Junkyard upgrades for the early 944?

[RedHookFern]

I hate to use the term junkyard upgrade, but it is what it is. Any good tricks or junkyard upgrades for the early (I have an '83) 944's from a later model, other model, or even other make? I'm still learning the in's and out's of the 944, as it is my first Porsche, but I know some cars can benefit from suspension or other upograded pieces off of other models. If there is some sort of list, I apologize. I tried searching, but junkyard and 944 turn up a whole different type of result.

[mattdavis11]

I haven't found anything that is worth upgrading, minus the radio. Seems there are more positives when compared to the later models. Forged rods, manual steering, a better a/c compressor, lighter, manual roof, manual timing belt tensioner, etc..

They nailed it right out of the box, then created things to break for the later year models.

[RedHookFern]

I actually never knew those advantages over the later ones, thank you. Granted they do have a slightly more appealing interior (in the eyes of some people).

[mattdavis11]

Upgrades would be in the realm of suspension and brakes. Larger sway bars, better calipers, stiffer springs, etc... You have a bullet proof motor, probably never going to have an issue with #2 rod bearing since the crank was drilled from the factory.

You hear the #2 failure as probably the most prominent problem with the 2.5l motor. I looked at mine at near 140K, brand new man. I think you might find that some out there would actually like to have some of the options from the 83, not the other way around.

[16vCorey]

No kidding. My first thought was manual steering and manual sunroof latches, then I realized he had an '83, so he's already got that.

I kind of like the spring tensioner on the '87-up timing belts, but other than that I agree with the post above. The only real junkyard upgrades that I can think of would be turbo brakes and larger rear torsion bars. I'm thinking there was a larger AFM from another car that was a bolt on, but I might be getting that mixed up with BMW E30 junkyard upgrades.

[9FF]

I wouldn't touch anything on an 83, they are great cars. Try to find some of the options offered for the 83 if yours doesn't have them. Basically they are the same options for all the early cars 83-85.5. If you find an early car like yours look for Fuchs wheels, LSD trans and sports seats and take all the switches and relays as spares, most are nla or expensive. Other desirable options that are hard to find in decent shape are interiors, especially pasha or script so if you happen to find one get it. You can always sell it later for a profit.

[Dave Colangelo]

LSD if you can find one.

Most of what is said above, but the auto tensioner on the 87 and up engines is far better than the manual. The fact if the matter is that the belts stretch (even if you have some fancy material that claims to be no stretch). If you do not adjust the manual tensioner you could have issues the auto takes that worry away.

There are many wheel options you can look at as well. On the other hand Porsche claims over 75% of their cars are still on the road so I always have issues finding them in the junk yard anyway.

Regards
Dave

[jcommin]

Add bulbs in the open area in each rear taillight. Easy upgrade.

[alan6272]

I also would not change a thing on the 83, I bought an 83 for a reason. It is a great car out of the box. Why do some people want the manual steering of the early cars? cause it's great. Plus the fact that the 83 is harder to find in workable condition. As stated forged rods and crank. I see what you want to do but how about finding a newer 944? I have people ask me often if I would sell them my 944 and as always NO.

[RedHookFern]

No, I definitely love my '83 and the relative simplicity over later cars. I just wasn't sure if there were later options that would benefit this car. I already have the sport seats in the car in amazing condition. I have the cookie cutter style wheels, so maybe an upgrade in that area would benefit.

[thekidd]

Could put the late DME and AFM into you early car as a simple upgrade. Late DMEs don't have the "stutter" (ex.- if you rev the car, the idle will rev high then drop to about 600, then steady) and you can chip the late DME.

[RedHookFern]

What's involved in that swap? Just a simple swap or additional relays, etc?

[Gawernator]

it's literally what he said, you take out old DME and AFM and put in "new"

[16vCorey]

You're car can also lose some weight by switching to the later tubular manifolds and later style starter.

[FRporsche]

I love the '83s too. I think early 944s are awesome.

But I would definitely take a few late 944 items:

85.5-87 DME and AFM (to eliminate the "944 shudder")
85.5-86 aluminum rear control arms & axles (better wheel bearings)
I prefer late seats
The late 944 e-brake handles are much nicer (leather)
Late rain gutters are smooth, I think they look way better
Late exterior door handles are smooth metal and don't have that fake woodgrain thing. Sometimes they have "PORSCHE" stamped in them but I honestly like the smooth ones a little more.

[HondaDustR]

Originally Posted by Dave Colangelo

LSD if you can find one.

Most of what is said above, but the auto tensioner on the 87 and up engines is far better than the manual. The fact if the matter is that the belts stretch (even if you have some fancy material that claims to be no stretch). If you do not adjust the manual tensioner you could have issues the auto takes that worry away.

There are many wheel options you can look at as well. On the other hand Porsche claims over 75% of their cars are still on the road so I always have issues finding them in the junk yard anyway.

Regards
Dave

The "auto" tensioner does not automatically adjust itself and must be adjusted at the same intervals as the manual tensioner. All it does automatically is apply approximately the correct tension to the belt when the clamp screw is loosened for tension adjustment, which then must be tightened again to lock into place. The manual tensioner is a bit of a handful until you get the hang of it and are good at setting a good tension setting, but in some ways, it's easier to fine tune the tension, since the auto tensioner still doesn't always get the tension exactly right.

[POPS 83 944]

FRporsche I have a ? Does the Late rain gutters fit or do you have to modify any thing to make them fit?

[Rasta Monsta]

Largest sway bars you can find, good shocks, fresh bushings in the suspension. Viola!

[Slam]

Anybody mention putting in a late cam? Easy upgrade if you're doing a reseal and the late cams are cheap power. Better overlap.

[16vCorey]

Late sunvisors are a lot nicer too.