
Porsche 944 Turbo (1986-88)
951
Production Total: 19,989
Record in UK 2024
Licensed=160 SORN=336

The Porsche 944 Turbo (1986-1988) is a classic, but like many vintage cars, it has its share of common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
1. **Timing Belt Failure**: The 944 Turbo's engine is an interference engine, meaning if the timing belt fails, it can cause significant damage to the valves and pistons.
2. **Cam Chain Tensioner Failure**: This can lead to timing issues and potential engine damage.
3. **DME Relay Failure**: The DME relay controls the fuel pump and the engine control unit. When it fails, the car won't start¹.
4. **Water Pump Issues**: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating and potential engine damage.
5. **Oil and Coolant Leaks**: Common leak points include the oil pan gasket, front and rear crank seals, head cover gasket, coolant hoses, and water pump.
6. **Intermittent Starting Problems**: This can be due to various electrical issues, including problems with the crankshaft position sensor.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these issues.
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Generations
The Porsche 944 Turbo had **one main generation** during its production run from 1985 to 1991. However, within this generation, there were notable variations and updates, including the introduction of the more powerful Turbo S model in 1988.
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Variants
The Porsche 944 had several variants throughout its production run from 1982 to 1991. Here are the main ones:
1. **Porsche 944 (Base Model)**: Introduced in 1982 with a 2.5-litre inline-four engine producing 143 bhp.
2. **Porsche 944 Turbo (951)**: Launched in 1985, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 220 bhp. The Turbo S variant, introduced in 1988, had an upgraded engine producing 250 bhp.
3. **Porsche 944S**: Released in 1987, this model had a 2.5-litre 16-valve engine producing 190 bhp.
4. **Porsche 944S2**: Introduced in 1989, it featured a 3.0-litre 16-valve engine with 211 bhp. This variant was available in both coupé and cabriolet body styles.
5. **Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet**: A limited production model introduced in 1991, combining the Turbo's performance with the open-top experience.
These variants offered a range of performance and styling options, making the 944 a versatile and popular model in Porsche's lineup.
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Trim Levels
The Porsche 944 was offered in several trim levels throughout its production run. Here are the main ones:
1. **Base Model**: The standard 944 came with a 2.5-litre inline-four engine, producing around 143 bhp initially, later increased to 163 bhp with a 2.7-litre engine in 1989.
2. **944S**: Introduced in 1987, this model featured a 2.5-litre 16-valve engine producing 190 bhp.
3. **944 Turbo (951)**: Launched in 1985, it had a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 220 bhp. The Turbo S variant, introduced in 1988, had an upgraded engine producing 250 bhp.
4. **944S2**: Released in 1989, it came with a 3.0-litre 16-valve engine producing 211 bhp. This variant was available in both coupé and cabriolet body styles.
5. **944 Turbo Cabriolet**: A limited production model introduced in 1991, combining the Turbo's performance with the open-top experience.
These trim levels offered a range of performance and features, catering to different preferences and driving styles.
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Engines
The Porsche 944 was offered with several engine options throughout its production run from 1982 to 1991. Here are the main engines:
1. **2.5-litre Inline-Four (Naturally Aspirated)**: This was the base engine, producing between 143 and 163 bhp, depending on the model year.
2. **2.5-litre Inline-Four (Turbocharged)**: Found in the 944 Turbo (951) models, this engine initially produced 220 bhp, with the Turbo S variant boosting output to 250 bhp.
3. **2.7-litre Inline-Four**: Introduced in 1989, this engine produced 162 bhp and was used in the base 944 model.
4. **3.0-litre Inline-Four**: Used in the 944S2 models, this engine produced 211 bhp and was available from 1989 onwards.
The Porsche 944 Turbo models had several unique features that set them apart from the standard 944. Here are some of the highlights:
1. **Turbocharged Engine**: The 944 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-four engine, initially producing 220 bhp, with the Turbo S variant boosting output to 250 bhp¹.
2. **Aerodynamic Enhancements**: The Turbo models had an aerodynamically optimized front apron, rear diffusers, and a distinctive bow-shaped rear wing².
