The Porsche 944 S2 Cabrio represents a unique blend of 1980s sports car character with open-top driving freedom. With only about 1,500 cabriolets produced for the US market, finding the right parts is essential for keeping these cars on the road. This guide covers the key components you'll need for maintenance, restoration, and performance upgrades, helping you source quality parts without guesswork.
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Engine and Drivetrain Parts
The S2's 3.0-liter inline-four is a robust engine, but it has specific wear points. Timing belts, water pumps, and tensioners require replacement every 30,000 miles or three years—non-negotiable for reliability. Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket kits from brands like Contitech or Gates. For the cylinder head, valve guides and stem seals are common failure items; rebuild kits from OEM suppliers or specialists like 928 International are recommended. Fuel injectors (Bosch EV1 style) often need cleaning or replacement after 100,000 miles, and the fuel pressure regulator can leak over time. On the drivetrain side, the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission is durable but the clutch slave cylinder and master cylinder are known to fail. Replacement hydraulic units from Sachs or LuK are direct fit. The limited-slip differential (if equipped) uses the same oil as the standard 944 (GL-5 75W-90), but check for leaks from the output shaft seals.
Timing Belt and Water Pump Service
This is the most critical maintenance interval. Always replace the water pump, rollers, and tensioner simultaneously. Aftermarket options (e.g., Rein, FCP Euro) are cost-effective, but OEM is preferred for longevity. Use a torque wrench and follow the factory procedure to avoid belt slap.
Injectors and Fuel System
If your car runs rough or has cold-start issues, have the injectors professionally cleaned and flow-matched. Replace fuel hoses with reinforced rubber rated for E10 ethanol. The fuel tank has a known issue with internal rust; consider a tank liner kit if you see debris in the filter.
Suspension and Brakes
Original suspension parts are outdated by modern standards. Many owners upgrade to Koni or Bilstein shocks for better handling. Strut mounts and control arm bushings wear out, causing clunks and imprecise steering. Moog or Lemförder are reliable aftermarket suppliers for ball joints and tie rod ends. For brakes, the S2 Cabrio uses larger rotors than the regular 944 (282mm front). Brembo blanks with Porsche-spec pads (e.g., Textar or Pagid) provide excellent stopping power. Brake calipers often seize due to corrosion; rebuild kits from ATE are available.
Wheel Bearings and Hubs
Front wheel bearings are a common failure point. Use FAG or Timken bearings, and pack them with high-temp grease. Rear bearings are integral to the hub; replace the whole hub assembly if noisy.
Brake Booster and Master Cylinder
The S2 cabrio shares the same braking system as the 951 turbo, but the booster can fail internally. Symptoms include a hard pedal or hissing sound. Replace with a remanufactured unit from Cardone or a Bosch OEM.
Interior and Electrical
The cabriolet-specific interior has plastic panels that crack from sun exposure. Door panels, center console, and dashboard pieces are available from URO Parts or genuine Porsche (if still stocked). The fabric top switch and motor assembly can fail; replacement aftermarket units from Top-Tronics are popular. Seat bolsters wear quickly—recover kits from Autober or specialist upholsterers exist. Window regulators (manual or electric) are notoriously weak; Werner's or Top-Tronics offer metal-gear replacements that last longer than plastic OEM.
Convertible Top Mechanism
The hydraulic pump and cylinder seals leak with age. Rebuild kits for the cylinder (O-rings and wiper seals) cost under $50. If the top won't open, check the limit switches first. The rear window is plastic and can be replaced without changing the entire top—several suppliers offer clear or tinted replacements.
Gauges and Electronics
The VDO gauge cluster develops voltage regulator failure (causes flickering gauges). Replace the 5V regulator inside the cluster—a simple soldering job. The cruise control module often fails; used or refurbished units are available. Digital clock retrofits are common since the original fails frequently.
Convertible Top and Body
The convertible top fabric (usually canvas) lasts 10–15 years. When replacement is needed, HAERTS or Autober are premium choices that fit correctly. The rear wind deflector (optional) is hard to find; some owners use a 944 hardtop instead. Body panels—fenders, hood, doors—are increasingly rare. Reproduction fiberglass front fenders and rear panels are available from restoration shops like Vertex Auto. The headlight mechanism (pop-ups) uses nylon gears that disintegrate; brass gear replacements from Pelican Parts solve this permanently.
Trim and Weather Stripping
Rubber seals for doors, trunk, and convertible top are a common upgrade. Many OEM seals are discontinued, but aftermarket options from Porsche specialists fit well. The rear quarter window seals often leak; replacement kits include new felt sweeps.
Exhaust System
The S2 cabrio has a unique exhaust routing to clear the top linkage. Factory catalytic converters are restrictive and expensive to replace. Aftermarket systems from Borla or custom shops offer free-flowing mufflers that fit. Heat shields rust and can be replaced with sheet metal fabrications.
Maintenance and Wear Items
Oil leaks are common: the cam housing gasket, oil pan gasket, and RMS (rear main seal) are frequent culprits. Replace with Elring or Victor Reinz gaskets. The cooling system needs regular attention—hoses from the thermostat housing to the heater core are prone to bulging. Silicone hose kits (e.g., from 944online) are a durable upgrade. Spark plugs and wires: use Bosch WR6DC+ or NGK equivalents. The distributor cap and rotor are shared with the 944 turbo; ensure proper timing after replacement.
Fluids and Filters
Use 5W-50 synthetic oil (Porsche Classic spec) for best protection. Transmission fluid: Red Line MTL or OEM Dexron III for the manual; for the differential, use 75W-90 GL-5. Coolant: G12 pink ethylene glycol. Fuel filter: replace every 2 years—it's under the passenger side rear wheel well.
Final Recommendation
Prioritize OEM or German-made parts for critical safety systems (brakes, suspension, timing belt). For cosmetic items and non-structural components, quality aftermarket parts offer good value. Always check specialist forums and suppliers like 928 International, Pelican Parts, or Only944 for compatibility. Keep a spare timing belt kit in the trunk—it's cheap insurance. With attentive maintenance, a 944 S2 Cabrio can be a reliable weekend cruiser and a memorable investment. Focus on rust prevention, fluid changes, and top mechanism care, and your cabrio will reward you with countless top-down miles.