Need help sorting out logistics for a carbureted 944S

[speedracing944]

Howdy all,
I recently purchased a 87 944S which had an engine fire. The fire burnt up the entire wiring harness along with the MAF and all the sensors and fuel injectors. I visited the Porsche dealership and inquired about a new wiring harness. The technician laughed and said it was $1500, but.... There isn't one showing in Porsches inventory anywhere in the world. OUCH!
One option I am exploring in order to put it back on the road is to do a carbureter conversion. I want to go with 4 40mm Mikuni carbs. One mounted to each cylinder. From my research the 4 40mm carbs could support an engine churning about 250 HP. What I need help with is what kind of issues will I be running into as far as the electronics are concerned. I would still like to retain the stock ignition system along with the knock sensors. I understand I will need to do something about the fuel pressure since the carbs are designed to run at a much lower pressure than our fuel injection system normally runs at. I still plan to use a O2 sensor for tunning but I understand the sensor wouldn't control anything.
I feel confident the conversion can be done since there are many 911 owners who have done the conversion to PMO or Webers. They also report much better throttle response and much increase in HP.

Thank you,
Speedy

[Britwrench]

Just go to a Porsche wrecking yard and buy the correct parts, install and it's done. Or spend hours trying to make something work that won't.
911 carb conversions are completely different and have no features to compare.

[scottmandue]

I have seen a 944 with weber sidedrafts, however it was a race (track) car so I don't know if it is legal or practical for street use. However someone may sell a kit for the conversion.

As Brit said probably easier to find a 944S that has been in an accident, or better yet blown the timing belt (broke belt=944S head ruined=big$$$=very motivated seller) but the fuel injection system should not be damaged from a belt failure (I think).

[944 Ecology]

We have everything in stock to make your 944S run again, without having to reinvent the wheel with carburetors...

Call us monday for a quote...

gb

[fast924S]

Why would you keep the knock sensor?? Its not gonna do anything if there isnt a DME. Your also gonna hve to do something about the igntion setup, then have fun tuning those 4 carbs. HP wise a good tuned FI car will run better and smoother, with better fuel economy and equal or better HP then a carb. Personaly I hate carbs, sure it work in the 50's but I think Fuel injection is way better.

[Brando]

fast924s... it depends on the quality of fuel injection,

I do agree with you, FI is better than carbs (by today's standards).

and you'll never pass smog with carbs.

[fast924S]

Brando that is correct I hate CIS

[Brando]

Aww... CIS works great. It can cure cancer, predict the future, even walk on water.

Well, in the perfect world where it works right.

[speedracing944]

Thanks for all the input guys. For now I am going to continue pulling the motor in order to repaint the engine bay. I think the carbs would be a realistic option and if they are tuned correctly they can deliver close to the same emissions output. BTW there is no such thing as emissions testing where I live.