924 as a Project?

[mark_wuk]

I'm looking at getting a 924 as a project

I'm no mechanic, but I've not come across anything I couldn't do with a haynes manual and the relevant tools before... My question is, how much can you do to a 924 engine yourself, and how much do you need specialist equipment for.

Also, what do I need to check out when I'm buying - is there any particular years that I should avoid? Looking around, I'm thinking of a 84/85 924. How much more complicated/expensive is the 924s with the 2.5 litre engine? I've seen a lovely 924s on a D plate, but I'm a little concerned about extra complexity.

Thanks in advance!

Mark.

[Blue]

mate, go for the S version, they are better cars,

they got the 2.5 engine from the 944 cars but in a smaller chassis, hence abit faster

they aren't overcomplicated I think, things you can do to a 2.L version are also things you would be able to do to the 2.5L version.

It's basically an Audi engine

I've had 3 of these cars now (the 924S) and they are fantastic!!!

[Sven]

Erm, IIRC the 944 engine isn't Blue. That's a porsche designed engine. The 2 litre 924 was an Audi engine tho.

[Blue]

Not sure there Sven, always tought the 2.5 was an audi one aswell...will check my books later

[Blue]

the 2,5 was indeed a Porsche Engine

(according to the books)

[zzpza]

Hello,

New to the group but not to Porsche's...

I have a 1984 924 Lux and a 1989 944 Turbo SE(250bhp). The history of these cars is shrowded in a lot of misdirection and misunderstanding mainly from the media at the time. The 924 was designed by Porsche for Audi using lots of off the shelf Audi parts. For whatever reason, Audi decided that it wasn't for them. Porsche bought the rights to build the car from Audi and put it into production. A very wise move as it is the single highest volume car they have ever sold (924, 944 and 968 included as one as it's the evolution of the same car). The rear axel, 'box and diff on early 924's (pre '80 IIRC) had a 4 speed option this was using Audi parts. The 5 speed is all Porsche spec items. Now the engine - this is where most of the 'it's an Audi!' comments come from. The engine is derived from an Audi one. The block is essentially the same, but the head was converted from carbs to mech fuel injection and general performance modifications were made. So while it was originally an Audi design, you won't find the same engine in anything other than a Porsche.

Then there's the 924S (be careful when you see ad's for the 924 LeMans - this was the special edition that to begin with was the only way to get the 2.5L S engine in the UK, but there are 2.0L Le Mans too!). It is very similar to the 2.5L engine in the 944, with the main difference being the 924S is 150bhp and the 944 Lux is 165bhp.

The 2.5L engine is very reliable if it's been looked after. Maintenance on this engine is higher than the 2.0L for two reasons - water pump and balancing shafts. The water pump is driven by the cam belt and therefore should be replaced on a regular basis. As the engine is an interference design skipping on this is very bad. Check the history and if there's any doubt, change the pump and belt ASAP. The balancing shaft are quite a unique idea. The 2.5L engine is pretty big for a four pot and therefore likely to be quite rough. Porsche didn't like the sound of this so they put in two contra-rotating balancing shaft down either side of the engine that as near as dammit cancel out the vibrations caused by it being such a big displacement. Unfortunately Mitsubishi beat them to the patent office on that so Porsche pay them royalties for the design. They are usually replaced at the same time as the cam belt as you have to remove it to replace them. This is the only DIY-able job that need a special tool. The belts have to be tensioned to quite a narrow tolerance.

The 924 turbo (if you can find one) is a very nice car. At 170bhp it will out perform the 924, 924S and 944.

Personally if I were you, and you're set on the 2.5L I'd get the 944. If you're going to have the cost of the engine I would want to recoup as much as possible when you sell it on and the 944 is worth more.

Things to look for on the 924 2.0L:

Warm starting problem due to a knackered thermo time switch. Car won't start as the engine thinks it's cold and uses way too much choke, and floods.

After '80 (IIRC) all 924's were galvanised. All 944's are galvanised.

Check the pop up headlights work and don't wobble when they are up.

Electric windows have done many miles by now so check they work ok.

If it has a sunroof, check that it works and removes OK.

The tail gate will most likey rattle. It's a good bargaining point. The glass can be removed and reglued back onto the frame for ~£100 by a competant Porsche independant.

Things to look for on the 924 2.5L:

Belts!!!

Check the seal on the oil cooler. If this goes the oil / water will mix and it looks like the head gasket has gone.

I'm sure I've forgotten loads of info. Sorry my 1st post was a bit of a rant, but I have a soft spot for the 924 and it's a very often misunderstood car.

Jules.