I've never been a big fan of ramps but with this very low car they are the quickest way to change the oil or other maintenance jobs. The ramps need a little help though to protect the air damn. This same 2 x 4 trick is good for getting the car up onto the tow dolly. Even the 944 turbo can be towed from the front with a dolly, just be sure to have some blocks to place along the up-ramp so to get the air dam clear of the front of the dolly.
For me, the tow
home was uneventful, although once I was safely home in
Missouri, I found that the left rear axle gland nut was
loose, not sure if that happened during the tow or before I
bought the car. It could have been disastrous
though.
In the first few weeks I drove the car on short drives through the back roads of Missouri. The handling is very sports car like (the Brits would say "choppy") and the fuel economy seemed OK. I knew this project was going to take a pretty serious effort and by that I mean some planning, some scrounging and some patience. I made lists and began watching Ebay auctions for the parts I needed. I checked regularly with online catalogs from various vendors and got a feel for what were good prices for the things I needed. Prices vary WIDELY, so if you're shopping; check more than one or two vendors. Also be aware of the shipping costs - they are often times hidden and ridiculous.
If you're thinking about engine removal, it probably good that you have peek at what you're getting into. Getting the engine in and out of a 944 will take a little more patience than most other cars.
These photos was contributed by Ken Smith, it shows a couple of tools that you might consider. First the shop crane is perfect for the 944, notice how low the legs are to the ground yet narrow enough to fit between the front tires. Also it has a good reach, and is easily strong enough for the work. On the crane is a load balancer. This is really needed to shift the weight of the engine and get it to separate from the torque tube. These are Chinese made tools and together cost about $200.
Ken is preparing to lower the engine to a small dolly. Removing the suspension and lowering the engine to the floor is a tried-and true method. Notice how he has the car up-on-blocks to safely reach the height needed to pull the engine from beneath the car. That height is approximately 30 inches and can be quite dangerous. You may have another way to go about this but plan it carefully and be safe!
Here (below) is a different version. Here the engine has been lowered to the floor and the car is being lifted high enough to pull the engine out from under the car. Yes, the hoist can easily lift the front of the Porsche 944 (with engine separated).
Below is a completely different approach, no blocks, no dolly. Note the distributor cap (removed) PS reservoir, the headlights and the hood. These Porsche guys are a special breed.
