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1989 Porsche 944 S2 project
- Thread starter Duh_Vinci
- Start date
So my climate control - nothing worked on it other than the fan speed dial, but nothing else - all works now!!!
Sickening how simple and obvious solution was! I've checked re-checked all the connections, tested the servos, took apart the original CCU, cleaned up, inspected all of it. Purchased good know to work spare CCU. Tested all under the dash the connectors too, all the dash trim taken apart to get there (steering wheel, airbag and all)...
At the end, I discovered there was no power supplied to CCU, Went under the hood again, to check fuses. F'n fuse 29!!!!! Looked fine, but when I inserted it into the "check box" - no good!!!
Fuse, just a little 7.5amp fuse!!! All works now, all the flaps, all the buttons and sliders. Many hours spent, but not "wasted" in my book - I'm now much more familiar with the car, and I now have a fully functional all intact spare CCU for almost nothing - happens that my brother's friend brother owns a junk yard about 45 from here, so...
I no longer have to climb under the dash to manually move the flaps to go from cold to hot!!!
Regards,
D
Sickening how simple and obvious solution was! I've checked re-checked all the connections, tested the servos, took apart the original CCU, cleaned up, inspected all of it. Purchased good know to work spare CCU. Tested all under the dash the connectors too, all the dash trim taken apart to get there (steering wheel, airbag and all)...
At the end, I discovered there was no power supplied to CCU, Went under the hood again, to check fuses. F'n fuse 29!!!!! Looked fine, but when I inserted it into the "check box" - no good!!!
Fuse, just a little 7.5amp fuse!!! All works now, all the flaps, all the buttons and sliders. Many hours spent, but not "wasted" in my book - I'm now much more familiar with the car, and I now have a fully functional all intact spare CCU for almost nothing - happens that my brother's friend brother owns a junk yard about 45 from here, so...
I no longer have to climb under the dash to manually move the flaps to go from cold to hot!!!
Regards,
D
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I had a chance to clean up the leathers and touch up the driver's side seat today. The interior is very tidy, and no rips in the seats, the only draw back was a little bolster discoloration on the driver's seat after 30+ years
No holes, just the surface wear... Touched that up today with black dye, all dried, and now absorbing some leather lotion
I didn't want to do a full restoration with putty and such, since the car is driver quality, and there were no holes or tears, so I'm quite happy with results. Clean, original black and held up really well for it's age.
Regards,
D
No holes, just the surface wear... Touched that up today with black dye, all dried, and now absorbing some leather lotion
I didn't want to do a full restoration with putty and such, since the car is driver quality, and there were no holes or tears, so I'm quite happy with results. Clean, original black and held up really well for it's age.
Regards,
D
Detailed all of the interior. For 33 years old, being all original, very tidy I think. Minimalistic and pleasant...
And looking at the first page, list of "To do things" dang, that's kind of a lot completed in my spare time! Little by little, coming together...
Regards,
D
And looking at the first page, list of "To do things" dang, that's kind of a lot completed in my spare time! Little by little, coming together...
Regards,
D
Look at this guy, he's very observant! These have been parked there for a while, finally painted/restored. I have not been there in a while. Bowman's center, the home of "A. Smith Bowman Distillery"Check out that NS non safety cab GE -8!!
Nice Porsche too!
Love it love it love it. I love the fact that you are polishing the gem and incrementally improving the car. I try and do the same, except on a schedule which seems to be 1/100000 the pace of your own! Would you care to share your driving impressions of the 944 now that you have some seat time in it? The 944’s front is exactly what I think of when I think Porsche …. Given that I was a kid in the 70s/80s.
your pics inspired me to do me own drive yesterday, killing bugs. My impression of this car is balance - power, handling, noise, feel, switchgear, control inputs —— all of it feels balanced. And driving it is such a pleasure …. But always a tiny bit scared of oversteer.
