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I missed my old white 944. I really, reeeeaaaally missed that car. The cash from that helped us into our first Auckland home. But I always said I'd get into another once we got comfortable with the mortgage and sorted a few things out, and I squirrelled together a few bucks on the side where I could, helped out by my photojournalism moonlighting. Even though the last car was an 8 valve NA base spec car, I'd always wanted an S2. For those playing at home, the basic differences are a 2.5l SOHC vs 3.0l DOHC, slider calipers vs 4pot Brembos, better suspension and bigger ARB's on the S2 and a bunch of cosmetic differences. I'd been eyeing this particular car up for a few weeks on Trademe. It was priced high and I always thought, "I'll wait until it comes down a bit." I waited. It came down slightly, but not really enough. And there the price stayed. And stayed. And remained. In the end I thought, "bugger it I'll have a crack," so called the number on the listing and named my budget, asking if I was in the ball park. The answer came back affirmative. So from then I enlisted the help of a Porsche-savvy mate, Tony, to scoot down and check the car over for me. At this stage, it's worth mentioning the Carjam report came back fairly positive. The current owner, (in his 70's) had owned the car for 11 years travelling around 250km per year in it over that period. Yeah, 250km. So the car's km sat at a pretty-low-for-a-944 127,000km. Great start. When Tony first queried an inspection, he was denied on the grounds that it was raining, and the car never goes out in the rain. A positive, sort of I guess. The sign of a fastidious owner. Anyway, after an excruciating week followed by a weekend of waiting to have this thing inspected, Tony flicks me a text with "call me now, seen the car" after lunch on a Monday. The assessment was brief but positive. I'd sent through this massive Barry-spec checklist of things that commonly turn to custard on 944's, after the rollercoaster ride I'd experienced trying to sort the wheat from the chaff while buying the white one. Most of it passed muster - a few minor problems, but the car checked out soundly - well, more than soundly - and the summary was, "it's a fuckin' sweet car, you'll be hard pressed to find another one this good." Decision made. So I called up, negotiated a price and a deposit to hold the car for a few weeks while I awaited a quiet weekend to pick up was sent through the ether. Now - the car had some pretty gaudy stripes on it. Orange, with a PORSCHE font in the negative space as a cut vinyl stripe down each flank. Furthermore, it had a bright orange window strip across the top of the screen. This was never going to do, but I was assured it didn't appear to be too old, and the vinyl wasn't of great quality so confidence was high that it'd peel off easily. In fact, I'd already decided that it would be resigned to the bin before I'd breached the Christchurch city limits. So the pick-up weekend rolled around, George (@Esprit) and I boarded a plane and set off bound for the shaky city. The flight itself was pleasant, smooth and some great sights of the setting sun over the Canterbury plains as we descended - but it wasn't without trepidation, as I was about to commit the most money I have ever laid down on a car by some margin. Spending big sums of money isn't something that sits well with me, but hey, this was one of the dream machines so I probably shouldn't let the opportunity slip by. But believe me, I agonised, tried to rationalise my decision beyond "I want it because I have wanted one for years" and even suffered cold feet over the whole deal. Tony picked us up in his Mini Cooper something hatchwagon thing with one rear door that opens backwards and a supercharged whatsit in the front. Either way, it was quite compact and made cool whizzy-doorty noises from the front bit and went hard for what it was. We ended up at the doorstep of John, the then-owner of the 944 and his son Simon, who I dealt with through the Trademe classified. John was one of those super nice older blokes, with the utmost passion for his car. I made some cursory checks in the dim light with the aid of an LED torch, just to make sure I was going to go ahead with the sale as John proudly pointed out the hard-to-find bits that were still intact on the car, as well as detailing his maintenance schedule, and aversion to driving the car in the rain for the last 11 years of ownership. As I said, a guy with a legitimate infatuation for his pride and joy. As an added bonus, a wee zipped-up bag full of 944 specific books and memorabilia came as part of the deal, how cool is that?! Stepping inside to sign the paperwork the discussion turned to motorsport, and Porsches in general. I started to feel a little bad, as John's eyes were definitely tearing up at the prospect of his pride and joy being driven away, but then the excitement of finally being able to own what I deem the best of the 944 bunch finally had us saying our goodbyes, and soon enough we were crawling down the driveway in the dark. Then we had to turn back as I left my sunglasses behind. Because you know, it was dark and I'm a Corey Hart kinda guy. 15 minutes later, we drove into another internet-acquaintances shed (we will call him Terry the Italian car tragic) where a heat gun was supplied and the decals came off with minimal persuasion and zero damage to the underlying paint. Bonus. Dinner was served, yarns were had, beers were downed and before you know it, it was 6am the next morning and we'd crawled out of bed and poured ourselves into the 944's confines for the journey north. The trip was swift, but ultimately uneventful. Stops were limited to food and/or tea and coffee, aside from an overnight stay with @Bullitt in which George and I both managed to empty the fridge of any thirst quenching, fermented grain, hopped, fizzy beverages and I built a gigantor feed of nacho's for all present. More sharns followed and then we departed early in the morning, making a servo rendezvous with another couple of far north friends who were making the same journey back in a just-purchased EF8 Honda CR-X. How rad! Anyway, the rest of the trip was fairly unremarkable. You know. Standard North Island scenery. Farms. Mountain and tussock. More farms. Large body of fresh water. More farms. Even more farms. The odd passing lane. Some more farms and then traffic jams and rain. But hey, what a way to get to know a car, and also find out all of the little foibles that are going to make life an OCD hell for the next short while. For now, here's some shots of the car as we departed Christchurch in the early hours. I'll outlay some plans and discuss the experience, as well as all of the flaws this particular car has that I have already started to rectify. Thanks for reading my massive sharn! 1991 Porsche 944 S2-5 by Richard Opie, on Flickr 1991 Porsche 944 S2-7 by Richard Opie, on Flickr 1991 Porsche 944 S2-13 by Richard Opie, on Flickr TL;DR - bought a poor-man's Porsche and drove it from Christchurch to Auckland.

