951 engine into a 1980 924 swap...

80_924/944 · 08-18-2006, 06:16 PM

Now I know that many have asked about swapping 951 engines into the 924s, and 951 engines into the 944 n/a. I've searched a bit about doing a 951 swap into a old school 1980 924, and don't think I have ran across anything useful to me. I'm wondering if anyone has actually done a 951 swap into a older 924...I know the basics on what I need, and am getting a lot of it soon. por951turbo has been a good start on info about the difference in the 2 models, but I would like some info from someone that has actually done this if it has been done successfully. Any info would be greatful, and I know there is a fanatic that has done this somewhere!

Eldorado · 08-18-2006, 06:18 PM

what do you want to benefit from this project?

talk to cjfusco, the project will get really expensive really quickly.

80_924/944 · 08-18-2006, 06:30 PM

the poor old 924 that I currenty have as a DD has an estimated 160k+ on the car, I have no way to tell since the odometer has been broken before the previous owner bought it. there isnt really many options I have right now, so I fugured I might as well get another engine while I can and go from there. Im only 20, I have plenty of time left to save, and to make this a ongoing project. Ive always liked to modify cars in unique and different ways, this 924 is not going to be excluded. I know how much it will end up costing me, Ive already got down a list of what is needed. I will be getting a '89 951 complete engine, crossmember, bell housing and clutch, torque tube, and transmission next weekend. Theres just a few things I need to be cleared up on, such as the shifter linkage and other issues I might run into.
I just plan to have the engine installed by spring so I can start it up before the first day of no snow.

Britwrench · 08-18-2006, 08:21 PM

Old 924 worth $500 on a good day and then transfer lots of (usually) expensive parts = call your therapist now.

It's not unique or different.

Speedo959 · 08-18-2006, 09:31 PM

I know a guy locally who is converting his 87 924s to a turbo. He is even using a 968 transmission. I'll have to give him a call and get his email address.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

Logistical nightmare. I am considered brave by many for even attempting it (crazy by most).

BTW, going to look at/test drive a low-mileage 951 tomorrow AM. Very excited

pelaeon · 08-19-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

I know a guy locally who is converting his 87 924s to a turbo. He is even using a 968 transmission. I'll have to give him a call and get his email address.

Could is get his email address also?

I have a 1987 924S that i was also considering putting a 944 Turbo Engine/Transmission into. I was also considering a 3.0 968 Engine. N/A, no problems like with a turbo, and more HP to boot. I'm just concerned about the amount of modification i'd have to do to get that beast to fit. The 968 transmission is intreagueing also... hmmm

charles_horton@hotmail.com

80_924/944 · 08-19-2006, 02:04 PM

I plan on completing this project within the next 4-6 months, and will try to keep everyone updated on the swap. I really do not have the option to buy a 951 like so many have suggested, so I'm doing what I can with the 924. After the swap is complete, when I save enough to buy the front end of the GTR from GT-Racing I will do that eventually.

As of parts, Ive already got about 3k from the engine to the transmission, all thats needed is a few minor changes and updated parts such as going to a hydraulic clutch instead of cable. Working 50-60 hours a week wont help, but i will be spending every second I have on getting this on the road again. Not the mention, funds Im using to support this project can be earned back within the next year, so thats not too much of an issue to me right now. Cant get any better than being 20, living at home for a low cost, having a good job, and spending money on what I love most... my cars.

Eldorado · 08-19-2006, 03:20 PM

i'd be very interested... please do keep us updated..

Slam · 08-21-2006, 07:06 AM

Look for Alex's (ae1969) posts. He's done an admirable job with turbo work and Megasquirt.

80_924/944 · 08-21-2006, 04:43 PM

Thnx guys, I appreciate the enthusiasm from you and will get this done without having it half rigged. I seem to be spending most of my nights reading up and researching on this project, really the only kind of reading I do is on cars. I am determined to make this work, and it will be worth the time and effort in the end. Thanks again guys, Ill be keeping you all updated once another critical stage is completed in the swap. For now, I wait until i get my pats lol.

Britwrench · 08-21-2006, 05:03 PM

Don't forget that the front frame rails on a 924 are not the same as a 924S/944 so that you will need to weld brackets on to allow the 944 cross-member to bolt to something.

I still know that if it was me, I wouldn't.

dorsche · 08-21-2006, 05:26 PM

Just as Britwrench said the front end might be an issue not only the get cross member fix in place but to get correct square alignment ... wow man lots of $$, time and unique engineering to get you project rolling, good luck

80_924/944 · 08-24-2006, 09:18 AM

I used to work at a dealership, and have done plenty of alignments, now I work at a tire store that has an alignment rack. Ill have to clock out one day early so I can fiddle with the alignment sometime. Anyone up for free alignments??

I dont think this is a project update yet... but I have started on installing a newer 951 25.5mm front sway bar. Possibly soon, Im going to buy a used 18mm rear bar when I can get ahold of one. I plan to get adjustable droplinks for both in the future, but for now ill live with what it has. I wont be at the track for a long while anyhow.

Britwrench · 08-24-2006, 11:58 AM

Dorsche meant frame alignment....there is nowhere for the 944 crossmember to bolt onto a 924 frame rail.

pelaeon · 08-24-2006, 03:12 PM

Even on the 924s? Or was the crossmember a turbo only thing?

80_924/944 · 08-24-2006, 03:22 PM

I know that the Turbo and N/A crossmembers are different from each other. From what Ive read, the 924s is just a 944 with a 924 body. To make the 944 turbo crossmember fit into my 924, I will probably be spending time cutting and welding it to fit. I've now decided to get the whole front suspension of the 951, and more than likely will get the rear as well. If im going to do half the conversion, I might as well do it all.

Britwrench · 08-24-2006, 05:36 PM

924 and 924S are different at the front. They are different cars.
The 924S is a 944/951 with narrow fenders, not quite that simple but it's an adequate description.

Slam · 08-24-2006, 06:18 PM

924 crossmember isn't loadbearing. It has the steering rack and control arms bolted to it but that's about it. The 924/931 engine mounts bolt to the inner fender walls. The 924S/944 crossmember is loadbearing. It carries the engine, control arms and steering rack. They're quite different. You'd have to do some welding in of blind nuts for the 944 crossmember and that's your alignment issue - alignment of the crossmember. I don't know if that would be all, but it would be the biggest hurdle I can think of. If you can weld, have at 'er!

80_924/944 · 08-24-2006, 06:24 PM

Thats good to hear, in a good way I suppose. I'm trying to figure out what has to be done before I actually start on it, that way I dont sit around waiting for a response while I could be working on it. At least I know this will be taking some time, thank god I have a winter beater. Thanks for the info guys... it will become very useful when I need it most.