Building a 400bhp+ 2.5 ltr 944 Turbo

[Dan944t]

yea i figures when i go to get it tested, there’s bound to be parts that are past it and will need a shed load of money to replace, which is why i e never had it looked at as im the kind that enjoys having the roof off these 944s and the windows down when it’s hot. i can wip it on and off really quick now, ive had 21 years of experience doing it

will get it checked out one day i’m sure as that’s prob the only thing that maybe doesn’t work properly. that i know of of course? don’t ginks yourself more than you already are Dan!

 

[PSH]

I love the roof out but these days I need help to get it back in....

 

[Dan944t]

I love the roof out but these days I need help to get it back in....

next time we see each other on a meet and i’ve got mine with me, i’ll show you a neat trick you can do on your own

 

[PSH]

Nope...won't work....I used to do it myself no problem....if pushed, I still could but these days the pain this causes just isn't worth it...getting a helper is a much better idea...

 

[Dan944t]

Nope...won't work....I used to do it myself no problem....if pushed, I still could but these days the pain this causes just isn't worth it...getting a helper is a much better idea...

good job you still have a strong heavy right foot

 

[PSH]

nope.. that doesn't work either... in fact, I was at the hospital today having it redressed... I tell yeh, these days I'm falling apart....always with my 'chin up' though, makes it easier for my wife to hit me.....

 

[Dan944t]

nope.. that doesn't work either... in fact, I was at the hospital today having it redressed... I tell yeh, these days I'm falling apart....always with my 'chin up' though, makes it easier for my wife to hit me.....

sorry to hear that Pete

 

[PSH]

No fear Dan...I battle on....my wife commented that I looked the fittest there....doesn't say much about the other patients?..especially considering my 2 stone weight gain during lockdown. . At least I can still walk straight with no missing limbs .lol

 

[Dan944t]

No fear Dan...I battle on....my wife commented that I looked the fittest there....doesn't say much about the other patients?..especially considering my 2 stone weight gain during lockdown. . At least I can still walk straight with no missing limbs .lol

yes we always have to look at the positives mate

i’m battling some horible stuff myself and feel double my age at the minute in all honesty,....but we just have to stay posative, look and appreciate what we do have and try and enjoy what we still got

 

[PSH]

That's the way...upwards and onward...

 

[PSH]

well.. for the first time in 6 years I have heating in the car... not a proper fix yet as the car really needs a new matrix but at least heat has been restored thanks once again to my son. We had tried the reverse water pressure before with no success, this time he bought an adapter to allow an airline to be connected and blow the crap out. This certainly did the trick and I was nice and toasty driving home. He also fitted a new seal around the fuel filler neck, the old one was in pieces and fitted a new battery.

Got some water in the car due to the old matrix seals which failed years ago but nothing in comparison to how much has been building due to condensation and worn hatch rubbers.

My son has asked me to find another matrix for him to fit and perhaps take care of the other cosmetic bits that need doing...I best source a matrix then...

Merry Xmas all

Pete

 

[PhilKent]

Great news Pete, I don't know how you've coped with no heating for so long! Hope you manage to source a replacement good matrix.

Merry Christmas to you too.

 

[PSH]

Morning all

As some will have guessed the next big job on my car is a full respray, last was in 2000. I have no idea of the timescale yet but will update this thread as things progress, it may be a month or two, or is that 'years'? Hopefully, it will be at some point during this current year.

There are a few other jobs to do at the same time:

Fit the replacement heating matrix and renew all seals and clips

Fix the dash cracks and cover the dash and centre console in leather

Replace all exterior rubber including the rubber blocks/mounts around the hatch pins (expensive stuff)

Fit under-bonnet insulation

Reseal rear lights

Fit intercooler water spray

Lastly, a fresh coat of paint with ceramic glaze.

There are other jobs that need doing that may get done but might need to wait for another time. These include torque tube overhaul, replace the front carpet and boot carpet. replace the rear roof lining panel that covers the sunroof gears.

I'm sure that there will be other small jobs, if possible I'll deal with these as they are found during the repaint session.

As stated, I'll update this thread as things progress, btw the engine is good as is. It wasn't that long ago when it had all belts etc done. also, the brakes were recently overhauled.

To start off, a picture of a big box full of goodies ready to be fitted...

Pete

 

[blade7]

Weren't you were thinking about selling, are you doing it up for someone else?

 

[PSH]

Weren't you were thinking about selling, are you doing it up for someone else?

selling is what my head says, my heart however has always won such battles...I really should buy an electric SUV but the 951 still ticks all my boxes and I'll be dead before they are completely banned so enjoy it while I can..

 

[blade7]

You're only here once.

 

[PSH]

You're only here once.

very true Paul, very true...

Pete

 

[PSH]

And so it begins.... well at least in as far as I have made a start while my son is still busy trying to finish off some other big jobs to make room for my poor old car. To help with his time I have decided to do the interior myself at home. Lot's to be done.. I did take one picture but it was taken earlier in the day, tonight everything is ready to remove the dash, all bolts undone, etc etc.

I have placed an order tonight for all the gear required to glue the leather to the dash once it's had the cracks filled. I also need to find a new front section of carpet, so if anyone knows of one that's not going to break the bank, please let me know, not much on ebay just now.

I'll update here as things progress....

Pete

 

[PSH]

Day 2 of the interior strip down and everything that I needed out is out. I took lots of pictures to help me when i need to put it all back but have some to show the progress too.

The dash has now been stripped of its vinyl covering. It just peeled off the top but needed the heat gun to remove the bottom, it's in great condition and once the few cracks are filled it should look great. I also took a close look at the covering kit that I bought many moons ago. From what i can tell the parts are accurately cut and shouldn't pose any issues when fitting. Well as long as I get them all right, there are no second chances when using contact adhesive.

Here's the dash partly stripped.

The console wasn't so easy and will require a fair bit of work before it can be covered, same goes for the glove box lid, on the other hand, the console lid looks mint.

lastly, the culprit for my loss of coolant.. I should have the matrix out tomorrow and refit the replacement, I'm going to do a low-pressure hydro check first to make sure the replacement doesn't leak. It's going to be fun pulling this out, not. The loom is in the way and due to it's age is rock solid, we shall see how things go in the morning...

Pete

 

[Waylander]

So I can assume you wont be bringing this car to the next coffee meet at South Mimms then, but I was tinking of changing the venue to the dehaviland museum anyway........