we gonna rock down to electric avenue...please please work!spent several hours of my life making these air cleaner spacers.now looking not quite as homemade, still need holes for studs on top of the crabs.played mix and match with the fuel inlets on my old single dell, twins now both the same fittings with one side blocked off, so the line will come up though the firewall, to the left carb then over the the right hand side.got the linkage working nice and fitted the sparkplug wires.test fitting the old k&N off the single, new ones will be the taller ones I think.so close!

You could explain that the M engine was designed by toyota to have a safety release valve when excessive hp is developed, thus protecting the driveshaft from failure.

Turbo No# 3 Left - old turbo gtx2863r. Right - new turbo gtx2860r Gen II So new turbo is smaller, but later version, which on paper should flow the same. but spool better having a smaller compressor wheel. Yeah i hate that silicone elbow off the turbo too. but some diddle put a tower in the way. clutch is still broken. so no test run yet.

Here's the "temporary" 150mm inlet that's made from 1mm aluminium and rivets. This will stay in there until I can be bothered remaking the whole front plate and collar from 2mm so it can be welded. And the bonnet is now a blank canvas:

Not much of an update. I've panelled the inside of the van with some cheap ply which came out pretty sweet. I'm hoping to stain it next week. The motors been running like a bag of dicks. I've yet to really go over the essentials but instead have picked up a spare 1300 which I'm hoping will solve everything. Hmmm thoughts on the wheels? Picked these 13x7 Cheviots up last week. Have been thinking about changing wheels lately as I'm getting a bit of rub in the rear when the vans loaded up. I think they might look OK if it sits low enough.

been gather bits here and there for a new motor build for the old girl. new belt new gaskets sierra efi dizzy (hall effect) 205 long block (cheers karl) low mount maifold ,evo turbo, falcon cpi on pinto manifold once i pull the motor down ill cheack bearings and rebuild. cheers

Haha finish for the nite with a cheeky pic of the Mazda in the background Had to get rid of it the other week Too many cars not enough shed Had enough of rust and welding now...... till next time

Cheers team. I haven't had it out of the shed again since I got back to Auckland on Sunday night, it's still rocking a film of filth from front to back... Here's a couple of photos from the journey. The only ones I took. Was having way too much fun driving it! 1991 Porsche 944 S2-20 by Richard Opie, on Flickr 1991 Porsche 944 S2-22 by Richard Opie, on Flickr

If the weather's good, might try and ride the bobber down. Hasn't been started in awhile so I'll see how that goes bahaha

Stripped the China carb for a nosey earlier, can't find anything bad about it besides the enricher feels a little bit loose when fitting it to the carb, but it still seems to seal fine so it should be mint as. Thought some of you at least might be interested in having a look inside an NZ$20 carby And the $15 torque driver I don't know about any of you, but I'm actually rather impressed with both! Oh and I've still got a few surprises up my sleeve...

