944 85.5+ Basket case: what to do?

[ouz12]

I'm the 'proud' new owner of a 85.5 NA Basket case. I already own a early 85 NA, and Ive done a LOT of work to put it on the road: replaced wheel bearings, removed rear end and boiled the gas tank, replaced most of the fuel system, etc....the question now is - what to do with the late 85 basket case? The engine was out and is not the original - and im missing the AFM, intake,injectors,harness etc. Most people would say " part it out" - however I look at this as an opportunity to do some serious mods: everyone I post to or talk to says:" just buy a 951/968" I 'd rather mod this 85+ to the max. as the engine is already out, and I'll have to mod the missing AFM with a MAF setup, and replace the fuel rail / injectors: and I'm willing to do the engine work: does anyone know what kind of pistons were issued with this engine? I know the crank is forged, what can the pistons handle? Yep-I'm also thinking about piston replacement and beefing up this block-but no one seems to have ever heard of doing it-except an old porsche tech I talked to in Raleigh that says the max this block can handle is 600 HP......(600HP?!?,but it wont last long....try for 285...)He also said the engine is turbo ready-but getting there is awful expensive- - compression is too high and would have to be brought down. No I dont want to go get a 951/968/Turbo...suggestions? I look at it like this: as long as Ive got to build a basket case - it might as well be a screamer! 2 friends say I should sick a chevy 6-banger in it.......but I kinda want to keep it kraut. Thoughts / ideas/ welcome - Im NOT beyond a total engine rebuild.

[fast924S]

OOOOOK well first things first, Try using the search button TONS of info on this stuff.

Second the engine is not turbo ready, Well maybe a low psi application but no 600hp turbo. Rods and pistons are all wrong.

If I where you and had the cash, I would go threw the hole motor, Replace rings, bearings, seals, belts, waterpump, OPRV. Do a 2.7L conversion, Get the crank lightened knife egded, crossed drilled and polished. Get everything balanced, Get some light and strong connection rods, Do some sweet head work and play with differend valve sizes, Drop in a sweet cam, titanium valve retainers. Update the oil pick up with a 968 style pick up and weld in some baffles. Run a TEC 3 engine manegment system http://www.electromotive-inc.com/products/tec3.html Bolt on a Tuned Header. Drop in some 951 injectors/fuel rail. Then go here http://www.speedforceracing.com/productsporsche_superchargers_944v8.php
Bolt on the stage 2 supercharger setup running 8psi with a 951 intercooler. Get a lightened flywheel and a stronger clutch. Aslo if you install a aqua mist system you could raise boost levels without blowing up.

So ditch the turbo idea, To much painful work, Bolt on that supercharger and have power threw the whole rpm range. I would think with all these mods done you would have a killer engine, running approx 280-290hp with some sweet torque.

[pokey]

What he said^. And no turbo lag. The BLOCK is turbo ready the pistons and con rods are not.

[ouz12]

Sweet--Thanks for the links, and the input - I did do a lot of searches on this but I've also gotten a lot of different info from that - you put all I was thinking about into one post...Iv'e worked on 280Z's for a long time but recently got into 944's - and Im still learning their history / builds. I'm definitely checking out all youd said....I know - some people think it's nuts, but I dont build em to sell em or look for easy builds - I build em to enjoy, and a quality ride..... Thanks!!

[fast924S]

Hell ya man, Im all for building the NA 944, I would never sell my baby. This winter is a big overhall, But right now its just too cold out to do any work. She will be getting new engine seals, t-belt, water pump, new oprv, performance cam, lighter flywheel, AC delet kit, 75hp shot of nitrous, along with some body and suspension mods.

Here are some pics of what she looks like now, before I do more work






Anyway Have fun, And if you have any question please ask.

[serge944]

I think a 3.0l swap would be a better way to go. At 5.5k, the SFR kit is heavily overpriced. Theyre making quite a bit of money off them.

You can find an s2 or a 968 engine for about 2.5 and 3.5k, respectively. You would actually have RELIABLE hp. Although it would require more work...