3. **Advanced Safety Features**: The 944 Turbo was one of the first cars in the world to offer both driver and passenger airbags as standard equipment².
4. **Ceramic Port Liners**: It was the first production Porsche to use ceramic port liners to retain exhaust gas temperature, along with new forged pistons².
5. **Consistent Power Output**: The 944 Turbo was designed to produce identical power output with or without a catalytic converter².
6. **Turbo Cup Variants**: Special Turbo Cup models were available for racing, featuring enhancements like a limited-slip differential, magnesium intake manifold, and a beefed-up transmission⁴.
These features made the 944 Turbo a standout model in Porsche's lineup, combining performance, safety, and innovative engineering. These engines provided a range of performance options, making the 944 a versatile and popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Porsche 944 Turbo, produced between 1986 and 1988, is known for its impressive performance. Here are some key details:
- **Engine**: It features a 2.5L inline-4 turbocharged engine producing 220 hp (162 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque².
- **Top Speed**: The 944 Turbo can reach a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h)².
- **Acceleration**: It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds⁴.
- **Fuel Economy**: The combined fuel consumption is around 26 MPG (9.2 L/100 km)².
Overall, the 944 Turbo offers a blend of power, handling, and efficiency, making it a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts.
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Spares
You can find spares for your Porsche 944 Turbo at several reputable suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:
1. **FrazerPart**: They offer a wide range of new parts, accessories, and service kits for all Porsche 944 models, including the Turbo¹.
2. **944 Spares**: Based near Sheffield, they specialise in new and used genuine parts for Porsche 944 and 924 models. They also offer workshop facilities for servicing and repairs².
3. **Eurospares**: They provide an extensive selection of genuine Porsche parts, making it easy to find the specific parts you need for maintenance, repair, or restoration³.
These suppliers should have what you need to keep your 944 Turbo in top condition.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND PORSCHE MECHANICAL SERVICES**
One of the leading Porsche mechanic specialists in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is **McMillan Specialist Cars**. They are renowned for their expertise in servicing and maintaining Porsche vehicles, along with other high-end brands. Here are some details:
- **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Location**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NN, Northern Ireland
- **Services**: General repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, rally and race preparation, and more.
- **Contact**: 028 9335 4911
- **Website**: [McMillan Specialist Cars](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/)
You can also consider the **Porsche Centre Belfast**. Here are the details:
- **Porsche Centre Belfast**
- **Location**: 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ, Northern Ireland
- **Services**: New and pre-owned Porsche cars, servicing, repairs, and parts.
- **Contact**: 028 9038 9999
- **Website**: [Porsche Centre Belfast](https://www.agnewcars.com/porsche/)
Porsche specialists in and around County Armagh and nearby areas:
1. **Hollybrook Sports Cars**
- **Location**: 21 Aghnadarragh Road, Crumlin, BT29 4QQ, Northern Ireland
- **Services**: Specialises in the sale and service of used sports, performance, classic, and collectible cars.
- **Contact**: 028 9445 9446
- **Website**: [Hollybrook Sports Cars](https://www.hollybrooksportscars.com/)
2. **Porsche Specialist Services Ltd**
- **Location**: 2269, Northern Ireland
- **Services**: Comprehensive servicing and repairs for all Porsche models.
- **Website**: [Porsche Specialist Services Ltd](https://www.porschexperts.com/ServiceCentre/2269/Porsche%20Specialist%20Services%20Ltd)
3. **Specialist Cars Ireland**
- **Location**: Serving customers nationwide, including County Armagh.
- **Services**: Independent Porsche service centre with extensive experience in road, race, and track-prepared Porsches.
- **Website**: [Specialist Cars Ireland](https://www.specialistcarsireland.ie/)
Porsche specialists in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. **Porsche Centre Belfast**
- **Location**: 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ
- **Services**: New and pre-owned Porsche cars, servicing, repairs, and parts.
- **Contact**: 028 9038 9999
- **Website**: [Porsche Centre Belfast](https://www.agnewcars.com/porsche/)²
2. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Location**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Services**: General repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, rally and race preparation, and more.
