Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Look forward to seeing you soon Andy!

On the subject of different engines in a 944, if your doing it just because it may work out cheaper to maintain than a Porsche engine, that may end up becoming a fools paradise.

I have been through a lot of engine transplants in my time and its rarely worth it in reality unless your doing it for the right reasons, such as you enjoy the engineering challenge or other reason where the agro involved is really worth it.

Its a shame, but I am just being honest.

Thanks for taking the time to explain Jon. I didn't think it was likely that you would be the indie in question initially as I don't normally think of you and massive overcharging at the same time.

I don't remember if it was this thread or another but I personalyl don't see the point in swapping the standard engine for anything but a V8. The 2.3 Audi for example is heavy and longer than the 924 & 944 lumps - have you seen where it sits in an Audi S2? The radiator has to go to the side of it, and I doubt the bay is significantly shorter than the 944 one.

I have also said either here or elsewhere that I rate the uninspiring 4 cylinder less and less as time goes by, especially after the recent dismal dyno results which leave me wondering how tunable it really is. Even so you're going to swap the engine then you need it to be for something worthwhile hence again I say the Chevy V8 which pretty much makes 350bhp in a very low stress tune without trying and easily gives the far side of 500 with some work. It's also pretty compact and light (aroudn the same weight as the Turbo lump plus intercooler etc. 350 seems to me to be close tot he top end of what the Turbo 4-banger can make without a significant engineering challenge, so it dovetails nicely.

The chevy V8 has the big bonus I guess that its been done before many times, and as much as I hate companies who use the phrase "turn key" or "plug and play" (because it rarely is!) there are companies like renegade hybrids who have been selling kits to install a chevy in a 944 for years, so at least it should be limited in the "banging your head against a brick wall" stakes.

So I think if I was going to recommend any engine to transplant, I think I would agree with Fen, the chevy is a good candidate.

The latest LS9 version should fit the bill nicely - 6.2 litres with 638 bhp, brand new in a crate from Chevrolet for approx $14k US


http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default ... ryId=18893

http://www.944-20v.nl/

Not the turbo version, but looks like theres more room in there than a standard engine.

Yep, I guess you're right there is plenty of room. So just that it's heavier (and for my money not significantly enough more tunable than the standard Turbo lump to be worth the hassle) going against it.

It would sound much nicer however.

For my money, the best sounding and least exp used unit would be an E46 M3 engine. Any guesses if it would fit guys?

"Its official, from me, £1200 is NOT just a cam belt and water pump"

Reasonable money for a front end overhaul. It's very true that every job I've set out to do has turned into an epic! Like the simple cam box gasket to cure a minor oil leak that turned into a full head overhaul. Now between myself & my mate the mechanic. My car is pretty sorted. It still breaks. (please not for awhile.) But at least I know that the parts come off & there are no siezed/stripped bolts or cowboy workmanship to encounter.
These cars are only as good as the last guy to work on them. Sadly not all have been looked after as well as the ones you do. Seen some of your work.

Matter of opinion. I'm not a massive fan of the noise it makes until it's near the redline, by which time you're doing illegal speeds in anything above 2nd (or even in 2nd in the 5-speed implementation of the S54.

The exception would be if it had the CSL airbox, but even then how much of the CSL spine-tingling noise is down to the exhaust in combination with the rest, and how cost effective would fitting CSL parts to a 944 be? in fact how much of the CSL's soundtrack is down to the SMG 'box and the way the electronics manage the throttle blips?

Anyhow I doubt it would fit as the S54 is a straight 6 and I suspect it just too much longer than the Porsche 4-banger to squeeze in the bay. Even if it fits what is the inevitable extra weight ahead of the fron axle line going to do to the handling?

Good points about engine size Fen. It's all about the noise for me. I've got 4 younger brothers and we're pretty much all car nuts. I know my 951 is the 'best' car, but I don't half have to justify it when my twin starts up his 330i and number 2 his R32! I'm sure an LS2 etc... would trounce them both, but it would be such an investment (read 'cost') that would it really be worth it? Group buy on supply and fit of LS2 anyone?

I completely agree on the cost front, which is another reason I think if you're going to fit something that was never meant to be there then you may as well get the biggest bang you can for what will be similar buck.

I probably dropped something like 6k Sterling on the engine in my 944T (when you count the mods, the rebuild costs and the core engine value) and it made 360bhp. It grenaded. That doesn't seem great value and 360bhp is very definitely a point where the law of diminishing returns has kicked in with the 951. I'd say if you want 320-330bhp then you can do that reliably and cost-effectively with a couple of grand to throw at it, but if you want more then you'd be well advised to consider a transplant, especially as you'll get a decent wedge for a good, running stock lump to offset the cost. Of course it will devalue the car and you really need to be in it for the long haul.

If I find a buyer for my standard ex-Porsche race series turbo lump then eventually I'll get round to sticking probably an LS1 into mine.

Thanks John (JMG) for elaborating on the detail behind a £1200 front end service. Next to that, £275 + vat for the belts sounds very attractive!

Out of interest (and I think I know what your answer is going to be!) would you take on a V8 conversion job for a 944S? If so, would you be able to quote to supply and fit a Chevy V8? If so, perhaps also a quote just to fit it, if I can locate everything myself and deliver it to you with the car. Current engine is absolutely fine (100k miles) runs great and has been serviced correctly etc so this could possibly be sold / have value? An interesting project over the winter months?!

Jon doesn't log on here very often (last time was 12th Nov) so it would probably be better to give him a call.

I bet I know the answer though

Does it involve writing out a cheque, but oh, don't bother yourself with the filling out the part with the actual amount...?

Must admit the LS convertion is something I've been considering for the future so would love to know how you get on if you go ahead with it. As Fen says it's easy to spend a whole heap of money on the original lump and not get 400bhp, but the LS2 does this in standard trim. I know it's going to cost just as much to do but it is likely to be more reliable. For now though I've got the brakes and suspension to bring upto scratch before I make the decision. A stong pound would help as well!