best motor swap for 944?

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 12:38 PM

Ok, it really suck being Porscheless! I have seen some 944's going pretty cheap and was thinking...

Why not buy a good roller and swap in a more economically sound mill? I wouldn't feel bad molesting a 944, and it could be done somewhaty on the cheap. My reasoning is it cannot be slow N/A, and the turbos put me right back where my 930 had me, big $ loss potential. I just want something fun to drive yet I cannot go back to <200hp after having the 930

I am cursed. So am I outta my mind or does this make sense? What would be a good mill for the transplant?

CarreraS2 · 07-20-2004, 12:53 PM

I've seen them with V8s put in. There was one in the So. Cal. Autotrader a couple months ago.

He was asking $20K, so I suspect it is still for sale.

I'm with you - I'd have no problem sticking a different engine in a 944. Most of them are one fender-bender away from the scrap heap, anyways.

Maybe try a late model, fuel injected engine out of a Corvette or Firebird? Those are probably very cheap. Maybe something with aluminium heads to try to keep the weight down a bit?

There's probably other, more esoteric engines that could be swapped in, but for cheap fun, it would be hard to beat the displacement of a groundpounding domestic V8.

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 01:01 PM

Man, could you get a wide a55 V8 in there? The prices on these seem to be all over the map! Anything from 4k to 15k for similar cars whats up with that?

CarreraS2 · 07-20-2004, 01:07 PM

This isn't the $20K one from Autotrader, but is an example of what can fit in a 944.

http://www.hermitagewood.com/944/

CarreraS2 · 07-20-2004, 01:09 PM

I don't like 944's all that much, or American V8s, but strangely, I would like a V8 powered 944! I think it would be a hoot as a daily driver.

thamlin000 · thamlin000's Garage

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/main.htm

The conversion costs $8k not including car and engine. Then you have to get a 951 transaxle. I'd say it is a $13k proposition to do it right.

I wouldn't expect a well-sorted V8 944 to go for less than $7000. Plus it still has a lot of expensive Porsche parts.

944s are not cheap to maintain and never will be reliable transportation. They are, however, fun for what they are. That being said, I'd love to have a V8 944.

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 01:31 PM

I couldn't find any prices on their site, have you inquired, or is that an educated guess? Thanks

thamlin000 · thamlin000's Garage

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/944.htm

I got the $8k conversion figure at the end of the 4th paragraph.

All the rest is educated guessing. $1k for non-running 944, $2k for V8, $1k for used 951 trans, $1k-? for odds and ends. Maybe $13k was a low estimate. I've looked into the conversion, but not very seriously.

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 02:14 PM

Ok, I see it now. I reads that 8K includes their installation. Hmm.

CarreraS2 · 07-20-2004, 02:15 PM

It's probably best to buy one already done. Or almost done.

If it is like most projects, the seller is lucky to get 50 cents on the dollar.

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 02:19 PM

You cali guys got it dicked that way, odds of me finding one up here.......nill. I must say the V8 944 does look enticing after going over that site. looks quite clean too. Hmmm..

mikester · 07-20-2004, 02:21 PM

I have always read that 944s and 968s were pretty reliable as is.

I know I've seen a LOT of high mileage ones and I test drove a few before I got my SC coupe. I was desperate - I was having trouble finding a good coupe. Forgive me...

island911 · 07-20-2004, 02:25 PM

the 951's are a tough turbo'd car . . .as long as you stay on top of the timingbelts.

The "cost" of dealing with someones abandoned project have got to be higher than maintenance on a 951.

lendaddy · 07-20-2004, 02:27 PM

If I could find one done right I would consider it, but who am I kidding. Time is the one thing I don't have. Odd that I come up with these ideas while at work after hours

Hello, McFly.

singpilot · 07-20-2004, 03:08 PM

I have seen and ridden in one of these Renegades. Was a Corvette LT1.

Was pretty impressive. Engine looked like it belonged there, the sign of a great conversion.

Watch the ads, these come available from time to time.

Tyson Schmidt · 07-20-2004, 07:22 PM

I was doing a clutch on a 944 Turbo once, and with the trans out, I got en "evil" idea. You could fit a 911 engine and trans in the back of a 944 if you opened up the rear trunk floor. They have the same rear suspension design, and plenty of room back there.

That'd be cool, but kind of a lot of work for something most people might laugh at. But it would have a glass window overlooking the engine. Just a wacky thought.

75'930cab · 07-20-2004, 08:31 PM

Here's one

for sale 944 V8 LT1

75'930cab · 07-20-2004, 08:33 PM

For some odd reason I have been craving a 944 V8 or 914 V8 lately? I think it would be kindy fun!

ronin · 07-20-2004, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lendaddy
...and the turbos put me right back where my 930 had me, big $ loss potential.

not sure I understand this statement. lenny, please humor me and elucidate

lendaddy · 07-21-2004, 12:22 PM

"not sure I understand this statement. lenny, please humor me and elucidate"

With a 930, if you have a major engine failure, you are looking at $12,000 or more just to get back on the road. It's just a big gamble. I know the motors are robust, but the risk is high.

FWIW I got ahold of Renegade and the kit is $2,100 and $4,300 with ALL the goodies right down to a starter/gaskets/custom headers. Not too bad!