16V vs 8V Engine Mounting

[porsche0nut]

Hello everyone,

I am in a position to buy a project car in great shape minus the engine. It's an '87 944S. The camshaft timing belt went on it and I suspect heavy internal engine damage. I have sourced a running engine from an '84 944 that I can get for a great price and was wondering if the mounting points for the 2 engines are identical? It seems to me that the blocks are very similar, as the major difference is the 16V head in the S?

So if I were to get the '84 engine how straight-forward would it be to drop it in the '87 chassis?

Alternatively, is it worth it to spend the money and get the replacement parts for the 16V engine? As of yet I do not know what is needed.

Thanks for your help!

[Mericet]

Not sure on the mounts, but I do believe there is quite some difference in the electrical system as well. If I am mistaken, our more knowledgeable members will surely correct me!

[ScoobySteve]

I think you're biggest problem won't be going from 16v to 8v but late car to early engine. I believe are several electrical differences.

I would open up the S engine first and see what damage there is. Honestly, the S engines are cool and rare enough now that I think it's worth saving. You might be able to pick up some used tappets to cut down the cost.

[Endat]

I spent the dough to repair the S engine.. part of me wishes I had spent more and sourced a 968 engine, and the other part knows I made the right decision

[ilikemy944]

You will need the 944 engine's harness, DME, AFM, etc.
The engine will bolt right in though - I went from an 86 n/a to a 16v motor.