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I've begun shopping for a long term 944 project, and want to solicit some opinions about which generation car to start with. The result of this project will be a driver, built for my enjoyment with the occasional HDPE thrown in for good measure. I will engine swap the car, probably for a VW 07K naturally aspirated. I think 5-cylinder noises and 220hp/180tq would be highly entertaining in a 944. Because it is a driver it will also need a/c. Nothing is sacred, if it feels right then do it. I'm not scared of fabricating suspension, but I am allergic to bodywork!
I'm drawn to the early cars because of their simplicity. The manual roof is OK with me. I love the dash layout.
The first ABS cars are nice, but the newer dashboard is NOT an upgrade in my eyes. Was the suspension any better on these cars?
Later cars like the S2 look great with the more integrated front end. The rear end is a wash. I wouldn't go any later, as the 968s don't interest me at all.
If you can find a turbo (new dash, sorry) it will have the transaxle you have to have for a 07K, saving that additional expense. The newer it is, the more stuff to go wrong. Early turbo with blown motor. Start shopping.
@orig944 While I agree that the 951 transaxle is desired for higher torque applications, the stocker should easily survive my initial hp/torque targets don't you think?
I should probably also confess that I'm super attracted to the LOBB 01E conversions. I'll ask for opinions on those in a separate thread!
@orig944 While I agree that the 951 transaxle is desired for higher torque applications, the stocker should easily survive my initial hp/torque targets don't you think?
I should probably also confess that I'm super attracted to the LOBB 01E conversions. I'll ask for opinions on those in a separate thread!
-T
IMO, the 2.5L 8V NA transmission will not survive a 220hp/180 ft-lb engine.
IMO, the 2.5L 8V NA transmission will not survive a 220hp/180 ft-lb engine.
That would be my concern also. If that is the case, you may have to consider a turbo (951) or one of the much later cars. Which will of course cost you more money.
Paging @KevinGross for a professional opinion.
That would be my concern also. If that is the case, you may have to consider a turbo (951) or one of the much later cars. Which will of course cost you more money.
Paging @KevinGross for a professional opinion.
To give a yes-or-no answer, I would say "yes" to the general statement that a 944 NA (eight-valve, normally-aspirated) transmission will not survive in a Turbo engine, or any engine that carries more than stock power. Which is why for the 2.7 liter, final year car, Porsche upgraded the transmission. There has been enough of a history of broken pinions in these transmissions to back up this position.
That said, if you are a racer looking for an advantage to the NA transmission in a more powerful car, and you are will to do what it takes, it is possible to find peace and even happiness with the NA transmission. What does it take? Mostly three big things: 1. regular fluid changes, using a high quality fluid, 2. learn how to shift properly, and 3. service the transmission internals periodically. Each of these is a topic worthy of some discussion, but I'll spare you that. Cheers,
Last edited by KevinGross; 01-11-2024 at 03:37 PM.
Do yourself a Big favor and go for an 86 or later car. If you can find one with a 16 valve engine..go there. I have an 83, and being so old, the electrics can go wonky in a heartbeat and cause fires under the dash. The later cars have more fuses, and more relays, and heavier wiring. Therefore, more protection with the electrics. However, there are several must-dos with any 944. One of the first things is to change the engine bay fuel lines as they go bad from the heat. After that is the front engine service with new belts and water pump. Hope that you have a good set of metric wrenches or the snap-on guy will soon be your best new friend. Good luck and welcome to the forum!😀
THX @Tiger03447 Engine will get swapped, because there are lots of engines that make better noises (and similar or better power) and are more reliable! Besides, 2.7L cars eat into my transmission budget, those things aren't cheap!
Interesting suggestion on the wiring. One of the far-fetched options dancing around in my head is to completely swap motor, ECU, Dash, etc. from an OBD car. That way I don't have to worry about 40 year old wiring. We'll see.
As I read the forum and learn about these cars they are definitely Lego-like, where parts freely interchange between generations. I lean toward the later cars only because of the flush windshield and because many seem to have been shown slightly better care. Initially I am hoping for a budget friendly driver to live with for awhile as I get used to the car and see what it wants. I will definitely keep updating here when the project finally gets underway!
i have an '86 951 that i need to sell. black/black. currently running 18" Fikse FM10s, but original dials available. mechanically good, very solid body, some minor body issues. if you're interested in more info, let me know and i can shoot you some pics.
I finally picked up the cheapest running 944 available... My hope is to learn and live with the car while letting it tell me exactly what it needs.
The car is already asking for a few things, however.
- The rear suspension is terrible. I believe that the Driver's side torsion rod has failed or perhaps the arm has broken, as under acceleration the car practically wheelies and requires steering input. Rear suspension just got bumped VERY high on the list.
- The door handles are VERY finnicky. I have lots of VW friends to lean on here.
- The body is riddled with rust. I'm not sure if the thing was parked in tall grass for 20 years but the entire underside is rust. Sills and quarters are terrible, fenders also bad. It's bad enough that I already know this is not the shell I will be building long term.
01-09-2024, 09:42 PM
Project Shopping... Which 944 Generation?
