Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Head gaskets shouldn't be a problem mine ran cheapy tin ones but was low compression 9:1 as it was a converted LR Defender lump that started at 8.3:1.
TR7 conversions are the same, some people struggle to cool them, mine was a reworked rad day 1 & a decent fan & was sorted. Depends on your engineering ability I suppose. And nope it won't compete with a Turbo at all, but then it is a 1950's design hence why I'd go LSx which is a current lump. This even in standard form will blow away a Turbo even moderately tuned. And if you start tweaking the V8 then it will get to silly levels very easily & still be reliable, no cam or balance belt, turbo etc.

Quite right but if you have a tired 944 2.5 then a refresh will be big bucks. A 200BHP RV8 can be built for very little money & looking at a conversion last week at Bromley in a 924S looked very easy.
I've just spent 300 quid on a front end rebuild kit for mine without a water pump which would be another 240quid. SO 540 if tou spanner it yourself & you'll be here every 3-4 years. If you're looking to track an old 944 then a RV8 drop in could be ideal. This also would mean the shorter gearing wouldn't be an issue. The RV8 is pretty bulletproof at sensible BHP levels & bits available on E Bay for peanuts.

There was a thread about this on the 944 board (PCGB Forum) recently. The discussion there was about installing an LS1/2/3/7 engine into a 944 Turbo.

We proved the concept by installing an LS2 engine into a scrap 944 Turbo (to make sure it fitted).

With all the experience we have of the LS engines (GM V8's that can be found in 'Vettes, Monaros and VXR8's) - this is a very viable long term option (for those that plan to keep their cars a while). An LS2 is an easy 425 bhp (that's safe, reliable and unstressed horsepower). For those of you not familiar with the Monkfish & Monaro scene - over 1000 bhp is possible with these engines.

Regards,
Andrew

What is the rough cost of going this route, engine cost? Conversion bits? Also how much chopping is necessary?

Hi Jim,

A turn key warranted 944 Turbo (where we supply the car) would be £20,000 GBP with a 425bhp dyno tested and fully warranted GM LS2 6.0 litre rebuilt engine. This would be using a 1988 or later 250bhp base and the car would be supplied with warranty (some exclusions would apply, such as bodywork). However, the power train warranty would be as a new car (along with brakes and any other refreshed components).

An LS1 engine can be found for £2,000 GBP (with ECU). The kit would then be required (estimate £1,500 GBP). The renegade kit only addresses some of the issues on a RHD car. You are then looking at installation and interfacing with current electronic systems. For a competent DIY person, you are probably looking at about £6,000 GBP (again, very, very approximate)

For professional turn key installation - approximately £7,500 to £12,000 depending on condition of original car, engine required, level of modification etc etc.

All are very broad brush estimates (complete car is most accurate), but should give you an idea. No cutting away of the cars bodywork is required (to the best of my current knowledge).

Regards,
Andrew