Can you convert a 944 to one with the self tensioning timing belts

mscromer · mscromer's Garage

Is it possible, and has anyone ever install either the spring or hydraulic tensioner on a 86 or older 944 that does not have these installed, and if so how hard is the job. Does anyone have a junk block to test this out on.

Steiner944 · 04-05-2006, 07:14 AM

Is the 9201 not working out?

Frank

mscromer · mscromer's Garage

Yes the 9201 works great, but I just thought if someone has done it and it is easy, it would be a little extra security to have the tensioners on there. Porsche put them on the newer models so it must help.

nynor · 04-05-2006, 08:08 AM

you still use the 9201 and then lock the tensioner.

mattdavis11 · 04-05-2006, 08:51 AM

Can't recall anyone on this site doing it, but I believe Perry 951 over on the rennlist site did it. Do a search there, it may have even been a chapter in his rebuild.

scottmandue · 04-05-2006, 09:25 AM

I asked about this a while back and was told the mount for the tensioner is cast into the block.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

The spring autotensioner is a hunk of junk - more trouble than it's worth IMO.

aribop · 04-05-2006, 11:12 AM

The tensioner mounts are cast into the blocks. On an early one, you just have to drill the holes in the approprite spots and install studs for the tensioner to mount to.

legion · 04-05-2006, 12:09 PM

What about installing a hydraulic tensioner from a 968?

Zero10 · 04-05-2006, 12:26 PM

It's almost the same situation, except it's $300+ for a new one, and I recall hearing about the odd one failing.

There are a number of people with the auto-tensioners switching back to the manual tensioners for a good reason.

ae1969 · 04-05-2006, 01:59 PM

If you are thinking of spending 300+ to retrofit........ I would just buy p9201

I did a number of years ago......and it has paid for itself 10 fold.

mscromer · mscromer's Garage

Good point ae1969

Granite 944 · 04-05-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mscromer
Is it possible, and has anyone ever install either the spring or hydraulic tensioner on a 86 or older 944 that does not have these installed, and if so how hard is the job. Does anyone have a junk block to test this out on.

I really don't know if its possible or not myself, as I've never had the desire to do so myself (theres a lot to be said for not screwing around with the original design of some of these things, given any particular year of design, ya know). I do believe that the others above are correct in saying that there is a difference in the front of the block castings/bosses, to accomodate either/or. Not really sure though. alldata.com, and a subscription to such MAY shed a little more light on what and how this took place over the years, butt, I think in all reality, its just as well that you learn and deal with what you have, understand it, and use it as designed for your particular year of car. It REALLY isn't that big a deal, and I can't see where it would be WORTH the effort to convert. My opinion.......learn/use what ya got. Ain't no big deal.