1989 Porsche 944 turbo alpine white exterior, burgundy interior, sport seats with larger bolsters, USA spec as all of the 1989 951’s had the turbo S trim which includes M030 adjustable height and rebound koni suspension, larger front brembo brakes, larger torsion bar springs, larger front sway bar, 250hp engine via larger turbo and later DME computers and programming A LSD limited slip hardened transaxle with oil cooler. The last year available in the US the best of the 944’s to own. All stock down to the factory radio and hifi amplifier. This is a lifelong 944 enthusiast car that was owned both in the late 90’s by myself in Napa CA then sold to a close friend in Redding CA and then again in 2020 I bought it back from friend because of health issues. Now reluctantly I’m selling as I myself am having health issues. This 951 has higher freeway commuter mileage from the 1990’s previous owner. Engine was freshened at approx. 198K miles in May 2004.
The following is what was done:
- Standard cast connecting rods were upgraded with Porsche cintered forged rods (RARST), new (std) rod bearings (Genuine Porsche) and new standard Porsche Factory Turbo Rod bolts. Rods were checked for straightness, bore sizes and weight and corrected if necessary.
- Cylinder bores and pistons checked out good with no scratching. New Goetze turbo piston rings were installed.
- New oil pick-up tube was installed as these are known to crack over time.
- New Genuine Porsche cylinder head studs were fitted. (studs are stretch to yield)
- Cylinder head / ceramic exhaust ports was checked for cracks, new modified Ferrea intake valves, springs and valve seals were installed. Intake ports and valves were modified by renowned Porsche machinist Michael Stimson. Wide fire ring head gasket was used when fitting the resurfaced head.
- All new timing / balance belts and rollers were installed.
- New genuine Porsche motor mounts were installed.
- Turbo was rebuilt by Innovative Turbo.
- A lightly used “Turbo Cup Car” clutch disk and pressure plate was fitted. The clutch “measuring point” as shown in the factory shop manual measured 22.5mm, well within the listed new and wear limits of 18/34mm. New pilot and throw out bearings; rebuilt master and slave cylinders.
- New water pump installed
- New half shafts and CV Joints installed
- Torque tube rebuilt; new shifter and bushings.
- All water and fuel hoses replaced
-Fuel injectors cleaned and flow tested
-300hp Autoauthority stage 2 chips installed in computers, never opened 250hp spare late turbo S computers available at additional cost.
It’s had little miles put in it in the last 22 years but gets driven every few months. Always garaged kept, in 2022 with 214,000 miles the water pump , front seals, belts rollers and all oil filter were changed and then motor oil within the last year. As well as new engine fuel lines, spark plugs, rear rotors and pads along with a recent exterior/interior detail.
The only item that sticks out to mention is on cold starts (not always) there is a slight hydraulic lifter ticking that goes away once warmed up after a few seconds. This is a common issue with these 8 valve cars and may go away with more spirited driving or hrs running.
The original selling dealer was Sonnin Porsche in San Rafael, CA. The purchase includes the original window sticker, owners manual sales agreement factory tool kit and air pump. The spare tire is present and never used. All service records are present. The original purchase agreement provides for the dealer to repair dents and repaint the hood. The hood color match is good but not perfect. The alpine white exterior paint is original and shows signs of minor scratches dings rock chips in front end, one small ding just below driver side taillight, overall very nice condition for a driver quality car. All four wheels are forged 9” Clubsport with older but very usable 245/45 tires in great condition, and the original 7” fronts wheels come with the purchase. Two sets of keys and factory wheel lug nut locks included. Zero rust issues.
The burgundy interior is in overall excellent condition, the sports seats have no major wear marks or issues but do show minor cracking in centers, it’s very minor. The driver side seat edge piping has one small nick. The dash shows very nicely too with zero cracking, it has a few tiny spots just starting to show signs of lifting so not absolutely perfect but almost. Top of door panels are almost perfect there’s some minor cracking there too but almost none. Everything inside car works as it should, power door locks, alarm, windows, electric seats, sunroof, the AC blows cold - still R-12 refrigerant!. This car is very quick and handles extremely well, always garaged and never tracked. A chance to own a real reliable driver quality turbo S that is ready to drive across the country for new owner. Located in Napa CA sold with clean CA title in hand. Currently non op-ed but will obtain smog certification for California buyers.