Attachments
Man do I love 993s... To me, it is simply the best Porsche made, period! Yours is no exception, from unique color, to the wheels and your "sublime" interior. I've made a mistake not getting into 911 in general, in 2008-2012 when my brother worked for Carmax. Any Porsche came in the trade, if it had ANY needs, or was not stock (be it exhaust, suspension, etc), those automatically went to a wholesale lot, and employees had the first dibs ($500 above the purchased price)
968's were selling for $6-8k, and nobody wanted them (including me, stupid), they had a very nice looking white 993 (1994), basic cabrio, had a cut in the blue top, $11k. He purchased his 944, it was just "too old" for them to keep on the lot for $2500 with just over 100K on the clock, car needed nothing... That was a long time ago.
And a little confession. As much as I liked the looks of 944, particularly Turbo/S2 nosed cars, and was ready to buy one when we moved back from FL to VA, local dealer had a beautiful, burgundy on burgundy, fully optioned 1987 951. I test drove it... it was nice, and fun indeed, however... I came home with 1991 Audi Coupe Quattro (the de-tuned down S2). Audi felt more substantial, more sophisticated. It seemed that it was just a notch better at a everything (at least to me at that time) than 951, all but the power. 951 was a bit up on the power, not from the dead stop, but on the upper power band. Audi was $9900, 951 was $6900, still, Audi came home with me.
Fast forward to now...
I still don't know exactly where this car fits in my "I love you" category. I've wanted one for a long time, and now I have one... Driving impressions: Very very well balanced car that forces you to drive it harder in order to enjoy it, it becomes alive at 3k+ RPM range and that puts a smile on my face for sure. Very rigid body that gives you all the feedback you need to tell you about the road, and that is very very rewarding!
Now to some little things that I have some reservations about. I think that my clutch is a bit tired (still room at the start and end of the pedal travel) and doesn't seem to slip, but if I downshift, I have to do it quickly to avoid a little chatter. 208hp... 250+ would have been better for sure, but on the take off, it has no lag of 951. I probably will go to 17" wheel/tire combo - little tired back roads with patches let you know that my tax money are not spent well repairing those potholes and cracks properly.
Overall I enjoy this car immensely! I like driving it, I like being it, I like looking at it's flared fenders, I like being in it's minimalistic interior. It just fits. I also like working on it (so far anyway), it seem to be simple, straight forward, nuts and bolts and mostly all accessible with tools on hand.
Once I fit Koni shocks/struts, with DP Motorsport springs, and will do the belts - I would love to take it to a track, just to see it's handling limits (I would like to be in the controlled environment to do that), then I can really appreciate what I can do with it in the daily life.
Thank you! Interior is simple and purposeful, and just feels right! My dash has few small cracks at the vents, standard "issue" on all facelift 944/968 cars, but soon, that will be taken care of. Peeled of of the upper vinyl of the spare dash
The lower trim is perfect
Will fill the cracks and re-do in leather, that would make interior top notch!
Regards,
D
I bet @TerryA could say that he has the same regrets about not buying a 300SL back when they were cheap.
I had to look up the '91 Audi Coupe Quattro to remind myself if these was the curvy one or the older angular one. OK, I can understand. Back then the Audi was new, and the 944 was already getting dated I think...
I wonder how you feel about the powerband of the 944 Turbo vs. the NA 944. Is the bottom end lag annoying?
Ah ok! Forces you to drive it harder than expected ---- makes sense!
This is v. exciting to see.
I really liked my S2 and seeing this makes me miss mine. I think you'll have a hard time finding the limits on a track - the transaxle means it's so planted and stable, and with the stock S2 power you need to be a real idiot (or a real pro) to goof it. It's like a Miata, but way more capable with a much higher ceiling, and when driven well can keep up to modern stuff with way more power.
Or 280SL Pagoda, W113, those were affordable!!!I bet @TerryA could say that he has the same regrets about not buying a 300SL back when they were cheap.
That particular one you posted, if memory serves me right, is a well built turbocharged model someone converted from the standard na model, with lots of desirable S2 proper goodies, was sold $20K+ on BT sometime... (rebuilt title), but really really wonderful car!
The S2 and even more so, 968, on the take off are very very swift! 951, there is definitely a feel of "..and???" for a sec, but then, the turbo just an abundant fun and smiles. I wouldn't say it's annoying, but certainly noticeable difference.
