Bridge spoiler models

[nick3814]

I'm starting to look for a new 944 and after deliberting between Turbo and S2 I've decided on S2 (I think!!) so my question is when was the bridge spoiler introduced? Is there a date when it was brought out or was it an option as the last of the models were produced as I look at 91/92 models and have seen a few with the regular rubber one fitted [] and I really fancy a bridge spoiler model.

cheers

 

[DavidL]

Certainly 1990 models had bridge spoilers but I think they are a retro fit anyway so I wouldn't just buy a car just because of that as you have much more choice.

Edited to say - boooooooooost..............

 

[peanut]

might be better to just add a bridge spoiler to a good S2 . Otherwise you will be limiting yourself to a much smaller car base .[]
oops I forgot to refresh and David got there before me[]

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Going rate for a 968 tailgate is around the £400 mark. You'll appreciate that it might be low on the list of big expenses you could find on a used S2. I'd rate it along with 968 mirrors - mine were £450 fitted [] - or sports seats. Nice if the car is otherwise perfect, possibly a deal-maker, but in no way worth considering above all the other more important things to look for when buying.

 

[duncan_956]

Have you seen the S2 in the members for sale section: -

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=357711

This has a bridge spoiler and looks a good example...... lady owner and it's got the right reg plate!!

I don't know the car and haven't seen it, but might be worth a look.

 

[George Elliott]

Nick,
I would look deeper than a bridge spoiler, - the models you are looking at contain versions without Cat's, with M030 suspension, Limited Slip Diff's, Forged Rims, Big Black Calipers, Sports Seats, Forged Con Rods, - these are components that make a real Car, as opposed to the last run-out versions of the type 944 which were stripped of these costly components.
Hope this helps with your selection process.
George

944t
964

 

[nick3814]

Thanks lads, excellent advice as always. I was under the impression that a bridge spoiler indicated the last of the model and therefore contained all the goodies, but now I know this isn't the case I will widen my search, full leather sports interior and big brakes etc etc.

 

[George Elliott]

Nick, zoom in on 1985 to 1989. There are some nice cars out there still. Keep us posted.
good luck
George
944t

 

[appletonn]

ORIGINAL: George Elliott

Nick,
I would look deeper than a bridge spoiler, - the models you are looking at contain versions without Cat's, with M030 suspension, Limited Slip Diff's, Forged Rims, Big Black Calipers, Sports Seats, Forged Con Rods, - these are components that make a real Car, as opposed to the last run-out versions of the type 944 which were stripped of these costly components.
Hope this helps with your selection process.
George

944t
964

George, which run out models are you referring to and why were they denuded in this way?

 

[nick3814]

ORIGINAL: George Elliott

Nick, zoom in on 1985 to 1989. There are some nice cars out there still. Keep us posted.
good luck
George
944t

Cheers George, but I've had an 1986 and an 1988 model so I really want one of the last ones, 90 to 92, the plan is to keep it for a long time!![]

 

[George Elliott]

Guy's, my pointer for the slightly earlier cars is due to some factors at work at that time. Others may disagree and you can consider their points of view along with mine.
The factors were;
1 - the early 1990's saw an economic crunch in many major markets for Porsche - (not unlike what we are seeing of late). So there was a Cost saving drive in the Company for that reason.

2. the company's enthusiasm and commitment to the "Type944 " was changing for some time. If you look back the '86, '87, 88 Cup Cars were 951's. That dictated the best engineering, strengthened Syncro's in the Gearbox for example. The road cars were developed with Standard Air Con, Electric Sports Seats, Forged Rods etc etc and eventually with the Silver Rose Cars, LSD, bigger Turbo etc etc which became the standard for 1989 with (unfortunately) Sunroof added to justify a cost of £42k plus in 1989.

3. The Type 964 was in the pipeline by that stage, being launched in 1989 and Porsche was financially in the doldrums. (Merc had them assemble a few 500E's and Audi did them a favour with the RS2. The German motor industry surrounding the Porsche family is reliably loyal.) So subsequently the turbo Cup series was replaced by the Carrera Cup. The focus was back on the 911.

4. The 968 was also in the pipeline, and a good car it was/is, but sales were poor, it suffered from its close resemblance to the "old" 944. To assist sales the 968 Club Sport was announced, which was a stripped 968 Sport with a good cost saving. The 968 never got real development - the 968 turbo S would have wiped the floor with the old 3.3 964 turbo, Porsche knew that and some-one in marketing must have said "vee cannot have zis situation" and it was not developed.

So, the 944's days were numbered once the focus shifted back to the 911 with its type 964 update. The 989 was drawing development resources too at the time.

The upshot of all this was the 944 was denuded as you call it Nick, from the around the start of the 1990 model year.
The new 968 spoiler was cheaper to produce I suspect than the 944 one, and was easily sold as an aerodynamic improvement, so it got added to the late 944 Cars.
The S2 was cheaper to build than the turbo obviously. All the fruity bits like LSD's, M030 adjustable suspension, Forged Rims were dropped from the spec.

I would observe that the early cars are less prone to rust, although the general build quality by Audi at Neckarsulm was excellent. (The 968's were built at Stuttgard as they had little to do at the time)

Thats how I read it anyway.

George
944t
964

 

[NeilW]

I'm starting to look for a new 944 and after deliberting between Turbo and S2 I've decided on S2 (I think!!)

What put you off the turbo, was it my driving!? [][]

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: NeilW

I'm starting to look for a new 944 and after deliberting between Turbo and S2 I've decided on S2 (I think!!)

What put you off the turbo, was it my driving!? [][]

Nope - it is clear that the OP is a very sensible chap who knows the best model when he sees it. From his signature, he has been around Porsches for a good long while and therefore knows what's hot and what's not.

All the best in your hunt for an S2. It'll be good to have another S2 owner on board ...


Oli.

P.S. [][][][][][][][][][]

 

[nick3814]

ORIGINAL: NeilW

I'm starting to look for a new 944 and after deliberting between Turbo and S2 I've decided on S2 (I think!!)

What put you off the turbo, was it my driving!? [][]

Yes mate, I was bloody terrified!!!![] Only kidding of course, nothings put me off them mate I just would prefer a big naturally aspirated engine, like I keep saying I think!!![]

 

[wibble]

I must admit after I drove a few, I decided I wanted a bridge-spoiler model. My assumption was that a later model would have less rust. A late turbo appeared on pistonheads and it ticked all the boxes, so I bought it. I did see an early turbo and was very tempted, but decided to see a few more. Good luck (I think).