Just bought 944

[03chevy venture]

I am new to the site and just bought a 83 944. This is my first car and I got it for 2,000. It has 74k and I would like to know if there is anything that I should worry about in terms of maintance such as belts and pumps. The guy before me just put new struts, tires, and brakes. Also, was 2k a good deal because it is also going to need a paint job? Thanks

[Ron1825]

first of all do you like the car? they are a blast to drive and I put a MSD multi-spark egnition on mine, a nice and easy way to gain some power.The timing and balance belts need changing every 30,000 miles and the water pump is behind them and you may what to replace it at that time.
The water pump on my 83 (bought it not running) had been replaced with a rebuilt one and after I had it running for about two hours the drive pully came off the impeller shaft. I had a after market manual, but is said see a dealer before it told how to replace the pump. I spent about five hours at the library at a site called all data and was able print out the information including info on the DMA and spead sensenors, the parts the where bad on my 83. I replaces the belts my self and had a shop tention the after 1000 miles, the tool is not easy to find and could cost $500. If you get as far into the car as the water pump you might consider repacing it with a new one, not rebuilt. I sent $250 for a bosch

Ron

[pearldrum944]

Belts!! Check the belts, this is the first thing you want to do when a new 944 is bought. Last thing you want is the Timing belt to break and bend your valves because the PO hasn't replaced it recently.

[Indycarlover]

Congrats!
Yes,
If you have no record of when the Timing & balance shaft belts were replaced, then you need to change them ASAP!

Being so old, assume the water pump should be changed while your there...

Good luck/skill!
When maintained well, these are GREAT true sports cars!