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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHConsidering going after a "Yard Art" Turbo
Leading reported evidence
Inspect unless there are recent records
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I wouldn't even start the car without having the belt inspected, unless there are recent records for it's replacement.
Leading evidence: 'Inspect unless there are recent records' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Inspect unless there are recent records' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
If it's the relay, it'll be cheap, but if it's been sitting it'll need all fluids changed, the A/C probably updated and charged.
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Suggestion
My advice is that a 951 that has been sitting for a couple years is going to need many thousands put into it to get it up and running dependably.
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11 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261027T082735Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Alright guys Let me have it!
I can barely keep myself from door knocking on a house with a black 951 planted in the side yard.
I have eyed the car for years. The body is straight and clean. Wheels are original
Question is:
What are the most common "major failures" that sideline these cars.
I have heard of motors that fail at or near 100K.
Are there Trans. issues to be aware of?
I am also somewhat aware of the carrier bearing issues and the expense with those.
Who wants to bet what the issue is? And what should I offer them for a non-runner without being rude, but without burrying myself from step 1?
Are you asking about a 951 or 996?
A 951 is pretty reliable but often times the cars are not taken care of (which seems to be the case with this one) and rebuilding can be both frustrating and relatively expensive compared to the value of the car.
But I don't think they only last 100k miles or have the other issues you mentioned. Granted if it's been built up with additional horsepower then the reliability suffers accordingly.
If it's a 996 none of those apply as they use the GT1 engine and are pretty reliable considering the amount of horsepower coming out of them.
Best bet is to visit the 944/951 board and ask the same question. I used to have a 944 S2 in case you're wondering.
951's are very dependable, very fun cars, however repairing them can be difficult and maintenace is crucial. Timing belt needs replacing, power steering leaks and oil leaks are issues and the clutch replacement is labor intensive. If everything works good, they are fast and dependable and will stay that way if maintained.
Where do you live? I have one in my shop right now that would think about selling you. I have about $2k in new parts to go in it. A newly rebuilt head and the engine is about to be shipped off to be rebuilt.
Sorry about the mistaken post.
I have a 996, but I am looking at a 951 that is sitting in a yard down the street from a buddy's house.
I was looking for advice on what to look out for Specific to these cars (944 Turbo), that may have caused the car to be parked for good (incase the owner doesn't really know, or is not entirely honest).
Can I move this entire post over to the 944 side? Or do I have to just start over there?
its like anything Drew, If its sitting.. find out the story and report back. You may find its an armed service persons and its sitting at mom and dads till he gets back. Ask them whats wrong with it. Not really a lot of advice to give on a car you cant hear run or drive. Just assume EVERYTHING is wrong with it. Then you will not be too disappointed when EVERYTHING is wrong with it.
Sounds like a harsh post but its really not. just the best advice I can give. Even if you part it, the big $$ items you will not pull good money for becasue you have no personal experiance with the parts. You have no idea if the tranny is good or the motor smokes or the turbos spin up OK.
Try to get it for the price of scrap. If that doesnt work and you want to gamble.. thats what you have to deside. Giving anything more than scrap for it is a gamble if it infact doesnt run.
Like I said. Go get the story and report back.. I do love barn finds!
DME relay, power steering leaks, oil cooler seals, turbo oil line seals, timing belt...those are all items of concern. timing belts break and the DME realy stops, those will cause it to not run. If the timing belt breaks, it'll need a few thousand to reapir. If it's the relay, it'll be cheap, but if it's been sitting it'll need all fluids changed, the A/C probably updated and charged. The ignition switch goes out sometime, the cruise switch and cruise computer break often. The airbag comuter goes bad......the interior parts are common to many 944's but suspension, brakes, and all drivetrain is specific to the 951.
They're a lot of fun, but they're not cheap to fix up, they are better to buy a good one (around 7-10K)and keep it maintained and make it better, faster, etc. If you buy a cheap one (3-5K), it'll need 2-5K just to be half way decent......and that's all ignoring any body issues.
Thank you Marks951. That is exactly what I was looking for, a good work list of usual suspects to look into first. I'm going to knock on the door today.
Timing belt and waterpump are your major concerns. I wouldn't even start the car without having the belt inspected, unless there are recent records for it's replacement. Clutch is the other big ticket item. If you are paying a shop, expect about 1500+ for the timingbelt/waterpump and about 2500-3000 for the clutch job.
My advice is that a 951 that has been sitting for a couple years is going to need many thousands put into it to get it up and running dependably.
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