I am in the market to buy a 944. Clearly, I prefer a 944 turbo, but after searching, a turbo brings a pretty big premium over a regular 944 non-turbo. I am curious if anyone knows how the n/a 944s handle boost, and if there is a good aftermarket support for adding a turbo to this car. Or should I just pony up the money now and buy a turbo 944?

 

Just pony up for a 951. NA's do not handle boost without major $$$ spent to do it right. You might also look at the S2, which had the turbo body work, but a 3.0L non turbo motor. Lots of torque and more fun to drive around down than the turbo or 2.5L. If of course you are a boost addict though, the 951 is the only way to go.

 

The turbo s is the most powerful engine. The regular turbo has less power and is actually about the same as a s2 model with NA 3.0L engine.

So, I would say turbo s, s2, turbo in that order of preference. The early turbo without s is less preferable bc of higher maintenance, less reliability compare to s2.

Look wise, all three variants have turbo body and wider rears.

Unless money is really tight, I would not consider the other 944 models. Even the s2 and regular turbo are just not fast cars anymore. In either case, I would definitely not buy the NA in hopes of adding turbo later. That won't be cost effective at all

 

thanks. I am setting my sights on a turbo. best mod list for this car?