Game plan for my 944 - critiques wanted

[michaelf]

I've done a lot of reading of the forum and I'd like your opinions on my current game plan.

I have an 87 944 NA that I am planning a few upgrades on. I got the car a few years ago and have basically just driven it (and maintained it properly), but now it’s requiring some more attention and I want to do it right.

Recently, the exhaust split on the engine side of the cat (it had already been repaired there once). I also had the exhaust header repaired about 6 months ago where it had developed a crack. Anyway, I’d like to replace the exhaust header and air intake with this product: MSDS Inc (scroll to the bottom.) Price: $347. I’d also like to replace the cat with the test pipe offered by Pelican (PEL-44CTP). Price: $342. I think I can still use my current system behind the test pipe. Finally, I’m getting the impression the Power Prom 2 is worth the $200.

My goal is a freer breathing, ballsier sounding daily driver that has some extra power at a good price. It seems like the $900 in the above goodies will get me there. Does anyone know anything about the MSDS Inc products? How might these work in combination with the Power Prom? Does it look like I’m headed in the right direction?

Thanks,

Michael

Ps: I’d like to move on this asap. My wife recently said, “If you’re going to own a 944, treat it like one. If you’re going to treat it like a Civic, go buy one and get rid of the Porsche.” I’d like to do something before she comes to her senses.

Pss: No kidding ... she actually said that.

[CJFusco]

Well, there's no doubt that the cat is restrictive... just so you know, if you replace the cat with a test pipe, the car will be VERY loud, illegal, and will not pass emissions. You are probably better off getting something like a resonator (I have seen them for cheaper than the Pelican test pipe --- actually, I have seen other test pipes for $99).

As for the exhaust/header replacement... well, the jury's still out on that one. Most people seem to agree that aftermarket exhaust might give you a few more peak HP at the expense of low-end torque. I say go for it... if you can, get before-and-after dynos

And the PowerProm is worth it. Period. Ask anyone who has one.

[Tervuren]

Need to check your local emmissions reg's before removing the cat. I live in SC, and cannot find anything on the subject online anywhere. I assume, then, that there is nothing. I know there are no inspections for emmissions, which would tend to back that up, but before I took a step like that, I'd defiantely want to KNOW.

[Razorback1980]

I live in Houston Texas and they definitely look for that here. For those years, they put an emissions testor in the tail pipe and run the car at various RPM's and if the cat is gone, it will definitely not pass inspection. That's spreading to all of Texas as each year passes. The EPA tests the air in bigger cities and if the air doesn't pass EPA standards, that county or parish will have to do the emission testing on the car.

Tom

[michaelf]

I'm in Ohio, and we have a system called E-Check that is done every two years. Since I have an 87, the next check would be Spring of 2007. The rumor around the state is that E-Check is going away next year. Guess how our wonderful state gov is going to do that. By using the tobacco settlement the state will be receiving. Go figure.

Anyway, does anyone see any drawbacks to the what I'm thinking of doing regarding performance? I'm thinking the combination of the chip and the exhaust header and the removal of the cat (test pipe or resonator replacing it) might be a nice solution.

Michael

[Tapage]

Appears a good chance ..



Anycase check this people .. one frind buy this exaust and are very happy .. I'm in saving money status to buy mine ..



http://www.fabspeed.com/944t.html

[BananaClip]

If you are already planning on running an aftermarket exhaust, headers and chip, why not add a performance cam to the list?

[KY944S]

If you add the performance cam you may as well skip the chip and go with the other things on the list. Most chips are programed for stock or near stock set ups i.e. cam,exhaust,etc.

[BananaClip]

Originally posted by KY944S
If you add the performance cam you may as well skip the chip and go with the other things on the list. Most chips are programed for stock or near stock set ups i.e. cam,exhaust,etc.

Well if I'm not mistaken, FR Wilk will set up chips for modified engines, and you do need aftermarket management (ie through a chip) to take real advantage of a cam and headers. Of course now you're on the real slippery slope. More power? need a stronger transmission! get an S tranny for what, 600, 800 dollars? Might as well throw in the cash for an LSD equipped model, only a few hundred more. (see this all starts to bug the hell out of me whenever i think of modifying my car. dump $2000 on a new transmission and some real basic mods for what, 20 more hp? ) Personally, AND THIS IS JUST ME, I'd get a Wilk chip, take care of any smaller issues, maybe put on some Boxster 17" wheels, and take it to a DE. Which is what I'm probably going to do once I have the money. (yay college)

edit: If i'm wrong about anything please feel free to correct me.

[KY944S]

I said most, not all chips. You could be right about Wilks chip, it does kick ass or um he kicks ass.

[gtomarty]

Put an aftermarket bullit cat they are high flow, keep you legal, and with an aftermarket sport muffler it will be loud (to loud sometimes on my 87 944S) but smog legal. Marty

[michaelf]

thanks for the tips - i think i've got good direction