to look at a 1983 Porsche 944 non-turbo, 5 speed at noon. It has 95,XXX miles. Clear Title. Runs and drives. Could be fuses, intermittent relays on the radiation fans or thermostat not getting up to temp.
The work done: Timing Belt, Pulley, throw-out bearing, distributor, alternator, clutch slave cylinder, radiator, speed sensor and starter, TPS and new vacuum hoses, new CV joints both, new head gasket, head machining done a by Factory trained mechanic, new driver's window, new plugs, and new rear axle. Needs: Battery Near future: Full belt, pulley(rollers), waterpump, thermostat, seals, front & rear hood shocks, front spoiler, front bumper, drivers door panel, plastic piece around the steering shaft, plug for windshield. My Question is what do I need to look for and where do I need to look? What should I go ahead and replace immediately if I purchase it? |
wingnut86 |
Apr 2 2012, 11:41 AM
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...boola la boo boola boo... Group: Members Posts: 1,053 Joined: 22-April 10 From: South Carolina Member No.: 11,645 Region Association: South East States |
...keep a spare head close by, they tend to overheat if not careful...
The early Audi's used a similar head if I remember correctly, but it's been a while since I pulled one. |
A&PGirl |
Apr 2 2012, 12:16 PM
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#3
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
We checked the car over pretty carefully. Original Leather interior in supple condition, manual sunroof, fuse panel in the classic oops position.
The original color was Alaska Blue. Repainted '80s Porsche silver. Then we had to buy it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) So we bought the car and will bring home later today even though it will run with a different battery. Some dumbass kid took the thing for a 45min run after it had been sitting for 3yrs and quote "it over heated a little". The car is my Dad's Birthday present. Little factoid: The 944 will cost less to fix and maintain then the 2003 Saab. |
Madswede |
Apr 2 2012, 01:18 PM
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#4
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Flat Out Driver Group: Members Posts: 853 Joined: 13-September 06 From: Rio Rancho NM Member No.: 6,831 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
Potential Issue: Leaking at Main seal? My Question is what do I need to look for and where do I need to look? What should I go ahead and replace immediately if I purchase it? I think the most critical thing would be to find out really where the leak(s) is/are, and that ain't easy. Typical worst-case places that you can't easily see are the upper and lower rear balance shafts seals (and most expensive since it's hardest to get to). I've got a 968 (later, but still very similar to the 944) which had those chronic problems, though now it's more power steering pump leaking. Oil tends to collect all over the starter which then picks up more grime and finally gives up the ghost (more expensive starter on the 968 than 944 though, due to higher compression). Never let that timing belt get past 30k miles, unless you're planning on getting a new motor anyway or enjoy taking risks. (But that's probably an obvious statement) Another thing is that changing the clutch is a PITA on the 944 I've been told. It's much simpler on the 968, as it turns out, thanks to upgrades the Porsche engineers/designers made between the 944 S2 and the 968. I have noticed the 968 runs in the upper-normal range almost all the time in warm-to-hot (>90F) weather even on the highway, and definitely in town. I keep an eye on it, but I think that's just how the radiators are sized. Also in my case, it could be due (at least at highway speeds) to the fact that my car is missing the lower part of the front bumper and thus the air vane that is supposed to guide airflow across the radiator. YMMV with a 944, so I'd say follow others' advice on that. Then again, the head on that 2.5L is a helluva lot cheaper than the head on a 968, I'd wager. Enjoy! They're fun cars, when they're running right! |
mhuber45 |
Apr 2 2012, 02:11 PM
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#5
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 36 Joined: 14-September 11 From: St Louis Member No.: 13,557 Region Association: None |
Fun, but many little things that seem to always need fixing-i have a 87-924s
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A&PGirl |
Apr 2 2012, 02:24 PM
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#6
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
We have a Porsche factory trained mechanic who was on the Porsche Race in '70s in Tulsa and I dropped by his place. He asked me to show him the leak on a engine he had. It was the oil pan leaking.
We're going to replace the Belts, Water Pump, Pulley, Thermostat, Motor Mounts, Front Hood Shocks, Battery, do something to the worn out shift lever, Charge the AC, align it and drive. :driving-boy: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving-girl.gif) We do need a non-broken front spoiler + right brackets and manual sun roof parts. Will post a WTB ad later. |
Dave_Darling |
Apr 2 2012, 02:25 PM
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#7
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914 Idiot Group: Members Posts: 14,991 Joined: 9-January 03 From: Silicon Valley / Kailua-Kona Member No.: 121 Region Association: Northern California |
The 924s used Audi motors. The 944 used what was more or less half of a 928 motor. A bit less than more, but it was close.
If you really think that the 83 944 (first year in the US) will have fewer problems (on average) than a 2003 Saab, I think you may be overindulging in self-medication. You have to disassemble the front suspension completely in order to replace the clutch; it appears as if the clutch was the first thing they started with when they built the car. Presumably the rear main seal requires a similar level of effort. Find the $$$ Porsche-only belt tensioning tool, or get in really good with your local Porsche specialist. Expect that many mechanical repairs will cost more than the value of the car. The early ones really aren't worth that much $$, but the parts are still on the expensive side. (Think of it like an early 928, but less so.) For all that, I know people who won't give theirs up for love nor money. --DD |
A&PGirl |
Apr 2 2012, 07:51 PM
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#8
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
Picking up in the Morning.
Important Question: How the hell do you open the rear hatch open with the key missing? (Without breaking the Glass) Important Question: How the hell do you open the sunroof? If you have spare parts, please PM me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) ---- Dave, Let's have a nice long talk about Saab prices. New Key $400 from dealer Ignition module ~$300 ---You do not want this to die 9hrs from the nearest dealer/home Plastic valve in Cooling system-Replace every 30,000 miles ~$60 Headlight Bulbs $65/each Rotors $200 independent $400-600 dealer per front/per rear (replace every 30-50,000 miles) Filters $100 Let's not talk about belts, pulleys or any Turbo stuff. Saab does not exist. |
poorsche914 |
Apr 2 2012, 08:04 PM
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#9
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T4 Supercharged Group: Members Posts: 3,091 Joined: 28-May 09 From: Smoky Mountains Member No.: 10,419 Region Association: South East States |
Important Question: How the hell do you open the rear hatch open with the key missing? (Without breaking the Glass) Important Question: How the hell do you open the sunroof? Had an '83 944. Was fun until the oil cooler seals leaked and got oil in the coolant. Decided I didn't want to put any more $$$$ into it so sold it. Rear hatch - with the key had to turn and push the knob. Not sure if that is even possible without the key (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) If it is a manual sunroof, there are a couple latches at the rear. Undo those and it pops right out. Or you can position the latches to hold the rear up. Be sure the strap from roof panel is snapped in place (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) |
racerbvd |
Apr 2 2012, 08:30 PM
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#10
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,368 Joined: 3-February 03 From: Sunny FL. Member No.: 226 Region Association: None |
Picking up in the Morning. Important Question: How the hell do you open the rear hatch open with the key missing? (Without breaking the Glass) Important Question: How the hell do you open the sunroof? If you have spare parts, please PM me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) ---- Dave, Let's have a nice long talk about Saab prices. New Key $400 from dealer Ignition module ~$300 ---You do not want this to die 9hrs from the nearest dealer/home Plastic valve in Cooling system-Replace every 30,000 miles ~$60 Headlight Bulbs $65/each Rotors $200 independent $400-600 dealer per front/per rear (replace every 30-50,000 miles) Filters $100 Let's not talk about belts, pulleys or any Turbo stuff. Saab does not exist. You climb into the back, from the seats, pull the carpet down on the very back, and you will see 2 long rods, turn the center where they are connected & push up. I can take pix tomorrow if you like. The sunroof is manual, 2 latches in the front, and 2 in the rear.. What parts are you needing??? |
Dave_Darling |
Apr 2 2012, 08:33 PM
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#11
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914 Idiot Group: Members Posts: 14,991 Joined: 9-January 03 From: Silicon Valley / Kailua-Kona Member No.: 121 Region Association: Northern California |
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scotty b |
Apr 2 2012, 09:35 PM
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#12
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rust free you say ? Group: Members Posts: 16,375 Joined: 7-January 05 From: richmond, Va. Member No.: 3,419 Region Association: None |
The 924s used Audi motors. The 944 used what was more or less half of a 928 motor. A bit less than more, but it was close. You have to disassemble the front suspension completely in order to replace the clutch; it appears as if the clutch was the first thing they started with when they built the car. Expect that many mechanical repairs will cost more than the value of the car. The early ones really aren't worth that much $$, but the parts are still on the expensive side. (Think of it like an early 928, but less so.) --DD Unless you have soloid proof of the belts and water pump being done, plan on an additional 1600+ to get that done IMMEDIATELY. A broken belt in these cars can mean an easy 2500.00 + in repairs. Bels tend to wipe out valve trains in interference head cars (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) |
