P71 wrote:
That Diamond Blue is gorgeous!
So Joe, and I really value your input, you're saying there's no HP difference between the 88 and the 83-87? Is the aluminum suspension worth the additional cost? I like both interiors, and I think I'd prefer the late one, but I like the idea of the replaceable ball joints on the early version. I'm kind of torn on which direction to go.
Yes from 83-88 the rated hp levels changed, but in practice a good 83 will be faster than a poor 88. Condition is more important than year. Now some of that rating change is actually due to a change in the conversions and rating system. All 83-87 cars were rated at the same Kw (killowatts rated used in Europe). The 88 was rated slightly higher, but in stock form is also heavier. Heck even stripped out it takes more work lower the weight of an 88 tub as compared to the earlier tubs.
The aluminum suspension is mix blessing. They say the front end is stiffer, but racing on track the difference is not apprent. The steel arms are VW parts so $25 each with $11 ball joints. The aluminum arms are $500+ each and don't have replaceable ball joints. Well you can replace the joints, but these are aftermarket kits. There are two aluminium arm lengths also. The 85.5-86 arms are the same length as the steel ones, but the 87 and 88 are longer. These longer arms in theory improves the supension geometry up front, but again in pratice is hardly noticable. You can retro fit steel arms on the 85.5 and 86 model years.
When you lower an aluminum arm car you need to monitor the ball joints closely as they can fail. The steel arms ball joints seem indestrcutable. The steel arms can develop cracks, but at $25 each the simply replacements. I keep a spare (they are mirror left and right) for my 944 spec car in my parts bin. I can replace at the track and by being carefull not mess-up the aligment.
In the rear the suspenison also change from steel in 83-85 to aluminum from 85.5 and up. These arms last a long time and are considered "superior". In practice I don't know it makes any difference.
They late interior is better on a street car, but if you don't plan on running A/C just want to strip it anyway... don't worry about the interior.
Again... the 88 is on paper the "best" model, but in practice there is no differece. I have been racing 944 spec since 2002 and we have never found any year of car to be "the car to have". What we have found is the car to have is a good car. Junkers take more time and money to get right, but even then a junker can be a winner. It just takes more effort.
My 84 is a mixed bag since I have 3 parts cars from different years. Nealy all the parts from 83-88 fit in other years. Heck even parts from the 944 Turbo and S2 or 968 fit on these cars. So mixing and matching is very easy. My 84 is mix of 84, 87,83, and 88 parts. I even used an 84 bottom end and 87 top end with zero issues.
So find the best car that fits your goals. Don't let the model year worry you.
