Let's get real stupid!
 

Now, here we go, and I know it's all been said before, but after reading the 968 thread I've gotta run with it.

. . . . . The '83 944 owners manual list listed a curb of 2778 (Pelican lists 2675, again is this a dry weight??). Of course, mix this with the 968 from some unlucky donor (20th street usually has some out here with complete drivelines and suspension) and you automatically end up with 11.8/lb as compared to 19.5/lbs using the owners manual weight. Spend a few more chips and free the flow, ad a performance PROM, better intake, etc. and get maybe 40-45 more hp for a pretty solid 10/lb ratio. . . . Shave 100lbs off of that 2778 and you're getting damn close to that 9.5/lb.

Idea -

I recently purchased a '83 parts car. The chassis is still in decent shape and would make a perfect start for something really stupid. I've found a few local 968 parts cars with good drivetrains and suspensions for around 7-8.5k. I'm wanting to keep my budget down around 15k for the complete project which should be reasonable considering it would all be used for purchase of the parts car and performance upgrades only, no unnecessary body mods or interior fluff. In fact, I could probably start driving it after the initial purchase of the parts car and a few other items. After this project is completed I would then get a budget together for adjusting the drive ratios for best performance.

I know that I can end up with a real blast to drive and to sucker the 911 owners with up here (inculding the Testarossa owner up the road who laughs at my daily driver 944) in with. And yes, I'm the N. Georgia redneck of the hood up here. . . .The HOA here sent me letters concerning a '76 911 which was up on blocks in the driveway during the engine rebuild. :rolleyes:


Dilemma -

Well, we all know that the '83 chassis is nearly identical, the suspension can be upgraded and tuned to handle the 968 powertrain too. It's all been done before, but how do I apply all of that power to the ground without blatantly giving it to away with 18" of wide as hell rims and tires . . . And would the damn thing even stay earthbound without some very noticeable body mods at the nose and rear :D

I've accepted the fact that I'll most likely lower the ride height.


Question -

Is there any good input out there from others who love the sleeper too. Particularly in regards to how the stock '83 body aerodynamics react at speed (150+) and as to how handling would be affected by keeping wheel sizes at 16" with modest width. I'd actually like to keep the Cookie Cutter look.

What I wan't might not be possible. I might need to go with 17's or 18's as well as changing the front by adding a dam as well as a different rear spoiler.

Any thoughts?? What info is available as to whats been done to the early model body 944's??

Should be pretty straightforward; there's a few 968-powered 924's and 944's over on rennlist. I don't recall them having to seriously re-work aero or chassis, really - it's not that different, and the basis of the 944 isn't that bad. I'm quite sure you'd be just fine with the stock bodywork; if you wanted some more downforce, just throw a Fiberwerks front end and LeMans rear wing on it, that'd be fairly subtle, and run 7's and 8's - that was a sport option, after all.

As for do it or not? Definitely do it! If you've got the time and resources. I've thought to myself that this would be an excellent basis for a killer GTS Challenge racecar - take a 924 (non-S - an early, lightweight car), swap in the whole 968 running gear, and strip the thing down and swap in fiberglass. You could probably readily make a 2300-2400# car (w/ driver), even with a stock or mildly chipped 968 motor, and really haul balls, really be a terror out there... especially with a major GTR widebody kit, with another foot of track for further improved handling.