How easy to put an "S" engine in an NA?

Dantilla · 08-27-2007, 10:16 AM

I have an '87 944 sitting in storage, and an engine from an '87 S.

How easy of a swap is it to stick the twin-cam engine in the NA? How similar are the electrical systems? Any other parts I would need? I got rid of the wrecked S quite a while ago. I have nothing left of it except the engine, and a few minor bits and pieces.

Thanks.

legion · 08-27-2007, 10:23 AM

Do you have an 'S' DME, wiring harness, and AFM?

Schumi · 08-27-2007, 11:03 AM

You will need the wiring harness and the DME along with the AFM and airbox. The engine mounts are the same, everything is a direct bolt in I believe. Rerouting the wiring will probably be the second biggest pain behind getting the engine in the car (either top down up bottom up, both can be done)

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

contact ilikemy944. He did the swap and reported the car was a blast to drive.

Speedy

Dantilla · 08-27-2007, 04:13 PM

I'm pretty sure I've got the DME box sitting on a shelf, but I'll have to look for the AFM. I removed the intake manifold from the engine quite a while ago, but should still have the AFM somewhere. The airbox was destroyed in the accident, but this will be a race car project, so an aftermarket intake would be part of the plan.

Thanks.

gtroth · 08-27-2007, 04:39 PM

--not sure the exaust will bolt right up.

S clutch and trans are uprated to handle the extra power too, I believe.

aribop · 08-27-2007, 06:58 PM

You will also need the engine compartment wiring harness. The 'S' has an ignition module mounted in the driver side fender beside the A/C accumulator and a series resistor for the injectors mounted on the passenger side fender beside the cruise control motor.

legion · 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtroth

--not sure the exaust will bolt right up.

S clutch and trans are uprated to handle the extra power too, I believe.

The exhaust most definitely will not bolt right up. I tried. It was very, very close, but one bracket is slightly off or the pipes are 1/4" different in diameter or something that is hard to detect.

I think the clutch is the same between an 'S' and NA. I had the POS rubber center bit.

The tranny is slightly different, but it has 20 more HP on a good day, and only above 5,000 rpm, and worse low-end torque.

I wouldn't worry too much about the tranny...

adrian1 · 08-27-2007, 08:10 PM

I have a wiring harness for a S if your interested, i bought it back in day for my 97 944 s before i had an accident and never used it. I payed a $100 for it. i sell it for something like that....I think it comes complete

martin944 · 08-28-2007, 06:05 AM

i have an S, and yes the low end torque is nothing to write home about. the fun starts after 4k rpm.

Dantilla · 08-28-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin944

i have an S, and yes the low end torque is nothing to write home about. the fun starts after 4k rpm.

This will be a race car. I'm looking for a bit more high-rpm power. Adrian, thanks for the offer- Next time I'm out where I've got the cars stored, I'll look and see if I've got the wiring harness. Probably not, so I may take you up on your offer.

Exhaust won't be an issue. The car will get a header and 3" exhaust.

If I've got all the pieces I need, I think it's time to strip the car down and install a cage while we go through the engine and add new bearings and the oil upgrades.

Thanks.