Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I'm considering purchasing an 87 turbo and just wanted to get a few opinions. Are there any pros/cons to owning an early turbo verses the late turbo? Would I be better holding off for a late turbo? Additionally what offset does an 87 turbo have, old or new offset? I like the idea of Fuchs alloys but think that that may only be an option on an 86 turbo.

Cheers
Mike

Looks like we're in the same place in more ways than one. Both local to each other and have an s2 but looking for a turbo too! I've decided to go for a late turbo simply because I'd prefer a late turbo with the associated bridge spoiler, wheels etc...

I have a very early Turbo made in 1985 and registered on a C plate and I have also owned a G registration 1989 car.

My early car does not have ABS and only 220 bhp as standard. The later models had 250 bhp car. Yes you could feel the extra 30 bhp, but an early car can easily be tweeked to have the extra 30 bhp plus more. I have print outs of my car running 290bhp !!

Interiors etc are the same as are the external panels. Only the last cars had the bridge spoiler. Rennlisters say that the 220bhp engine is stronger than the 250 and is much more modifiable.

Some of the earliest 220 cars have a wheel offset of ET23.3. This means that your choice of wheel is restricted unless you want to use spacers.

I would buy on condition of the car rather than if its an 220 or 250 bhp. The only car i would trade mine for now is a turbo S, only due to its rarity.

Good luck with the hunt.

I think..
Upto turbo S all 220 not 250. Both very mod able and the 220 has been mentioned as preferable in some ways due to its components. No ABS.

88 S has no sunroof - not for me but some prefer it. M030 as standard which the SE does not.
Rubber spoiler, CS alloys

Se (post S) 89 on? standard turbo suspension (mo30 optional) bridge spoiler, D90s.

I'm sure others will add to this and/or correct it.

Just buy the best you can regardless I can't see it makes much difference. I prefer the sunroof and the bridge spoiler but it may not be for you.

The 220 engine block is good for 500+ bhp as it was built from forged internals, Porsche stopped doing this due to cost, the 220 in stndard form is a more usable car than a standard 250 as it has less lag mid range, it can easily be tweaked up to 290+ bhp, Fuch were an option.

The only true Turbo S cars are 88 MY non sunroof, after that the 250 Turbo became the SE most 89 cars seem to have MO30 Chassis but the chassis kit was available as an option,

They are both great cars..............check my signature !

I would love a set of Fuch for my 220 and eventuall i will source some, availble again from PORSCHE ££££££££££££££££

I've got CS wheels and bridge spoiler on my MY90 non sunroof, M030 equipped 250 turbo. CS wheels seemed to be on 250 turbo's up to MY89 and from MY90 it was turbo D90's. MY car was the first MY90 car in the UK (so I'm told, chassis no. ends 17 and first 16 are supposed to be reserved for prototypes or something like that) and seems to have got CS wheels unlike all other MY90 turbo's I've seen which have D90's.

Bridge spoiler/non sunroof/CS wheels is a winning combination IMHO and ultra rare!

Stuart

Ok so no definite reasons to go one way or another. I kind of prefer the idea of starting out with a 250hp car but I'm starting to talk myself into an early one. Assuming the condition of the car is right then colour is a big factor for me so will play a part in my choice. Does the 87 turbo have the new or late offset? I prefer the older wheels.

simkin911 I'll keep my eyes open for your black S2.

There's certainly more variation than I thought - CS wheels on non S models, standard sunroof delete cars post S etc.
Bottom line is they all go like stink and rust like it too. Choose the best you can find and afford as there is lots of rubbish out there that will cost a fortune.
Just have fun doing it.

Due 2 the later 250 cars having mo30 package. Means they also have larger roll bars. 250 has a differnt manifold. This was were some off the extra 30 bhp came from. But I have read/ heard that 4 high tuning 220 are stronger.

Later car has usefull upgrades which if you are going to take it on a track day will be very handy - Bigger brakes, LSD, diff oil cooler, stiffer ant-roll bars and its easier to get closer to 300 bhp at which point these cars become seriously quick and lots of fun.

I've had a few turbos- D reg 220, a silver Rose turbo S, and a late model J reg 250SE and turbo cab on a J and a K.

The J reg turbo SE felt the best of the lot to drive and was quite happy doing track days after having some small upgrades.

These cars are getting old so I think I would buy best one I could find ie a really good 220 would be a better buy than a tired 250.

Buy on condition alone. It's the same for any 20+ year old car. What they did when they were new is entirely academic. Avoid the dealers & get one from an enthusiast. Spend the 3K you save on the car. It's a nobrainer.

Condition is way, waaaaay more important than if its a 220 or 250

If you are dead set on Fuchs then a 220 car is your only option as they won't fit on a later offset car