Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Just picked up my first 944 8v and although it has only done 7k since last belt change this was done over six years ago so reading up it looks as though I should get the belts done before driving it. I am guessing this is not really for the diy mechanic so I was hoping you could give me a rough idea what it might cost me to have it done? Parts costs, amount of hours or total cost would be good.

Which model is it? There is a huge difference in cost between a 2.5 and a 2.7. Also make sure you get the rollers, tensioners and water pump either checked or replaced at the same time. If you're not sure when the water pump was last changed then get a new one, it's just not worth the risk.

Recently changed the belts and rollers on my son's 2.5. The altenator tensioner fractured but otherwise it was fairly straightforward if time consuming job. TBH he did most of it himself. We left the pump alone. It's easier on an S2 as you don't need to remove as much to get the belt cover off i.e. nothing. Biggest difficulty was getting the balance shafts in the correct position. Bad time of year to be diying anyway but for me it's all part of the fun. There's a very good video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1P0n1DXMto in German with subtitles and German humour. Special tools and spanners are a big help. If you can find a good indie you'll be ok, I had the OPC do mine along with chain pad and spark plug/cam cover seals approx £500 at "Classic Porsche" labour rate.

Only relevant if you decide to DIY, but the spanners for the tensioning pulleys are very good to have, if expensive (~£23). I ended up making my own, then found that if you have the 27mm adjuster on the pulleys, a 27mm Gas Bottle Wrench is perfect and can be had for £2.30 posted - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/27mm-Gas-Bott ... 1437736797

Sorry it's a 2.5 8v.

I also forgot to ask if I am brave enough to do it is there a parts supplier (apart from Porsche) that most people use or would be happy to recommend?

I have used FrazerPart.com a few times. Quality bits and quick service. I have also found water pumps on ebay can be bargains as the various sellers are very competitive.
changing the belts and wheels yourself isn't difficult. Once you have removed the balance belt its very similar to any other overhead cam engine. The balance belt/ shafts requires care to get it aligned but there are loads of diagrams and you tube videos to have a look at.
I find its much easier to have the car up on axle stands to get underneath to remove various belts etc. If you have never done it before buy an engine locking tool (ebay from germany) then you will have no worries about anything moving.

A 2.5 will always be a lot cheaper due to the 2.7 using a lot of the S2 parts.

I will 2nd Frazerparts, Max is brilliant and will give you loads of advice. He will not sell you what you don't need and has the knowledge to tell you which parts will and won't help with troubleshooting.

Good luck with it whatever you decide. I wasn't brave enough to do it myself and paid about £700 for mine to be done but that included £400 for the water pump.

Talk to Andy at 'Promax' he will supply you with a kit for your car, there's nothing complicated about doing the belts on a 944. just take your time and always check rotation is free before starting the engine...

Pete