@dionphaneuf , correct me if I'm wrong, but S2 just wants to be above 3K RPMs at all times, it is really really alive above 4K. It wants that spirited "stay on me" driving!
I really look forward to have this experience! Once fully sorted, I will indeed take it to the track, never been to one behind the wheel, on the bucket list!
Regards,
D
I wonder if this is why. I found this dyno plot of a 944S2 here -
Stock 944 S2 dyno expectations - Pelican Parts Forums
Does anyone know what I should expect to get at the rear wheels for a stock 944 S2? Taking it for a dyno next week.
forums.pelicanparts.com
I wonder if the chips for these do anything with respect to, like, advancing ignition timing in that range between 2750 rpm - 4000 rpm ?
You know, that's a very interesting question, I have yet to even look for improvements via chips/tunes... I also wonder how would MSDS header setup would affect the response? They seem to come highly recommended...
The 3.0 liter in the 968 has variable valve timing whereas the 2.5 liter motor in the 944 S2 does not. Looking at the 968 dyno plot, I don't see this dip. More dyno charts - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
I don't know if a header would really help at such low revs (2750-5300 rpm) whereas I am certain VVT would certainly help optimize different valve timing for low speed vs high speed operation. That's why I was just wondering about timing (advance). I might be full of it though. Maybe @gsxr has opinions.
I would definitely look into the timing in the future. The engine in S2 is 3.0L though, compare to the earlier na 944 cars, but indeed, no variable timing. Some say that with proper cams - S2 does equally well as 968. For now though, I just keep driving upwards of the RPM range 
Ah, my mistake!I would definitely look into the timing in the future. The engine in S2 is 3.0L though, compare to the earlier na 944 cars, but indeed, no variable timing. Some say that with proper cams - S2 does equally well as 968. For now though, I just keep driving upwards of the RPM range
@Jlaa, It’s all relative. A 300SL was never cheap to me. When they were around $8K I was making about $120.00 a month in the Marine Corp. Including flight pay.
@Duh_Vinci, I owned a 280SL for about a week. It was an automatic and I couldn’t stand the goofy transmission in it. I had bought it from a friend and I gave it back to him. A while later I bought the Euro 84 500SL
@Duh_Vinci, I owned a 280SL for about a week. It was an automatic and I couldn’t stand the goofy transmission in it. I had bought it from a friend and I gave it back to him. A while later I bought the Euro 84 500SL
Stop "de-tuning" it down, SL500 sits right next to it and already laughing at S2 "hey, I have 4 more of those... you know, 4 MORE..."
@TerryA what was so goofy about the 280SL auto transmission? I’m looking for every excuse to expunge my desire for a pagoda from my brain.
A little more interior work today...
3 out of 4 floor mats were like new, the driver's side - faded/stained. Not sure if someone used a very wrong product with bleach, but it looked like this
Washed, dried, and now back to original black
I've used this vinyl and fabric paint before with good results, using it again
I've had OMP pedals in every VW and Audi I've ever owned, so I ordered a set as well, no on in the US had these with long gas pedal in stock. Interestingly enough, Amazon placed "special order" came from Europe, took about 3 weeks, but no extra charge for shipping, nothing
Maybe not for everyone, but I like these and always have
Regards,
D
3 out of 4 floor mats were like new, the driver's side - faded/stained. Not sure if someone used a very wrong product with bleach, but it looked like this
Washed, dried, and now back to original black
I've used this vinyl and fabric paint before with good results, using it again
I've had OMP pedals in every VW and Audi I've ever owned, so I ordered a set as well, no on in the US had these with long gas pedal in stock. Interestingly enough, Amazon placed "special order" came from Europe, took about 3 weeks, but no extra charge for shipping, nothing
Maybe not for everyone, but I like these and always have
Regards,
D
@Jlaa, If you want one get the 280SL w/ the 4-speed stick. I’m sure it would be a much more rewarding to drive.@TerryA what was so goofy about the 280SL auto transmission? I’m looking for every excuse to expunge my desire for a pagoda from my brain.
What I remember was that as the 280SL automatic would wind up all of the gears before shifting. You would see the tach wind up in each gear and then drop down to almost idle shift and wind up in the next gear. I took it to a MB trans specialist on the Pagodas and he told me nothing was wrong with it.