- **Contact**: 028 9335 4911
- **Website**: [McMillan Specialist Cars](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/)⁴
3. **Specialist Cars Ireland**
- **Location**: Serving customers nationwide, including County Down.
- **Services**: Independent Porsche service centre with extensive experience in road, race, and track-prepared Porsches.
- **Website**: [Specialist Cars Ireland](https://www.specialistcarsireland.ie/)⁵
Porsche specialists in and around County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **Specialist Cars Ireland**
- **Location**: Serving customers nationwide, including County Fermanagh.
- **Services**: Independent Porsche service centre with extensive experience in road, race, and track-prepared Porsches.
- **Website**: [Specialist Cars Ireland](https://www.specialistcarsireland.ie/)⁴
2. **Porsche Centre Belfast**
- **Location**: 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ
- **Services**: New and pre-owned Porsche cars, servicing, repairs, and parts.
- **Contact**: 028 9038 9999
- **Website**: [Porsche Centre Belfast](https://www.agnewcars.com/porsche/)²
3. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Location**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Services**: General repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, rally and race preparation, and more.
- **Contact**: 028 9335 4911
- **Website**: [McMillan Specialist Cars](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/)¹
Porsche specialists in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. **Approved Garages**
- **Location**: Various locations in Londonderry
- **Services**: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Porsche vehicles.
- **Website**: [Approved Garages](https://www.approvedgarages.co.uk/mot-servicing-and-repairs/car-brands/porsche/londonderry/)¹
2. **ClickMechanic**
- **Location**: Londonderry
- **Services**: Mobile mechanics offering repairs and servicing for Porsche vehicles.
- **Website**: [ClickMechanic](https://www.clickmechanic.com/locations/londonderry/porsche)³
3. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Location**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Services**: General repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, rally and race preparation, and more.
- **Contact**: 028 9335 4911
- **Website**: [McMillan Specialist Cars](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/)²
Porsche specialists in and around County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. **Specialist Cars Ireland**
- **Location**: Serving customers nationwide, including County Tyrone.
- **Services**: Independent Porsche service centre with extensive experience in road, race, and track-prepared Porsches.
- **Website**: [Specialist Cars Ireland](https://www.specialistcarsireland.ie/)
2. **Porsche Centre Belfast**
- **Location**: 90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ
- **Services**: New and pre-owned Porsche cars, servicing, repairs, and parts.
- **Contact**: 028 9038 9999
- **Website**: [Porsche Centre Belfast](https://www.agnewcars.com/porsche/)³
3. **McMillan Specialist Cars**
- **Location**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Services**: General repairs, servicing, MOT preparation, rally and race preparation, and more.
- **Contact**: 028 9335 4911
- **Website**: [McMillan Specialist Cars](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/)¹
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Racing
The Porsche 944 was actively raced and had a notable presence in motorsports. Here are some highlights:
1. **IMSA Firehawk Endurance Series**: The 944 S2 models competed in this series in the late 1980s.
2. **Porsche 944 Turbo Cup**: Launched in 1986, this series featured championship races in countries like France, Germany, South Africa, Canada, and the USA. The Turbo Cup cars were significantly upgraded from their road-going counterparts, with substantial weight savings and performance improvements.
3. **24 Hours of Le Mans**: The 944 also made appearances in endurance racing, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
These racing activities helped cement the 944's reputation as a capable and competitive sports car.
The Porsche 944, especially in its Turbo variants, sported some iconic liveries during its racing career. Here are a few notable ones:
1. **Rothmans**: This livery is one of the most recognizable in Porsche's racing history, featuring blue, white, red, and gold colours. It was prominently used in various racing series, including the Porsche 944 Turbo Cup.
2. **Martini Racing**: Known for its distinctive blue and red stripes on a white background, the Martini Racing livery has adorned many Porsche race cars, including the 944.
3. **Psychedelic**: A unique variation of the Martini livery, this design featured swirling blue and green patterns, making it stand out on the track.
4. **Jägermeister**: The bright orange Jägermeister livery was another iconic design used on the 944, particularly in European racing series.
These liveries not only made the 944 visually striking but also contributed to its legacy in motorsports.
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