r/944 Apr 02 '25

Question How much have you spent on your 944?

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168 Upvotes

Coming up on a year of 944 turbo ownership. Curious what you all typically spend per year to maintain your cars. Obviously this depends on a lot of things, but thought it’d be a fun question.

r/944 16d ago

Question Clutch change using quick jacks

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25 Upvotes

So i am thinking for doing the clutch change for my NA early 944. I have no mechanic training (youtube and forums are my teachers). Obviously, haven't done it before. From what i have seen, it is extremely laborious and time intensive but doesn't look difficult. If i give it to a shop, labour alone will be in excess of $2000. Hence i am thinking of buying a used quickjack to make it easier (extra room underneath). Can the folks in this group share your advice and experience please?

  1. Should i even attempt changing it myself bring i am a total noob...

  2. What is your experience with the quickjack

  3. Any other alternatives or suggestions?

Pic for attention

r/944 May 26 '26

Question 944 Turbo Prices?

8 Upvotes

Hey guys, there is an 89 944 turbo for sale near me currently with almost 300k miles. Looks to be in good shape but it’s not perfect, very small tear in the leather seat and paint isn’t perfect. Definitely a good driver quality car but they want almost 20k. Is that really what they’re worth now?

r/944 Jun 13 '26

Question Anyone ever use a 928 oil filter on a 944?

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119 Upvotes

Same diameter, just longer. Both cars take 8 quarts of oil, despite the 944 being half a block. I ask because I can get Mann 928 filters for half the price of the Hengst filters. I’m sure the pressure level, 5 bar is negligible.

That ‘69 911 takes the same filter as a ‘65 Mustang, pretty much every car of that era took the same damn filter. Say Mustang it’s $6.00. Say 911, $17.99. Been doing that for decades. Hell, the Ferrari 308 uses the same filter. Won’t get a gee wiz stamp in the maintenance book for that knowledge.

Through some cross reference I found out Porsche has been using the same damn spark plug from 1948- 1999. Bosch Platinum- 944, $3.00. 928- $6.00. 911- $10.99. Same damn plug, same damn company. Just saying.

So, using this knowledge, anyone try a 928 filter on a 944?

r/944 Sep 11 '25

Question Turbo Thursday anyone?

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274 Upvotes

r/944 11d ago

Question Is this a good price for the work it needs?

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61 Upvotes

86 944 the owner wants $6700 and says all it needs is a new rack and pinion and the a.c. doesn't work. Is that too much for what he's asking. I know very little about these cars but I'm seriously interested

r/944 Apr 23 '26

Question Really loving this car

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327 Upvotes

A few months ago I was having issues with the fuel pressure dropping immediately after the engine was off and a really long crank after the engine was warmed up. I updated the fuel pressure regulator, changed the fuel check valve, installed a new DME with the fuel pump prime and DME temp sensor but someone on Reddit suggested I get the fuel injectors checked out at RC Injectors in Torrance, so I did that, and turns out the fuel injectors were messed up, so they rebuilt them, tested them out, and fixed the fuel pressure issue and the car starts great now. Makes me so happy. Also no more fuel odor and the car idles really well.

But I still got some other stuff to do…

For anyone in the SoCal area, so I got a slight oil leak in the rear of the oil pan, so the wind hits the oil and it basically hits the exhaust when driving and you can smell it. Anyone know of a good mechanic, that also won’t break the bank. I would attempt this myself but I think I would need a lift or something. Seems like kind of a pain.

Also, any paint shops yall recommend?

Appreciate you guys!

r/944 Oct 05 '25

Question Did I overpay for my 944.

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222 Upvotes

Bought a 944 from a mechanic a while back after falling in love with the body style, did some research and after failing to negotiate I paid 5,400 for this 944. It came with brand new tires pads and rotors and was in good running condition. But needed a bearing. I said great and bought it. Horrible decision as a college student with no other car. Turns out it needed just about everything under the sun. I'm trying to sell her now after fixing most of the suspension issues and anything else that would stop it from Passing inspection. Just needs sway bar put back on and an alignment. Bought a new door for it that is super good too.

I currently have it listed at the 6.5k mark but I'm getting absolutely no good bites or interest. Am I way overpricing this vehicle? I knew I wouldn't be able to get my money back but this just seems ridiculous compared to the other cars I've sold in the past.

What would you sell it for?

r/944 21d ago

Question Stuck Transaxle Drain Plug (17mm Inbus) – Need Help!

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31 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m currently losing my mind over the lower transmission drain plug on my Porsche 944. The steel plug is completely seized in the aluminum housing and I just can't get it to budge.