As I submitted that last post there was a knock at the door, another courier with a parcel from China this time New torque driver with both straight and curved slots and a 19mm variant of the stock carb, which at first look over is hard to tell its a fake, it's that well made!! Way bigger throat and slide than the stock Dio carb that's on there! Aliexpress FTW haha

That blue is nice! any pics with the decals on it? I'm trying to picture what they'd look like

A brief appearance on "Westside" tonight, looks like the big chase scene is coming next week!

Haha thanks man If I do ever paint it yeah I'd keep this color I can't see me painting it soon it's ratty and to be fair perfect how it is Every panel has defects and sort of its own story to tell A lot of people don't like how rough it is its funny driving it up town people yell "it'll look cool when it's finished " I chortle and don't tell them that it pretty much is finished

time for some panelvan particularisation! put the motor back together with the supposedly recon head from aforementioned engine collection, im no expert but looks a lot nicer, can still see toyota logo stamped on valves, rockers move a bit more freely etc, used oem gasket and the arp headbolts and pushrods from head-donor, and lower thermostat-holder thingy from the old head. I laugh now but when I fired it up, immediately a loud & terminal sounding knocking resounded, after extensive jerking about turned out to be the valve cover needed to be .027mm to the left to stop a rocker tapping it! Is now running like a dodgy 70s sewing machine, i.e beautifully. Also put the windscreen in, used the ol string trick which quickly devolved into the "steal missus good crochet-hooks and use them like tyre levers" when my crappy string broke. Used swearwords as lubricant. This led to the revelation that the windscreen wipers are in fact still operational, in all of their glorious 2 speeds (one of those speeds being "off") Have some more bodging in the works so should have another update soon

B6HS.Hmmmmmmm.that don't look right at all.so I took it all back apart, double checked everything, took the Alternator off, put the gennie back on, still the same.I think it's been like this for years, I blame the shitty aftermarket tinwear, the Alt can move back into the stand but the shroud and everthing thats bolted to won't let it, I even leaned on it and got a mate to tighten the strap, but that juts made it crooked and out of alignment.need more beer

been focused on the engine for the last couple weeks.dirty.clean.mean!was hoping some of it's hp might rub off on my bucket.back in the cave.gave the heat exchangers a good de-grease.they're pretty much worn out, but will do a few more miles/years, until I finally give up on this fantasy of having a working heater.(its never worked)Alt stand and a very quick black paint job.if you look back a couple post, you'll notice the fan shroud had two holes for the throttle cable, neither were in the right spot.sorted.terrible paint on this thing, ran out of primer, ah fuckit!shiny!sparky!after spending a not insignificant amount of time cleaning up all the old, oil covered stainless tinwear screws,I found these new button head ones, ah well!

Drive it to work pls and I'll come and sit on the park bench spec front bumper and eat me lunch. Top work m9. Keen for 4WD adventures.

Buy this from my old towtruck boss. It's petrol though, with a blue flame chevy 6.

One of the selling points of this truck was the history of it, paperwork for everything done to it in the last 10 years. Everything from new engine in 2006 (!) to Nolathane bushes and new leaf springs in 2009. Vtnz WOF sheets etc. I love the mechanics write up here on the first line: Here's the obligatory new car photo: Also got this thing stuck in sand today. The aged A/T tyres didn't cope. What are some good options for better performance in soft stuff? I have no idea about tyres that are Supercats.

