Do I have a Turbo long block?
 

Ok, so i bought this 944 and don't know too much of the history on it. I was working on the engine, and stamped on the pass. side of the block it has M44/51. Is this a turbo block? The head number is 9441062506R is this a turbo head? Thanks/

hmmm.. i have no idea just give these guys a call

http://www.lindseyracing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LR&Category_Co de=ENGINES

Click the company/ contact link on the left

Well, I googled it and according to that it is a turbo block. Could this be why my compression tests were on the low end? (around 135-145). The car itself is a N/A model. What can I do now?? Will it run without the turbo?

All blocks are the same so it is possible someone rebuilt a N/A motor with a turbo block. As for the compression numbers, those sound about right for the turbo pistons. I'm sure there is an easier way to figure it out but my advice is pull the head and check the pistons. If it does turn out to be a turbo engine/block/pistons, you're not going to want to run it without a turbo and all the hardware because it will move like a snail. Just my 2 cents....

Thank you for the input. If it is in fact a turbo block, would it be cheaper/easier to source all of the turbo parts that I need and bolt it up?

An M44/51 is definitely a turbo block code (M44/51 was the standard turbo engine code, M44/52 was the Turbo S version), but who knows if it's been rebuilt? I have an '89 Turbo and the compression tested at 140-145 for all the cylinders, so it sounds like you are right on the mark for compression with turbo pistons. I agree that if it has the Turbo's lower compression ratio, you'll be way down on power compared to a standard N/A motor.

Or would swapping out the pistons do the trick??

It looks as though it has been rebuilt or at least taken apart and put back together. I can see the red sealant all around the block, and the block is really clean with no oil stains.

you MIGHT be able to pull one or more spark plugs and shine a small flashlight and see the piston surface.

If you indeed have a turbo short block it maybe cheapest to find a good running NA motor and just do a complete engine swap and sell your turbo short block to recoup some of the money back.

Supercharge it.

Where are you located? I've got a complete NA motor - needs a headgasket though.

hmmm.....Are the cylinder heads on the n/a the same as the turbo heads? I am located in S. Cali.

there are differences, all of them desirable. sodium filled exhaust valves, different springs, ceramic lined exhaust ports.

Ok, so how can I tell if the Cylinder head is from a turbo model?