The way it shifted drove me crazy
Anyway, I didn’t like it so it went back to my friend who was gracious enough to return my check. We are still friends
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A friend with tons of classic car world experience pushed me away from a Pagoda once, saying they were dogs to drive even relative to contemporary competition. Not sure I totally agree, but a data point from a source I trusted.
Well, that's a damn shame, because to my eye, these are beautiful cars. Not that I can afford one anymore, but the car has be enjoyable to look at and to drive!
I've finally found a good used tweeter grills to replace the horrid "installation/butchery"
Yes, these are dry wall screws with spacers... I guess that is one way to "fix" the broken mounting tabs. Factory black are NLA, and driver's side NLA in any color. So after some search, I posted WTB on FB, and surprisingly enough, someone from MD had a set at $15 a piece, couldn't be happier! I will have to restore them a little, cosmetics mostly, but that's easy.
Regards,
D
Yes, these are dry wall screws with spacers... I guess that is one way to "fix" the broken mounting tabs. Factory black are NLA, and driver's side NLA in any color. So after some search, I posted WTB on FB, and surprisingly enough, someone from MD had a set at $15 a piece, couldn't be happier! I will have to restore them a little, cosmetics mostly, but that's easy.
Regards,
D
Well, I guess I have to defend myself here a little bit. I own 2 Pagodas, a silver '69 and a black '70. Both 4 speeds. I think they are a blast to drive. You have to love high revving engines, so those who are used to low end torque off the line would be disappointed. I've driven mine for pleasure around town and also cross country to events. I can't think of another car from that era that is as well designed and built as the W113s.
Nice find on those grills! Mine were broken. That's a part that's screammmming to be 3D printed. I remember seeing this story a while back, hopefully it keeps moving forward.
Sorry, wasn't trying to throw Pagodas under the bus - was just relaying what I'd been told. I love their design and think they are awesome too!
Sorry, wasn't trying to throw Pagodas under the bus - was just relaying what I'd been told. I love their design and think they are awesome too!
D -
I'll have to admit, while I am against any sort of hackery, that drywall screw solution by a PO has got to be one of the more elegant automotive solutions drywall screws have ever been involved with!
Not to pile on to the w113 distractions within your P-car thread, but I always found the automatic shifter knob in the w113 to be delightfully 'quirky'. A tiny little knob on an elegant aluminum stick, with a reverse pattern!
D -
I'll have to admit, while I am against any sort of hackery, that drywall screw solution by a PO has got to be one of the more elegant automotive solutions drywall screws have ever been involved with!
I have to agree, even the cone-shaped spacer/bushing is rather creative use, to make the drywall screw a little less "drywallllly"... still drives me nuts! 
I do find this very elegant indeed, Ferrari like almost. Simple, stylish, and again, elegant is probably the best describes it.
Regards,
D
Earlier, I sad the this: "I still don't know exactly where this car fits in my "I love you" category" and here is why... Cold weather shifts and shifts from 1st to 2nd felt a bit notchy, not terrible, but not what I'd expect from the Porsche I guess. Well, let me say this, as of this evening, it's getting closer into that category, and by a wide margin:
What a difference on the cold car!!! I knew I wanted to change all the fluids, including transaxle, and everyone has their preferences, so I read, and I read, and I read... until I found this post:
"I recently drained out my 3 year old Swepco 201 and replaced with 2 quarts Redline mt-90 and 1 quart redline 75-90ns. I read and read and read about these cold shifting issues I was having and downshifting not going into gears. It was clunk and go for a good 15 minutes every day til the car warmed up on Swepco.
I have to say the redline mix is like night and day over swepco. i can shift immediately on the first shift out of the garage and it glides into gear like knife through butter. I am truly amazed and have no idea why I waited this long with Swepco.
Originally I had put swepco in after reading about the rattling of the transaxle in drivethroughs while sitting still. It was very noisy and the swepco did an excellent job of quieting it down. But I simply felt like a handicapped driver everytime I would shift when cold. Had to double clutch it all the time and thought I better start saving some thousands for possible new tranny.
with the redline mix I went out at 25degrees F last week and shifted like never before. Also no more chatter in drivethru. Best of both worlds from my end and well worth it. Like a brand new tranny now on my S2
80 degrees this week and no chatter. All is good again. I now have a car that acts and drives like a Porsche!"
It's like someone is driving my S2, maybe not so extreme where I had to double clutch "every time" when it's cold, but certainly not what I thought it should have been.
FCP had all the fluids in stock, had transaxle plugs in stock, oil filters, oil plug and crush washers, surprisingly this order arrived with free shipping in 3 days! I wasn't expecting it until next week, but came home, and the box with surprise!!!
So onto 4 jack the car went, drained old fluid (wasn't horrible, but dark. I don't think it was 30+ years old, but certainly not fresh)... Changed the fluid, changed the oil (I did basic dino 15w40 leftover Delo, just for the short time, less than 500 miles, just to clean up everything) and now, fresh filter, plug and 15w50). Quite happy, car at the temperature, at idle and at 4 on the oil pressure. Full 5 while driving.
And to the shifting:
Cold car, 60F outside, shifting right out of garage - soooooo much better!!! Downshifting improvement as well, I can even ease into 1st gear at 20mph in preparation for a full on "creep for the u-turn" or coming to near stop. So this Redline 2 quarts of MT-90 and 1 quart redline 75-90NS, first impression on 30 min drive through gears - very very large improvement! Great formula these guys came up with! MT-90 is a GL-4 fluid, and that is what Redline recommends for 924/944/968. The 75-90NS is a GL-5 fluid, and is their "safe" for all the yellow metals version of GL-5, and GL-5 is what Porsche recommends in their bulletin.
I hope this "Growing Love" will continue, and I love love love how fairly simple it has been working on the car thus far, "polishing the gem and incrementally improving the car" as you said!
Taking Red Sonja for the long morning drive tomorrow.
Regards,
D
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EXCELLENT!!!
I wish I had suggested for you to use Redline 75W90NS earlier!!!!When my car was new-to-me, the gearbox was also quite balky when it was cold. It wasn't very enjoyable.
I changed the oil gearbox oil to 75W90NS 10 years ago and I love it ---- so smooth and buttery!
I am actually now thinking about diluting the 75W90NS with a quart of 75W140NS (heavier) the next time, though, because I have since had the transmission changed such that it is no longer an open differential, but is a torque biasing gear-based differential. So it generates a bit more heat. Hence .... 140.
Keeping the "goods" all to yourself? I see how it is, I see...EXCELLENT!!!
When my car was new-to-me, the gearbox was also quite balky when it was cold. It wasn't very enjoyable.
So whoever said "fluids are fluids"
I went for an early morning drive, 43F at 6:30, cold car, right out of garage - I have absolutely no complains! Marked improvement on cold shifting, and huge improvement on downshifting.
I know so many here like Redline products, so I wanted to try it in this car as well, however, some older posts on the web were beating down the standard 75w90 for potentially not being "yellow metals friendly"... Well, "NS" is no issue! All in all, this combo I'm using, verry happy so far!
I'm also happy to see that I the oil drain plug no longer has a leak. it was wet when I bought the car, it was slow dripping when I changed the oil first time (despite the fact that I used brand new crush washer and new drain plug)... last time, while under the car, I noticed that at some point - some kind of sealant was used on the crush washer mating surface of the pan. So I ordered as set of washers with bonded rubber. M20 is a near perfect fit, I did have to trim the inner part of the gasket ever so slightly, so it fits flush with the conical shape of the plug
Torqued it down (actually under torqued a bit on purpose) last night with the oil change, dry this morning, dry still after 50+ mile drive.
Regards,
D
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Today is the last day of the "elegant" drywalls crews of the tweeter covers!
I purchased a decent used set of grills (no longer in production), cheap enough, $15 each. One was good, one, from what looked like a dirt, ended up being dirt and surface rust
Cleaned up really well, sanded down, removed all the rust spots, then refinished both
Really came out like new
ready for assembly
Removed damaged grills, trimmed tweeters to the shape of the frame so they sit flush
New hardware
New hardware inserted, smaller holes - anchors, larger holes, flat metal "nuts"
Frame secured with stainless screws
Dum-dum putty into recessed grooves (butyl sealant) just like any aftermarket speaker grills, and as good as new
Couldn't be happier!
I purchased a decent used set of grills (no longer in production), cheap enough, $15 each. One was good, one, from what looked like a dirt, ended up being dirt and surface rust
Cleaned up really well, sanded down, removed all the rust spots, then refinished both
Really came out like new
ready for assembly
Removed damaged grills, trimmed tweeters to the shape of the frame so they sit flush
New hardware
New hardware inserted, smaller holes - anchors, larger holes, flat metal "nuts"
Frame secured with stainless screws
Dum-dum putty into recessed grooves (butyl sealant) just like any aftermarket speaker grills, and as good as new
Couldn't be happier!
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Resumed working on the spare dash. The top is really rough shape... Glued back all delaminated foam sections with brush-on contact cement. Once cured, "cleaned up" the splits/cracks
Rotary tool works really well
Expanding foam should work well to fill in the rough gouges
Looks bad, I know lol
But at the end, it will all be good as new or better (I hope)
Rotary tool works really well
Expanding foam should work well to fill in the rough gouges
Looks bad, I know lol
But at the end, it will all be good as new or better (I hope)
I'm definitely changing the stock steering wheel, it is too big, but more importantly too thin and non ergonomic in any way form or shape. I know I'm getting MOMO Monte Carlo 320mm, but for the last 2 days I can't push the "purchase" button!!! 
All black, can't go wrong with that...
Or black with red stitching (then, I can also get the red stitched shifter/boot leather sleeve from UK)
I CAN'T decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All black, can't go wrong with that...
Or black with red stitching (then, I can also get the red stitched shifter/boot leather sleeve from UK)
I CAN'T decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same here, MOMO has a lot of the wheels, but this one has always been my favorite too, thick, positioned well, just felt right. I just pulled the trigger, Amazon had everything in stock, adapter with the lowest price of the internet too... All black MCL32BK1B!
Should be here on Wed.
Interesting D!
I dunno why, but I’ve always enjoyed a chunky ‘90s airbag wheel. I know its not ‘racecar’ or sporty in any way, but I think your P-car engineers did a pretty good job integrating the bag with the rest of the interior aesthetic.
No interest in reverting to the pre-airbag Porsche classic wheel?
I’ve always enjoyed that one.
I dunno why, but I’ve always enjoyed a chunky ‘90s airbag wheel. I know its not ‘racecar’ or sporty in any way, but I think your P-car engineers did a pretty good job integrating the bag with the rest of the interior aesthetic.
No interest in reverting to the pre-airbag Porsche classic wheel?
I’ve always enjoyed that one.
Cheers!
Aesthetically, I agree with you, the suit really well at home with that dash and interior overall, I do like how they look. The feel though, for me at least, that's a whole other story. The grip diameter is too small for my hands. It almost feels like I'm gripping s steering wheel of the 80's rabbit. Even back in the 90's when I test drove that 951 and came home with Coupe Quattro, the feel of the steering wheel was part of the decision: Quattro had a smaller diameter, factory 3 spoke "Sportline" unit that was thick, ergonomic, that gripping just felt right.
I will indeed keep the stock wheel in the spare bin, in case if the car would ever need a new owner. Alternative would be a ClubSport, but $630 I want to feel it first, and I may still get it later... Sport Steering Wheel - 944/968
for now, Monte Carlo will do. My brother calls me a "steering wheel whore", probably because I've changed them on just about every car I've owned, and even currently, I have x4 to choose from for R129 on the shelf.
Regards,
D
So the Monte Carlo 320mm was delivered, and after test fitting it, while it is comfortable, very comfortable actually. That said, the top of the wheel, covers the upper 1/3 of the cluster view. And no matter how I adjust the seat, not enough to remedy the viewing. So I ordered a replacement of 350mm of the same wheel.
Arrived quickly, and thank goodness for Amazon, not only the prices are fair (cheapest actually on the hub), but returns and replacement is seamless, and that's a good thing, since the 350mm came, but wrong steering wheel! https://www.amazon.com/MOMO-TUN35BK...ocphy=9008222&hvtargid=pla-526903591661&psc=1
Nice wheel, but ultimately not what I wanted. Factory box, oddly had 2 stickers, one MCL35BK3B and one TUN35BK0B, so the inventory selection somehow was chosen on the correct sticker, not the actual wheel with corresponding sticker of the same box
That was yesterday... Replacement wheel is out for delivery already! Let's hope this will be the actual Monte Carlo.
I've done many aftermarket steering wheels on many many cars, but never on the Porsche. It usually requires butchering the clockspring of the original airbag wheel, and the junk yard usually $10 or less for those. Well, not for the Porsche... I have nothing locally and used are still $$, and certainly don't want to butcher the stock clockspring, in case if I ever have to revert it back, to 100% stock. For now, I did the usual search, how to make the horn work, since the adapter/boss are not designed for the cars with airbag and nothing!
Here is my solution from this morning, since I had some time while waiting for replacement:
I removed the spring loaded contact pin from the factory airbag steering wheel
Made a little plate adapter, that screws to the factory location where the clock spring used to me mounted
Converted the contact from female to male
The contact pin is securely wedged inside the adapter plate/arm (same as in the steering wheel)
Connected to the factory horn plug (clockspring assembly horn portion plugs in here otherwise)
Re-assembled the column cover, secured to mounting plate the the very same place where the clock spring was mounted
Perfect contact (before the boss/adapter is pushed further in, there is virtually no gap once fully seated)
I tested it with my brother's spare OMP wheel, spins nicely, no scraping, no grinding, horn works as it should. Now wait for my steering wheel to arrive
Arrived quickly, and thank goodness for Amazon, not only the prices are fair (cheapest actually on the hub), but returns and replacement is seamless, and that's a good thing, since the 350mm came, but wrong steering wheel! https://www.amazon.com/MOMO-TUN35BK...ocphy=9008222&hvtargid=pla-526903591661&psc=1
Nice wheel, but ultimately not what I wanted. Factory box, oddly had 2 stickers, one MCL35BK3B and one TUN35BK0B, so the inventory selection somehow was chosen on the correct sticker, not the actual wheel with corresponding sticker of the same box
That was yesterday... Replacement wheel is out for delivery already! Let's hope this will be the actual Monte Carlo.
I've done many aftermarket steering wheels on many many cars, but never on the Porsche. It usually requires butchering the clockspring of the original airbag wheel, and the junk yard usually $10 or less for those. Well, not for the Porsche... I have nothing locally and used are still $$, and certainly don't want to butcher the stock clockspring, in case if I ever have to revert it back, to 100% stock. For now, I did the usual search, how to make the horn work, since the adapter/boss are not designed for the cars with airbag and nothing!
Here is my solution from this morning, since I had some time while waiting for replacement:
I removed the spring loaded contact pin from the factory airbag steering wheel
Made a little plate adapter, that screws to the factory location where the clock spring used to me mounted
Converted the contact from female to male
The contact pin is securely wedged inside the adapter plate/arm (same as in the steering wheel)
Connected to the factory horn plug (clockspring assembly horn portion plugs in here otherwise)
Re-assembled the column cover, secured to mounting plate the the very same place where the clock spring was mounted
Perfect contact (before the boss/adapter is pushed further in, there is virtually no gap once fully seated)
I tested it with my brother's spare OMP wheel, spins nicely, no scraping, no grinding, horn works as it should. Now wait for my steering wheel to arrive
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At last, MOMO Monte Carlo 350mm is in:
It is just small enough to notice the difference and not to obscure the cluster gauges, thick enough to feel more comfortable. Horn works flawlessly, turning stalk returns automatically flawlessly. Very glad I didn't get the red stitching, just looks at home to me, not too flashy and functional.
Next, will replace the skin of the shifter, to freshen it up a bit.
Regards,
D
It is just small enough to notice the difference and not to obscure the cluster gauges, thick enough to feel more comfortable. Horn works flawlessly, turning stalk returns automatically flawlessly. Very glad I didn't get the red stitching, just looks at home to me, not too flashy and functional.
