Porsche 924: A Journey Through Time and Passion

As a 944 owner and genuine Porsche enthusiast, I know a lot about this line of cars. But even still, I rely on my mechanic, who used to work for a local Porsche shop but now runs his own. He is Porsche certified. This is not to say that every mechanic should touch your 924, 944, or 968 unless they are familiar with how these cars work. They have a lot of uncommon ways of doing things.

Understanding the Porsche 924

For instance, the timing belt comes with a balance shaft belt; both require regular maintenance. The transmission is actually a transaxle transmission, and rear axle in one pumpkin. This is one of the reasons why it gets its incredible balance, making it so much fun to drive. The fuel lines need to be maintained, or you will have an engine fire.

Clarks Garage specializes in 924, 944, and 968 exclusively. They have the knowledge to keep these cars running smoothly. You can find 99-2004 models for cheaper than you might think, but be aware that as soon as you get it, take it to a mechanic to have the IMS bearing replaced. This cost me $2,500, which almost doubled the price I just paid, but it's very important because when/if it fails, it will take the motor with it. This is even more important on a car that sits a lot. If it has been daily driven up until you bought it, the IMS bearing is likely okay, but you should still consider replacing it. It's cheaper than replacing the motor.

I love Porsche and will keep buying as long as I am able to.

Three Different Versions of the 924

There are three very different versions of the 924. Personally, I think it's very sensible to buy the 1987–1988 924S. That's the version with the 2.5L inline-4 from the 944.

The first 924 (1977–1981) had a 2.0L 4-cylinder Audi motor with mechanical fuel injection and rear drum brakes. It has a lot of parts commonality with Audis and Volkswagens of the era, but that never seems to make it cheaper. The CIS fuel injection can be a real pain to troubleshoot. It has 95 horsepower in the no-cats version and 110 horsepower in the version introduced midway through 1977 with cats and Bosch K-Jetronic injection. The 1978–1981 924 Turbo is faster with 170 horsepower but again, that diabolical mechanical injection. The '87–88 924 has the very durable 158-horsepower motor from the 944. This is a balance-shafted motor so it's very smooth. This version of the 924 went from 0–60 in a touch over 7 seconds and topped out at 140. It's not fast by modern standards but it's not embarrassing. Actually, faster at the top end than a 944 due to the aerodynamics of the narrower 924 body. And of course, you benefit from all of the little improvements in cooling, oiling, suspension, etc., that the 944 got. You also get the late-offset wheel hubs so you can use wheels from 964s 9...

For further guidance, read my answer in the link provided, and it should steer you down the right path.