jmill |
Apr 2 2012, 09:46 PM
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#13
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Green Hornet Group: Members Posts: 2,449 Joined: 9-May 08 From: Racine, Wisconsin Member No.: 9,038 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
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Rob-O |
Apr 2 2012, 09:49 PM
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#14
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,252 Joined: 5-December 03 From: Mansfield, TX Member No.: 1,419 Region Association: Southwest Region |
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
With what Scotty said. I've changed out clutches on NA 944's and have never had to remove any part of the front suspension. But it seems everything else has to come out. Unbolt drive shafts, pull exhaust, then transmission, then torque tube, the front bellhousing. After that you're home free! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) |
racerbvd |
Apr 2 2012, 09:56 PM
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#15
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,368 Joined: 3-February 03 From: Sunny FL. Member No.: 226 Region Association: None |
The 924s used Audi motors. The 944 used what was more or less half of a 928 motor. A bit less than more, but it was close. --DD I also had a 1987 924S. The 924S motor is the same as the 944NA in a much lighter car. The 924 motor was Audi motor. Correct, the 924 was actually set to be a VW Sports car, but when the 914 was canned, Porsche took it back. 924s used an Audi truck engine, audi gear box (from a FWD too, there is a hole for a starter (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bootyshake.gif) ) Super Beetle front struts & Audi breaks (drum rear (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) ) and 4 on 108 bolt pattern... And yes, the 944 engine is literally half of a 928 engine.. A neat thing about all this is the fact that 944/951 F&R susp. is pretty much a bolt on for a Super Beetle, rear susp will fit IRS(68 & up) Beetles and that can make for a very fun VW... |
Cap'n Krusty |
Apr 2 2012, 10:44 PM
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#16
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Cap'n Krusty Group: Members Posts: 10,794 Joined: 24-June 04 From: Santa Maria, CA Member No.: 2,246 Region Association: Central California |
Hard to believe the level of misinformation here. Remove the front suspension? Not on your life. Not even the rear suspension.Audi truck engine? Audi never made a truck, at least not in the last 3 decades. The Ur 924 had this engine. It's a VW medium duty (LT series) SOHC truck engine. The 944/924S had what could be considered half of a 928 engine, but it has much higher compression and is a well known "hitter", something that the 928 isn't. Break a timing belt on a 928 and it just stops running. The 924 engine has a balance shaft setup, something that's necessary on an inline "big four". Licensed from Mitsubishi, IIRC. The rear brakes? Late Beetle/Super Beetle, with a different bolt circle. Much larger than the drum brakes on any Audi. VW had Porsche design the project decided not to produce it after all. At that point, Porsche hired VW to build it on their behalf.
The Cap'n |
tod914 |
Apr 2 2012, 11:02 PM
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#17
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,755 Joined: 19-January 03 From: Lincoln Park, NJ Member No.: 170 |
Recently had my sights set on a 924. Test drove one the other day. Well, seems a 944 is a much better choice, even though I don't care for the flared fenders. 924S, I would consider if I could find a low milage one. The 924 was very very sluggish. Performance vs. parts & maintence cost = not worth it. Looking for a new DD. Kind of thinking 944 or Corrado G60. Congrads on your purchase Carrie. What's your driving impressions of the car?
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A&PGirl |
Apr 3 2012, 10:36 AM
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#18
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
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A&PGirl |
Apr 3 2012, 10:40 AM
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#19
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
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A&PGirl |
Apr 3 2012, 11:46 AM
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#20
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,019 Joined: 4-January 06 From: Oklahoma Member No.: 5,367 Region Association: None |
Still don't know what the exact paint code is, but I found what some of the options code are.
018-Sports Steering Wheel with 30mm Hub 076-Apparently, very rare. No one knows what it is. 158-Radio "Monterey" 425-Rear Window Wiper-Missing 455-Anti Theft device for wheels 533-Alarm system or Radio convertible top-operation omitted 567-Graduated green tint upper part of windshield N19-Apparently, very rare. No one knows what it is. I really want to know what 076 or N19 mean. Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
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