Fuck photobucket is shit. Next time I'm procrastinating about doing something I might come back and fix this thread. Yes I've still got it, still doing basic maintenance and driving it as often as possible. Recently replaced front shocks, LCA and UCA ball joints, and after driving it today it looks like I'm due a wheel bearing. Old car life/worth it a few pics so you remember what the hell it is Cheers Matt

So after many months of looking - including (failed) bidding on sight unseen cars 9 hours away from me, mincing around car yards and looking at more rust than I care to remember - I finally pulled the trigger and purchased one of these fine automobiles. Reasons being: - It was local in Auckland. - The Toyota tax wasn't too extreme. - It was ratty, showing it had been somewhat legitimately repaired. Anyway, what I purchased is a 1985 HJ60 high roof model, not sure which trim level but it has the 'power pack' interior with central locking, power windows and sunroof, A/C, rear passenger heater. It's powered by a 2H 3980cc straight six diesel engine and an H55F 5 speed transmission. It also has a working PTO winch on the huuuuuge front bumper. Initial impressions of the truck is just how big it is, it's massive! Especially compared to my usual modes of transport, the Austin 1300 or Nissan Sentra Sportwagon. The paint is rough but it shows where work has been done. There is filler but it is mostly fresh metal underneath. Looking up the D pillar I can see some rust at the roof seam, I've acid treated this and will address it at some point. There are also a couple of small patches of rust in the rear inner wheel arch and under the rear seat floor. Will apply wax to the body to preserve the patina. Driveline wise the P/O had the engine reconditioned (receipts provided) and the owner prior to me did the cylinder head after the HG blew between no. 2 and 3 pistons. This was caused by the head not being torqued down evenly. The front hubs were also rebuilt by him after a WoF fail on oil leaks. The gearbox is a little noisy, I believe this is the input and/or output shaft bearings. Kits for this are available ex-Australia. Probably caused by towing - it lived in the Waikato towing horse floats for a while. Have not tested the 4wd system properly yet. Anyway, overall I am stoked about my new truck! Diesel and 4wd is all new to me. Planning to daily this if practical. The conveniently most appropriate stickers applied - thanks @Archetype! Also thanks @MichaelJFox for assisting in collecting this tank. Discuss:

Your thinking about it all wrong.... 600m Oh the limitless possibilities.

If it has the bill of lading, and overseas title and dereg papers etc, then you can apply for an exemption from border inspection. Most likely, it has been border inspected, in which case, the frame number (or engine number) should be in LANDATA system. Ring up or go into a VINZ station and ask them to check. If it's in LANDATA then you're golden, it means its been border checked. If its not, then fill out one of these and pay 184 bux and get a letter saying go hard. (They could refuse it, but they probably wont). Most important is you have ownership trail to you, bill of lading (proof when and how it came to NZ) and overseas de-reg document (To prove it wasnt stolen overseas). Have been through this, so this is 1st hand experience. I had everything except the boarder check, which i assume it just had never been entered, or entered incorrectly into LANDATA. Got the exemption approval, and re-reg was a piece of piss. Ring a ding ding.

So another package showed up from Japan this AM The one on the left, now what could that be? YAY CANDY! Now back to the Gyro, went out to the shed and the front fell off Then another went most of the way on!! AF35 Dio ZX front end fitted to an AF56 stem. Needs a little bit of trimming and maybe a gusset welded in under here, just so I can actually turn lol My stock bars aren't even close to fitting, need an AF35 speedo cable, brakes don't work but they might get away with just being bled as it all looks in good condition.

This is the kind of information I need haha. I was just super keen to go somewhere today, in hindsight was stupid with no gear or experience. Thankfully had a spade and found some driftwood. I let air out but no gauge so I dont think it was nearly enough. Thanks OS^ for the tips though. Enjoying this video for the off road tips, and the music

This is bigger than you want but It's pretty cool. Has a water tank, hiab crane, and fire stuff is usually pretty heavy duty. Look at those low Kays! http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/trucks/other/auction-1388803877.htm

Started building a motor for this. L28, flat top pistons, twin hitachi SU's maybe a cam. Thought i would put the pistons on myself. Watched a bunch of videos of some rednecks doing it and it looked easy. Made a jig out of plywood to hold piston and allow the pin to pass through the correct amount to get the rod centered. Borrowed an IR thermometer from work and heated them to around 200degC Easy Gapped the rings last week. Next i will clean up a couple of cranks i have and see which one is the least wonky. Going to try something different with the head and use an uncommon combination. I put this one through the bandsaw to see how much i had to play with Hope to have time next week for crank and then assemble bottom end the week after

