Help finding a 944 track car

[lagrasta]

My brother is interested in getting involved in the Porsche club for ax and track days. I think his most reasonable option would be a 944, but I don't have a lot of experience with them. I seem to remember someone in the club specializing in buying and selling 944s, but I can't seem to run it down down.

Does anyone have any resources that I can point him to where he can gather some info on cost of entry and upkeep? He's decently mechanically inclined and would do a mix of his own work and hiring out the hard stuff. He's located in the San Francisco area, so I don't know where he'd actually buy one. Right now, I'm just trying to get him some good info to do his homework on.

Thanks,
Mike

P.S. Tried searching the forums, but the term "944" is always ignored because "it is too common". Is there a way around that? I tried quoting and adding the +, but it made no difference. Kind of makes it hard to find this stuff myself on this forum.

[Kim Crosser]

You are probably thinking of Tim Comeau, although there are a number of people in the club who specialize in 944s.

[Dan Chambers]

The Rennlist 944 forum is a great source of information for all things 944. I used that as a source of many questions in my 944 days. There are tons of 944-knowledgeable people in the PCASDR. If you go to a Motorhead Monday, or the Driver's Awards Dinner, you could bump into quite a few "engine-in-the-wrong-place" people.

In the short term, here's what to avoid when buying a 944:

Blown head gasket
blown water pump
broken timing belt/balance shaft belt
bad transaxle/transmission
worn clutch
low compression in any 1 (or more) cylinders
lots of oil leaks
any coolant leaks (except old hoses)

These "broken" cars will sell for next to nothing, because the repairs will be more than the car is worth. They are only good for boat anchors and the Rondeau Performance Driving Clinics.

A really, really good example of a 944 with "normal mileage" will sell for around $3,000.00 to $4,000.00. A "bargain" 944 will go for around $2,500.00 - $3,000.00. And, stay away from any car that old with "only 15,000 miles". Chances are it sat for too long and will have issues when driven hard.

Go to the Rennnlist website and read the 944 forum. It will be good info for what you need to know.

Happy Hunting!

[Mmagus]

He should also get hooked up with the Golden Gate Region. Someone may have just the car he needs. I bought Tuffy (my 924S) from a PCA member and am glad I did. He came with a notebook of every receipt and a hand written journel. Another was to go is through the NASA spec guys. I have seen fully prepped race cares for great prices on their sites.

Cheers,
Mark

[JivenJim]

944=least expensive fun for a Porsche. But it's still NOT cheap to race on tracks. AX's are great to figure things out and determine your resolve.

Too Bad Dan went to the dark side. A place so dark, they have to hide the engine in the rear, rather than up front in the light. ;+)

Comeau is a good man with his finger on everything 944 in socal and has good cars for sell. Check him out.

http://comeauracing.com/cre/

[ChuckS]

There are a lot of 944 experts in the San Diego area, and indeed Tim C is one of the most active and knowledgeable. All of the above comments are well worth paying attention to.

If your brother is in the Bay area, he will probably need some help up there. My son, Greg, just moved there and is extremely knowledgeable on 944's. I am sure he would be willing to help out. Knowing what to watch out for can make a huge difference and help separate the good from the bad.


If interested, PM me and I will arrange contact info.

[Cajundaddy]

This one might be worth a look:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche- ... k-car.html

It's right in SD and has most of the track prep in place. Anyone know this car?

[Mmagus]

That is a great price. Plus the 88 924S had higher compression and HP than the 87. The only thing (in my mind) you would really need to do is install 30MM torsion bars to match the #400 coils up front. As is I would guess that the handling balance is off quite a bit. While doing so you could have the car lowered to race height.

He IS looking for trades... **eyeballs the mortorcycle in my garage** I wonnnder, just make it a parts car for Tuffy...?

[ChuckS]

That one has been for sale for a VERY long time. One wonders!

[Tim Comeau]

Ah, nice words......you guys know me too well.....
That red 88 924S was built up by Rick White and probably Glen Uslan, too. It sounds like a good deal to me. If Rick set it up, it handles well. I remember seeing the current owner drive it at Willow and it was quick then. The high compression 88 pistons aren't such a big deal anymore because 944 Spec rules changes have put a cap on allowed horse power at 138 RWHP (+2 for wiggle room). The low compression piston cars are allowed to shave the head to match the 88 compression ratio. Its nice that the 87-88 924S has the short 5th gear, too.