Next, will replace the skin of the shifter, to freshen it up a bit.
Regards,
D
Thanks again for these pointers, just placed my first order from www.gaudinporscheparts.com
I have intermittent no start issue, occasionally, when I turn the key, dash light come on, everything is alive, but no crank and no start, just one click is all I hear/feel. If I wiggle the key or remove it and tap the tumbler, and try again, starts just fine. Not a DME, since there is no crank at all. Not a battery, that's new. Battery cables look clean. Starter wires looked clean, so I figured let's start with the easy replaceable part, ignition switch.
That price for genuine part from Gaudin is cheaper than OEM replacement from FCP or Pellican, so I do indeed appreciate the guidance @Jlaa
Regards,
D
The wheel looks right at home. The thicker wheels feel right with the Porsches' quick steering and good feedback.
Really nice workaround on the contact ring.
I replaced my shifter leather with a high-quality kit that stretched over the shifter and had the attached boot just like OEM. It was too long ago for me to recall the manufacturer.
Really nice workaround on the contact ring.
I replaced my shifter leather with a high-quality kit that stretched over the shifter and had the attached boot just like OEM. It was too long ago for me to recall the manufacturer.
Cheers Drew!
After few days of driving the car, very happy with this steering wheel, just feels right, nothing too much or too little, no complains whatsoever.
Shifter, definitely next to do, it looked ok with the 30+ years old steering wheel, but now, compare to the new wheel, just looks old and dated. I've ordered probably similar boot to what you had, there are few companies out there. I have a friend with Cooper-S, has lots of interior pieces, in authentic leather from J-F Customs from UK... The quality is really nice, good stitching, leather is soft, and the price is right. This is what's coming soon JK Leather Porsche 944 Shift Boot.
Look forward to tackling this little interior update.
Regards,
D
I really like Monte Carlo, but recently acquired a nos, also 350mm, full leather, and really really nice quality, Italian made Kahn. Somewhat similar to old school Nardi and alike... It feels in the hands so nice!!!
The only thing about it, the center section is a bit "too fancy/shiny" for my taste. If I can change that section, I think I may fancy this on onto the car instead. It is MOMO hub adapter pattern, so... will see. But the feel itself, very much superior to Monte Carlo... a bit thicker grip too...
Regards,
D
The only thing about it, the center section is a bit "too fancy/shiny" for my taste. If I can change that section, I think I may fancy this on onto the car instead. It is MOMO hub adapter pattern, so... will see. But the feel itself, very much superior to Monte Carlo... a bit thicker grip too...
Regards,
D
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Well, I did re-finish the aluminum insert on this Kahn steering wheel to flat black. When I took it apart, to my surprise, the aluminum ring was a thick, solid chunk of quality machined from a single block/piece... Not much is being made to these quality standards anymore, this wheel was definitely high priced back in the days, craftsmanship is very very impressive! Just a little too shiny center for my taste (not anymore)
In the car it is, the feel and comfort is superior! Absolutely love the ergonomics!
I ordered a Porsche horn button from Europe, should be here soon I hope...
Regards,
D
In the car it is, the feel and comfort is superior! Absolutely love the ergonomics!
I ordered a Porsche horn button from Europe, should be here soon I hope...
Regards,
D
It really really feels great in the hands, with the thicker areas in all the right places, couldn't be happier!
On the other hand, MOMO I shipped back to Amazon today, wasn't planning on it, but after weeks in the car, the leather changed pattern quite a bit, top remained very smooth
While the bottom, right side particularly turned into wrinkled geriatric
I get it, leather "naturally imperfect" a bit, but this became a bit too much. Never seen it to such degrees on any MOMO or Personal wheels I've owned over the last 30+ years.
Regards,
D
On the other hand, MOMO I shipped back to Amazon today, wasn't planning on it, but after weeks in the car, the leather changed pattern quite a bit, top remained very smooth
While the bottom, right side particularly turned into wrinkled geriatric
I get it, leather "naturally imperfect" a bit, but this became a bit too much. Never seen it to such degrees on any MOMO or Personal wheels I've owned over the last 30+ years.
Regards,
D
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