READ FIRST: I have ready everything in this forum on 944's anda lot on other forumsalready soI have a good idea whatthe major things to look at and fix are first.

Alright I'm looking for a fun project car to drive a lot. I've been thinking about a 944 or older BMW so I'm in the search for a car. I'm looking at spending no more than $7000 so a Turbo is probably out of the question. I've rebuild engines, manual transmissions, modified FWD cars, Aircooled VW's, and a Jeep 4x4 into a trail toy. i'm looking for something to keep stock that's just fun to drive and so after seeing an 87'944S for sale at a German Auto Shop it sparked my curiosity.

If I bought a 944S, changed the timing chain, tensioner pads, water pump and any other maint needed, would a 944S be a good canadate for a daily driver driven 2 miles each way to work? I also have a motorcycle but it isn't very nice to ride in the winter so it's the backup to whatever I end up buying.

Also would a 944S be ok driven long distance like 10 hours across Texas?

 

if you live 2 miles from work I'd recommend a bicycle. If I recall most cars really don't like short trips like that, or that might just be rotaries. As for going on a long trip. With a spare fuel relay, some spare fluids, and a few basic tools it'd be no problem. They're pretty reliable but I'd hate to be stuck somewhere. I was putting 1000km or so a week on mine commuting for work over the summer.

 

If I were to buy a non turbo and was looking to spend 7k ish......I would buy an early 8V (83-85.....83 if at all possible). 5k will buy a very nice 83, and leave you with 2k for repairs, etc. The early cars are much more fun to drive than the S' in my opinion.

 

So the earlier cars are going to be better than the later ones? Hmmm... i'm going to do some more research and see what i can find in my area. i figured that since the 16V puts out more power that it would be more fun to drive. I guess I just need to find an 8V and test drive it to see which one I like better.

My main question is more about being able to drive long distances if i need to. I'm pretty experienced with emergency fixes... middle of nowhere in Utah with a broken front drive shaft on a jeep... Auto trans puking in the middle of nowhere in texas on a Bronco... um... I've actually had a lot of breaking down experiences but i've always figured out a way to make it work and keep going. If i have to travel somewhere i choose to drive instead of flying because I love the road!!!

 

I would reccommend the 87S.. From what I have heard, the naturally aspirated 944s are the way to go over a turbo or N/A.
The turbos have a shorter powerband due to the lower revlimiter, and also have a bit of turbo lag. The regular 944 in my opinion doesnt have enough power to have fun or show off. I actually am selling my 1987 944S. I am asking $3600, post or email back if you want some more info. Adrenalyn93@yahoo.com
-Frank

 

An early 944 NA is significantly lighter than a later S, making it much more nimble. What it lacks in hp, it makes up in weight. With the 83, you have manual steering, which makes driving the car a much more direct feel. With the S, you have a DOHC system to worry about, along with more advanced electronics (which can be fun to diagnose when you have problems). The S also has the sensor on the PS pump, which is known for shorting out, which in turns fries the entire engine wiring harness. I replaced one a few years ago for a customer to the tune of $2k.

In terms of daily driving, the early NA is by far cheaper to keep on the road.

 

yo,
Im selling my 944 NT 1983, email me for pic's, it perfect condition 126kmi 5sp-asking 5500.

 

If you want reliability, there are a few good ones out there. I have an 85.5 NA with over 200k miles on factory build. I get about 30 miles/gallon and drive it daily 40 miles per day. I have driven it multiple times 4 hours one way for a weekend getaway. The problem with a 944 is you probably will want to stop every few hours as they are fun to drive but stiff ride leads to stiff back. I get out and stretch, eat, bathroom and then back on the road. If you want comfort... BMW. If you want a head turner along with an always fun to drive car, Porsche. Another nice thing about being a Porsche owner, most of the time you see another Porsche on the road you will get a wave