Which Engine should i put in it?
 

I own a 1987 924S. I love the look of the N/A 924s, but i need to improve the powerplant. I am killing myself trying to figure out if i want to put a 944 Turbo Engine or a 968 engine in it. I've pretty much decided to go with the 6-speed 968 Transmission. (duh)

I've keep reading about the incredible feeling of a turbo when the boost kicks on, but the added horses and lack of the turbo-related issues are screaming for the 3.0 I4.

What are your opinions? Which one do you think feels more fun to drive?

The 951 engine IS fun, but a transplant is a LOT of money and a LOT of work. Trust me, I just abandoned a project (I am currently looking for an ultra-clean 951). Just buying the engine whole isn't enough; you would have to swap wiring harnesses and computer, swap the tranny, probably get a stronger clutch, cut up the inside of the nose to fit an intercooler, figure out where you are going to put the radiator when you install said intercooler... not to mention all the nickel-and-dime stuff that will kill you slowly.

After $2000 invested, I did the math and figured that I could spend a lot less and get a near-perfect 951, and have a more reliable, newer, more comfortable car in the process. I am currently selling the parts on eBay (check out the auctions if you are serous about this project), and looking for the perfect 951.

I've thought about the same thing, and heard about your project CJ, but damn... i just can't stand the 951 nose and rear.

I don't know how difficult or feasible it would be, but if perhaps i was able to replace the 951 nose with a N/A nose and the rear with a ... perhaps S2 (i believe thats the one that put the license plate back on the bumber and has the Porsche light panel back between the taillights) i'd consider just purchasing a 951.

Goddamn i almost forgot the sexy round side lights too...

Another problem with that is i can do mechanical work... but body work? heh heh... yeah right.

The S2 and 951 have the exact same bodywork. When a reflector panel is put between the taillights and the license plate is moved down, that is an aftermarket job.

Gotcha... and a necessary one, IMHO. :D

beauty is obviously in the eye of the beer holder

Hey CJ,

If I had to do it again I would of bought a Turbo or a whole 968. I was easily over $10,000 getting the 968 it in. Some where along the last year I learned a ton. Gained 10lbs or beer, and pealed away damaged Gray Matter. A LOT of work. To Stuborn to quite, I guess, once I got in the Deep end.

Here's my original posts
Engine
<http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/256169-i-swapped-968-into-924s.html>
Tranny:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/260555-swapping-968-944-tranmissions.html

In retrospect:
I think I spend as much time trying to get the Tranny to mount as I did for Putting in the whole engine.
I'd keep that Turbo Tranny and use the S2 Bell house like in my write up. A lot easier than swapping out the Toque Tube and having to deal with a custom Tranny mount.

That being said the 968 Engine in a lighten frame is Nice! I've even beat guy in A Corvette LS1's in a straight line. But soon you would become accustomed to the speed and need more. And that's another 6K-10K to supercharge to 350-400 WHP.

The Turbo Brakes are also better and the Hubs can fit Big Reds and Such..

I'm in the throws of a full rebuild now after a spun bearing and Bent Crank! There goes another 6K. Plus upgrades and more time!

And before you ask, I'm not going to sell you my $20,000 924S.

Good Luck and buy a Turbo!

Jim

hmm ... not long time ago i had similar dilemma , love the 924s look but needed more power . I did drop 951 motor tranny converted all suspension even redid my dashboard and front windshield (i should never touch windshield) cost me arm and leg buddy, lots of frustration and almost the divorce lol. Today if someone would ask me to do it again: never :) If $$$ and time is not option for u go for it, otherwise stay with N/A they are good motors, find the ways to shave some weight, fix suspensions, add few performance upgrades ... Anyway that’s only my 2cents :)

I have a 924S and love the look of the 944. I guess it's all about what you like I guess. If you set a 924S and a 944 side by side, the 944 just looks mean compared to the 24. I have heard of a few other people who like the 24 look better than the 44. It is more Italian looking, think Ferrari Daytona, which nearly unarguably the 924 was styled towards. The 944 is more outlandish 80's Porsche looks IMO. Wide hips and front fenders make it flashy, just like a slantnose 930. The kind of car that people see and instantly think outlandish 80's Porsche. People see my guards red 924S and think early 70's ferrari. And that bugs me... :)

I guess it's at least nice to be able to say people mistake your car for a ferrari.

If you decide to to the engine swap be in for a ton of money and work. People always say 'it's not work to me, it's a fun project'... so then you are left with just time money and frustration. The 924S's 2.5L has always given me nearly all the power I have ever needed, at least for twisties. It will never be a drag car and even with an engine swap don't expect to goto a drag strip and lay down a 12 second 1/4 mile...

But if you want to have fun and have the money, go for it.

Also, I vote for the 3.0L swap. I think it would suit the car better than turbo power, and I forsee less problems down the road...