A project i am currently working on. Hopefully will make it run again once i get parts i need for it. It is a km37. From late 60s to 70s i am guessing.

chur matt, might bring the red truck out for a strop/drop hayhole and his bobber off after the meet

There will be ways, there is an alternate documents forms here. This gives you "permission" to register something if you are missing any of the vitals. Basically, you just write your sob story, and someone, somewhere has a read and is all "Yeah/Nah" and gives you a piece of paper allowing the NZTA agent to add it to the system without any further questions. I doub't for something like your bike, that they'd give a shit. You have most of the paperwork. So will probably be sweet. But won't know until you have dumped 184 bux at the form however. There's a checklist in the form of things you need. Have to provide photos, and an offical entry compliance person must physically sight the frame and engine numbers. You have half of it, if the dude can't find bill of lading, then you will need to use the above form, and it will probably be sweet. Its such a fucking grey area, god damn the whole NZ vehicle registration system is so Michael mouse. All depends on the mood of the womble you get on the day. And nobody you speak to has any fucking clue what they're doing, or what the process is. A shame really. Its not rocket appliances.

I was assuming not even Bryan would import a Marina (no offense Bryan) added to the fact he used to term re-registering I figured the advice was legit, a cert would be required if fitted before inspection.

That would be so unstable. Mines rolls like a ship in a storm with only 2 inch of lifts. 6-8 would be nasty. As for rust check the between the seats and doors there is s spot that traps water. Have to lift the carpet.

I'd say 1750kg or so. Mine is about 2000kg but the blade etc is very heavy.

NIce original green. Are you going to keep that color? Love the long champ wheels match.

heh. why have i not seen that definition, and insisted people call me by it specifically.

Got the exhaust off the floor and tweaked the pipe by the idler and took it for a fang. It goes really well! Sounds fantastic but on the loud side. Have since tidied up hoses and things but I needed a picture

you can basically build the ugliest type of cab and make it look fully legit with appropriate military paint, add ons like snorkle, light bar, bull bars and the staunchness these can create. ugly but functional = easier to build. ideas...

Nice 60 mate when i had one the rear of the chassis was terribly rusty,to the point of it needed to be unrivited and fixed might pay to check also the fuel senders were dodgy in these,i replaced mine with a fj40 one NOS from the states and just modifed the float arm ,worked a treat. im selling rear sliding windows on trademe at the moment if you want to turn yours into a camper

That could actually be rather useful, my stage6 is too long and would take way too much hacking to fit! First lot of parts from Japan arrived, kevlar belt, variator kit etc... Thinking of grabbing a pair of lights and making a bracket to set the front end up kinda like this Probably not with blue lights though.

you know you arent oldschool when.

Thanks mate. No that's the best part. I love hearing shit yarns about someone who had one back in the day "it was exactly the same, same wheels and everything" You know it can't have been but it's still great to hear the stories.

Over 1.1mil views, doubt there are any 3s hilux vids with that many views...

secrets out, its actually steam powered

Got the fwd alternator bracket to work with the rwd water pump. this lifts the alternator up out of the way of top suspension link. and bit further away from mud and crap. just had to modify the top mount to bolt to top water outlet and waterpump. also make a new inlet for water pump fwd bracket already had some racing holes in it from when it was on the starlet? Started making some towers to go around the towers. getting the sheet to do what i wanted wasn't much fun,, but turned out alright after being thrown on the floor a few times not much clearance to turbo is main issue

One complete box ready for action. Body work will start again in a couple of weeks so looking forward to finally getting progress

Put ply on the tray, then got it stuck in a mud hole poser. hellaflush

Show us your jutties Towers- don't panic they aren't finished yet

So, a few hours ago i got a sudden urge to sabre saw the back of the truck. 540mm to be exact Still going to make a whole new deck at some stage. as needs to go on a diet bad. but for the moment everything that doesn't need to be there is getting cut off. at least it fits in the shed better now.