Porsche Repair: Porsche 944 non-turbo, side fender, 1984 porsche 944

Question
I just recently bought a 1984 Porsche 944 but the engine is supposedly from a 1987 non turbo.  I don't know anything at all about them  it's my first porsche but I noticed that the car doesn't have any kind of power from a stop and start  it has a five speed transmission however if I let it rev to about 4500 rpms it opens up and takes off with great speed but for normal driving at low rpm's I feel like I could get out and push it faster     also I was wondering if there was any kind of special maintence that is required  I was going to have everything flushed and serviced anyway   (Engine, Trans.,Fuel System,Radiator, Differential) but I like I said I don't anything at all about them    also it kind of acts like the throttle cable is "sticky" from a cold start I don't know how many miles are on it for sure either as the ODO stopped around 140000 mi
also the power steering for some reason has been removed but is still there  I guess someone was trying to build a racer and gave up  the guy I bought it from was trying to restore it  It has a big ding in the front passenger side fender and I know it needs a tune up all of  which I've got the money to  fix right away     I'm just worried about the lousy responce from the the car at low rpms  

Answer
Hi Randy,

Sounds like you've got a bit of a project on your hands.  These are great cars and I know why you were attracted...they are cool looking.

As for the mechanical ills, the lack of power is something you can address through that tune-up you're planning.  Many of the things you'll be replacing or checking could have an effect on the power.  At the end of this note I'll list some the the possible causes for lack of power.

More importantly however...MUCH more importantly is the answerr to this "special maintenance" question:  When were the timing belts changed?  If you don't know or the prevous owner doesn't know I'd park the car until this issue is resolved.

I know this sounds like the sky is falling kind of worry, but think about what's going on inside the engine:

Most engnes traditionally connect the rotating crankshaft and the camshaft with chains.  They are flexible but they are tough.  Inside the 944 engines this connection is with rubberized belts.  Very similar to the six ribbed serpentine belts now seen on many cars connecting the alternator the water pump and the power steering pump, etc.  When the belts are outside and in front of the engine like this the car owner can inspect them anytime.

However, the 944 has two of these serpentine-like belts inside the engine.  Sure they are protected from the engine's oil lubrication system, but they work inside the hot running engine and oil leaks with dirt and grime do sometimes contaminate them.  

Porsche is "coy" to say the least about how long the belts last.  EVERYONE has an opinion because no one can say for sure.  My daughter had a '91 944S2 and I changed the belts every 30, 000 miles religiously.

So what happens if they break when you're revving the engine past 4500 rpm?  Well, the sound of valves bending is the main thing you'll hear.  Basically the engine is toast and after replacing some expensive parts you'll probably be able to rebuild it.

I imagine you've concluded by now how disappointed I am with Porsche's use of these belts.

Anyway, as for the power issue here's the list:

1.  Digital  Electrical Electronic (DEE) (the computer) system fault
2.  Worn rotor, distributor cap or plug wires
3.  Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs
4.  Fuel injection system out of adjustment
5.  Faulty coil
6.  Transmission fluid low
7.  Clutch slipping
8.  Fuel filter clogged
9.  Low or uneven cylinder head pressure

Despite my cautions, I can imagine how much fun you'll have with you're new baby.  

Dave