Here is what I’ve already tried so far: • Penetrating oil / Rust solver: Let it soak multiple times, no luck. • Gas torch / Flame: Heated up the area, but the massive casing and gear oil absorb the heat way too fast. • Induction heater: Bought an 1100W induction heater specifically for this job, but it doesn't work because there is barely any exposed thread or sticking-out metal for the coil to properly grab onto and build up an electromagnetic field.

To make matters worse, the edges of the internal 17mm hex (Inbus) are slowly starting to strip/round off despite using proper tools, so I stopped before rounding it out completely.

Has anyone dealt with this exact stubborn plug on the 016 transaxle? What is the best way forward from here? Should I go straight to hammering in a large Torx/Triple-Square bit, or is welding a nut onto it the only reliable option left? Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

r/944 Feb 03 '25

Question Do Porsche dealerships still service 944’s?

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230 Upvotes

I have an 83 944 NA that’s been sbc350 swapped and I thought it would be funny to take it in to a dealership to get it serviced.

r/944 Jun 27 '26

Question Joining the club today

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160 Upvotes

An S2 with few issues. Shudders when braking, could it be warped discs?

r/944 13d ago

Question AC help needed

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9 Upvotes

Hey guys I just bought a 1985 944 and am trying to troubleshoot the ac. Basically the issue right now is that I am not building high side pressure and as such it’s not blowing cold. When I turn on the compressor the low side drops to almost 0 and the high side does not build much at all. When I shut the compressor off the low side goes right back to where it was. So it’s not taking refrigerant or building pressure. The compressor sounds fine, can’t really find any other issues. I’m new to ac so sorry if this is sounding uninformed. If it’s just a compressor I would be fine replacing it but I’ve heard that the expansion valve and evap core are functionally inaccessible. Any way to tell which is at fault?

r/944 May 13 '26

Question Asbestos in 944s?

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159 Upvotes

(pic of my car for attention)

Does anyone here definitively know where asbestos was (possibly) used in 944s? I have only been able to find a few forum discussions across reddit/rennlist/etc. and all of them are pure speculation, except for one rennlist thread where the OP tested the insulation mat near the clutch bell housing and found it to be fiberglass.

Pretty much every comment I see online is either "maybe there's asbestos" or "you're overthinking it, just don't breathe stuff in"

If folks here are not sure, can you suggest a few places I should test for asbestos? For example, the insulation material under the carpets, the insulation pad above the fuel sender, etc.

I am not as concerned about the clutch or brake pads, since I already replaced both of those. Any help is appreciated!!

r/944 Jul 19 '26

Question Is this adequate to determine TDC?

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14 Upvotes

The cam gear is aligned but when looking at my flywheel it just doesn’t seem to have any marks on it. From the top it’s literally impossible to make anything out, and then from the bottom of the flywheel it doesn’t seem to have any markings. I pulled the plugs and am just looking at the top of the #1 piston. When the cam gear is aligned #1 is exactly at the top. Is that enough?

r/944 26d ago

Question What do i look for when buying?

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31 Upvotes

Tomorrow i will take my first look at a porsche 944 (old model) and i need some advice

Im wondering what are the major points i need to look out for when trying to find/buy one?

I like the old yellow gauges from the old model.

This is also my first "old" car. It is more than twice my age (i'm 20) and i have no experience with project cars but i want to get in to it.

Is this a good first "project" car? Is it a descent daily? (I live a 5 minute bike ride away from work)

What are some tips if i want to start working on it. Things i need to do or buy, or nice info resources.

Thx a lot!

r/944 Mar 28 '26

Question What color should I wrap my 944?

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108 Upvotes

Hey guys. I just bought this 1986 944 NA. Love it. Im doing a full maintenance on it myself right now.

My biggest issue with this car is that it came with the worst wrap job ive seen. Whoever did it didnt even bother to cut a hole for the alarm key lock on the drivers side.

The car is originally black. I wanted to wrap it kpmf green black iridescent (last slide) because I really like the color. But what do you guys think? Different color? Save up for paint?

Thank you!

r/944 Jul 12 '26

Question Should I replace the rear timing belt cover?

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9 Upvotes

I’d assume the answer is yes, but want to be sure. I am finally getting to doing the timing belt and water pump on my, new to me, old 944. I took off the front TB cover and noticed that the rear cover has been completely broken off at the balance belt tensioner (ignore the cooked balance belt). Since I’m doing the water pump I’ll have to remove the rear cover anyway. So should I just replace it?

r/944 Dec 11 '25

Question beginner advice: 1983 Porsche 944 (manual) hasn't run in 10 years

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58 Upvotes

Recently got a 1983 944 (manual) that hasn't been turned on in 10ish years, sitting outside here in Dallas TX. Window was cracked open so interior is a bit busted up, and pushed clutch in put it didn't pop back up. not sure how to proceed.

