944 turbo question
Discussion
Looking at Turbos myself at the moment, and my understanding is that you are correct - 1988 are the only "S" models.
If you're looking at UK cars, they'll be referred to as Turbo SE, since this was the UK market designation for the cars (assumedly to fit in with the Turbo SE model of the 930, with the slant nose).
It may have an LSD but you'd need to delve into the option codes (which I think is under the boot carpet) to be sure.
Remember that 1989-91 Turbos have the 250bhp engine and some other SE goodies, but are just referred to as "Turbo" (without S/SE).
If you're looking at UK cars, they'll be referred to as Turbo SE, since this was the UK market designation for the cars (assumedly to fit in with the Turbo SE model of the 930, with the slant nose).
It may have an LSD but you'd need to delve into the option codes (which I think is under the boot carpet) to be sure.
Remember that 1989-91 Turbos have the 250bhp engine and some other SE goodies, but are just referred to as "Turbo" (without S/SE).
.A lot of nonsense is talked about 944 models because Porsche were never very clear on what they officially called what.
For instance, you will see the standard 944 referred to as a 944 Lux. There never was a model officially called that, ‘Lux’ was a nickname for the standard trim level.
All 944 Turbos had a badge on the back saying ‘Turbo’, where an N/A model would have said ‘944’ or ‘944S2’. They didn’t have any other badging. Officially, that’s all Porsche ever called them. They did have a couple of internal Porsche code numbers (951 & 952 for left and right-hand drive versions) and some semi-official nicknames (S, SE, Silver Rose). The nicknames were picked up on and used by franchised dealerships when selling the cars—but different dealers used them to refer to different models and/or trim levels, some of which were just options that the dealer had specced up themselves for their stock.
So it’s a mess, exacerbated by the DVLA accepting pretty much anything you told them when the car was new as an official name.
As a rough guide, the safest way to refer to 944 Turbos is as either 220 or 250 bhp models. The few cars which came between the two standards are variously referred to as S or SE (and the SE is also called the Silver Rose).
That’s as much as I managed to pick up over the years, but please even take that with a pinch of salt.
For instance, you will see the standard 944 referred to as a 944 Lux. There never was a model officially called that, ‘Lux’ was a nickname for the standard trim level.
All 944 Turbos had a badge on the back saying ‘Turbo’, where an N/A model would have said ‘944’ or ‘944S2’. They didn’t have any other badging. Officially, that’s all Porsche ever called them. They did have a couple of internal Porsche code numbers (951 & 952 for left and right-hand drive versions) and some semi-official nicknames (S, SE, Silver Rose). The nicknames were picked up on and used by franchised dealerships when selling the cars—but different dealers used them to refer to different models and/or trim levels, some of which were just options that the dealer had specced up themselves for their stock.
So it’s a mess, exacerbated by the DVLA accepting pretty much anything you told them when the car was new as an official name.
As a rough guide, the safest way to refer to 944 Turbos is as either 220 or 250 bhp models. The few cars which came between the two standards are variously referred to as S or SE (and the SE is also called the Silver Rose).
That’s as much as I managed to pick up over the years, but please even take that with a pinch of salt.
pcn1 said:
If only youd sold me yours the other year Id be cured now !!! 
I'd buy a cheapish 968 and put a supercharger or turbo on it, just change the rods, skim the pistons and you'd have a great car. In fact I still might if I found a 968 with a knackered or missing engine.Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 19th December 13:55
blade7 said:
I'd buy a cheapish 968 and put a supercharger or turbo on it, just change the rods, skim the pistons and you'd have a great car. In fact I still might if I found a 968 with a knackered or missing engine.Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 19th December 13:55
pcn1 said:
blade7 said:
I'd buy a cheapish 968 and put a supercharger or turbo on it, just change the rods, skim the pistons and you'd have a great car. In fact I still might if I found a 968 with a knackered or missing engine.Edited by blade7 on Wednesday 19th December 13:55
IMI A said:
theres a 1986 maroon ex Lee Noble 944 that is built to turbo S spec. He basically had two cars and the non turbo was in better condition so stripped S and swapped all the parts over! I know completely bonkers
I've just purchased this car but it has no documentation to prove the Noble link. Does anyone know any more please? A bit tatty inside but mechanically on-the-button and a laugh-out-loud drive. Completely brilliant.Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff