Question on 968 engine in 944S

[vanwyk4257]

I've found a pretty good deal on a 1992 968 engine complete with the wiring harness and ECU/DME unit. I am strongly considering picking this up and replacing the engine in my car now.

My car is a 1987 944S, and there's nothing wrong with the engine that is in the car, but I figure an extra 35-40HP would go a long way toward keeping up with and hopefully outrunning some pesky 911's at DE's, which is why I'm considering the transplant.

I would replace the belts, rollers, and seals on the 968 engine before installing it in my car, and I would probably sell the 944S engine to defray some of the cost of the conversion.

Are there any problems or pitfalls I need to be aware of with making this transplant into my car, particularly any wiring issues I should be concerned with?

I know there are a few people out there that have done this conversion so any input or other recommendations relating to maintenance items to do to the 968 engine before I install it would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

[jgp0rsche]

You should be good to go on this project. i have a friend that did it. he loves it.

BTW, it'll be a big difference in HP. trust me. The 944S power output was DEFINITELY over stated. this has been proved many times.

[vanwyk4257]

Thanks for the input. I know a lot of guys will say just go buy a 951, but I don't want a turbo at this point, I would just be happy with a more responsive N/A car. Not to mention it would be a sleeper at the track.
I figure I can quickly remove enough items to shave a couple hundred pounds or more off the car before going to the track, so between that and another 40 or so HP I think it would be a lot of fun. I just don't want to spend a fortune.

[legion]

What tranny are you going to use?

[JivenJim]

968's a great Engine! Various Cam and Oil Squirters. Lots of Grunt. And Definitely runs with the 911's.
Dual Massflywheel is problematic. I swapped in a lightweight replacement and new clutch.
I would add the Balance Shaft 2x Reece's, and oil pump gear / Reece. I'm replacing mine now cause scored Reece will cause even new oil seals to leak. Water Pump a must.
Would strongly consider Knife edge the Crank, and new Connecting Rod Bearings and keep it under say 6800 RMP's.

Also do Clarks Vario Cam Inspection. Replace Cam Tensioner Pads if there're original!!! They will be Scored. Maybe the Timing chain per mileage and Inspection. ~ 100 K miles

My Swap Post:
I Swapped a 968 into a 924S

Still not a cheap swap.

I think you need an S2 Clutch Bell housing if you keep your Tranny. Read the link I gave for the 944S3.
Wiring should be plug and Play adding the Power's I note.

Give me a yell if you have any questions.

[vanwyk4257]

legion, I will be using the existing 944S gearbox in my car.

Jim, Thanks for the insight, you were one of the people I was thinking about as it relates to having done the conversion already.
I know it will cost some money to do the conversion, I just don't want to spend a ridiculous sum on it. I'm able to get the complete engine for a very reasonable price which gives me a good starting point. In fact, if I sell my 944S engine, I should be able to recoup most if not all of my investment in the purchase of the 968 engine.
I think the 944S and S2 use the same clutch, flywheel and bellhousing, so I should hopefully be all set there.
I will do some reading per your recommendations.
Thanks again!

[Techno Duck]

http://www.944s3.com/

[Razorback1980]

The only negative I see is that 968 parts are not as available and when you find them, they cost. If you need to find another crank sometime, it's going to be hard to find and expensive. Other than that, I think you will have a great running car. Good Luck.

[Schumi]

I may be mistaken but I believe that the regular 944 and 944S gearboxes have slightly shorted 1st and 2nd gears to make them feel a little sportier on takeoff given their small horsepower, whereas the 968 has longer 1st and second gears since it has the grunt to do a longer pull from a standing start. So if you keep your current transmission your car will be a monster through 3rd gear. 1st gear might actually be almost useless as you will probably have to shift right away as it will take no time to hit the redline.


Of course I could be totally wrong on all of my assumptions.

[Usmellgass2?]

I have been collecting info on this same swap, Here are some links to what I have found. I think the na trans will be geared to low, the turbo trans should be a good match. Good luck and please keep us informed.

http://www.rsbarn.com/968products.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~bryangunn/main944page/id4.html

http://members.rennlist.com/tholyoak/944_engine_swap_wiring.htm

I Swapped a 968 into a 924S

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=221429&page=1&pp=15&highlight=924s3+update

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=95724&page=1&pp=15

[vanwyk4257]

Thanks guys, its still in the "kicking it around" stage right now.

I'm actually looking at a couple different 964's right now and if I buy one of those I'll be selling this car as is, otherwise I may very well move forward with the 968 engine.

[Schumi]

964's - the more you look at them the more they grow on you, until you just 'have to have' one.

...unlike 993's.. at which the first time you set eyes on one, you want one and would automatically trade a body part to get one.....

[ERAU944]

Originally posted by Schumi
964's - the more you look at them the more they grow on you, until you just 'have to have' one.

...unlike 993's.. at which the first time you set eyes on one, you want one and would automatically trade a body part to get one.....

guilty, aaaaaand guilty

good luck, whatever you decide to do!

[drift a 944]

ever looked into the Chevy LS-1 swap? If you are looking for HP gains with a cheap swap... I hear they are great

[vanwyk4257]

Originally posted by drift a 944
ever looked into the Chevy LS-1 swap? If you are looking for HP gains with a cheap swap... I hear they are great

I did read up on it, and it's an interesting idea, but quite frankly I doubt the gearbox and clutch would hold up for long. If I wanted an LS-1 I would probably just go buy a C5 corvette or a Trans Am like the one my little brother has.

[Brando]

An LS-1 and a 968 complete drivetrain would do you well. I saw a 968 Driveshaft, bellhousing, transmission, complete axles and shift linkage with interior shifter parts sell for $3200 on eBay a few weeks ago.

[vanwyk4257]

Yeah, I don't have any problem with the idea of an LS1 swap, it just doesn't make sense for me to do it right now. It would make for a fun car no doubt!