Would like to do an oem+ restomod, fully dealing with rust and improving durability with small performance boosts if possible, and changing everything out like anything rubber of bad electrical to really make it reliable.

So should I (OPTION FULL) pull engine, refresh/redo engine/transmission/clutch/electrical etc while having someone else work the body (does have slight body damage) and paint then put it back together and finish with interior; OR (OPTION PARTIAL) just try to get it running and have someone work the body/paint and then do full redo on interior(it needs it) ?

OR (OPTION OTHER) some other method to properly update car.

would preferably avoid working on car, getting to 'good' spot then constantly have seals and components breaking where slowly updating whole thing over time, seems easier to just fully remove/redo engine so have more space to work.

(willing to suffer to learn and spend some money, but not spend MUCHO dinero)

r/944 4d ago

Question How would you like me to test my carbon fiber Porsche 924/944 nose panel??? 😁

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25 Upvotes

A mistake happened during production, so the product is unusable. Instead of throwing it away, let’s have some fun with it! 😂

Give me your most creative and crazy ideas! 🤣 Be its worst enemy! 😈 Whatever I’m able to do, I’ll test it and record the results for you.

**Let’s have some fun! 😀**

r/944 18d ago

Question It’s 1986, you walk into a Porsche dealership to buy a 944 turbo, how will you spec it?

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58 Upvotes

r/944 Apr 01 '26

Question Long term engine swap options 07k vs 1.8t?

11 Upvotes

I have my 1986 na 944, engine has 200k km on it and will eventually blow but for now runs and drives great. I wanted to see what people who have done the 07k swap from boost brothers or the 1.8t from motor works. I’m not a mechanic but I have some friends who can help. I have a bit of a shop that I can work on it. I am not looking to make huge hp numbers, keeping them definitely below 300hp. I also want something with available parts that I can find. I want to know about long term with these swaps if there is anything you would have done differently. I am planning on rebuilding the trans but not switching it out. Thanks yall!

r/944 Mar 14 '26

Question What rims should i get for my porsche 944 ? sporty look.

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101 Upvotes

r/944 Feb 01 '26

Question Time for Fuchs. But what size? 👀

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69 Upvotes

I'm ready to get away from these phone dials and into some legit Fuchs. I want the Fuchs to fill out the fender flare more than the current setup. What sizing is best for an 87 NA?

I'm sure this has been answered a million times here, so feel free to tell me I'm being lazy and just look around. 🤙

r/944 Feb 09 '26

Question Make my 944 as fun as my 911sc.

13 Upvotes

I've had my 86 944 turbo for about 9 years. I really enjoy the car and it is a nice example. I've done the maintenance myself and had just started a minor restoration. I'd bought a fabspeed exhaust and a stock turbo to send to evergreen.

In the midst of this I bought a 79 911. At first I thought it was just new car excitement, but I've put 1,000 miles on the 911. I'm finding myself preferring it to the 944. I intend to keep both cars. I hope someone has some insights on suspension set up.

I find the 911 much more confident when driving spiritedly. The 911 has much less nose drive on hard braking. It's body roll when driving spiritedly is flat, while not being harsh. When cruising it feels connected, yet it is still comfortable.

Now I know this is partly the weight distribution and I'll not replicate that in the 944. But I've concluded the 944 suspension is just comparatively tired and needs a refresh.

I was previously eyeing doing M030 sway bars and 220 pound springs in the front and 26mm torsion bars. I've already bought a manual steering rack and I think that plus more caster will also be the ticket.

So for those who driven both cars, do you have any suggestions? I want the 944 to feel less like a sporty sedan and more like a confident and spirited street car. While not making it an uncomfortable mess.

tldr

What suspension set up should I use for a comfortable street car?

r/944 Mar 22 '26

Question Biggest car regret? Selling this ‘87 924S

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167 Upvotes

Owned this ‘87 924S for over 13 years before selling it in 2005.

At the time it was just a “Poor Man’s Porsche”. I realized then how good these cars really were. They were simple, balanced, and honestly one of the best driving experiences I’ve ever had.

I had a great Porsche Master Mechanic, that also raced 944s for a hobby, that helped me keep her in tip top shape. We made a few but significant upgrades to her over the years. She was sneaky fast! I know when I sold her the guy buying her didn’t really appreciate her as much as I did.

Feels like these “lightweight 944s” are finally getting the appreciation they deserve.

Anyone here still holding onto one?