Looking to buy a 1989-1991 944 S2 or turbo

[XutvJet]

Hi everyone,

I was curious if anyone knows anything about 944s, specially the 3.0 liter DOHC 4 banger non-turbo 1989-1991 944 S2 or the 1989-1991 turbo. I'm looking to buy one, preferably a fairly mint one (~$17K to 25K). I know the typical maintenance stuff like timing belts, tensioners, and cooling systems are critical, rust should be considered, and clutch replacements are pricey, but was curious if anyone had direct experience with one.

This will not be my daily, but I do want a good example that is reliable to drive. I'm leaning towards the S2 but will also consider a turbo if it's in good shape and maintained.

Thanks.

[overcoil]

I like the 944's also.
Isn't the water pump an issue (or am I thinking of the 928 which was two 944 engines ?) frequent replacement of water pump but not sure about difficulty.
And the timing chains also require frequent replacement and that could be difficult job.
Then I think the drive-shaft and clutch require special tools.
I think the cars were fully zinc'd corrosion (but they may be Audi level of rust) And crash repair on these cars was usually not up to Porsche standards and rear hatch area are notorious rust situations on lots of cars from that area.
Also battery acid damage.

[The__J__Factor]

All I know is my dad had an s2 when I was young and I loved that car. The engine used to make this unique humming sound that I remember to clearly when he would pull up, the doors clicked shut with a solid thud and the sports seats were soft and comfortable (like most porches). Felt quick enough, handled great and the wide fenders are an epic look.

Would also like to buy an s2 some day before they become unobtainable.

[DrFerry]

Well that brings back memories... I recommend buying the latest year 944 Turbo S OR S2 with the M030 suspension and brake package you can afford. I think the last model year of production was '91 sold as a '92 model. See the links below for more information.

We still had a few at work (back in the mid nineties) we used to beat the crap out of during testing. The 944 Turbo S, S2, and 968 were the only street cars that would last pretty much all day at the track (road circuit) with the exception of a 996. For comparison, Mustangs lasted about an hour, and the Corvette about 45 minutes to an hour, before engines and/or brakes over-heated. Whereas the Porsche 944 S2 and 968 we had were pretty much bullet proof - providing the maintenance items had been done. Even the brakes would last with Performance Friction pads.. Hell the stock rotors were over an inch and a quarter (or more) thick! Moreover the M030 suspension package came with adjustable coil over Konis as stock!

https://silodrome.com/porsche-944-history/

https://www.deancent.com/porsche-944-turbo/

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...44-turbo-s-17/


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[XutvJet]

Thank you all very much for all of the useful information. Much appreciated.

[MmmmmM2]

I love that it had a 3.0 4 cylinder....That's a big 4 banger!

[BMWCCA1]

I started selling Porsche in 1976 and stopped in 1995. I was there when the 924 was first offered. I was there when the absolutely awful 924turbo was foisted upon us. I was there when the waiting list for the 944 was nearly two-years long, and when the 944S and Turbo first came out. I was indoctrinated into the "low polar moment of inertia" handling sect and enjoyed them when they were new. I was also there when friends I'd sold them to had terrible internal engine failures from balance-shaft bearings with no support from Porsche.

I was also there when the first E30 M3 rolled off the truck. I lost interest in the Porsche/Audi 944 series after that. And look which model is actually worth more today!

Nobody ever asked me if my M3 was a "real" BMW!