Performance mods, '86 944 NA, anything new?

[DM333]

So these questions have been asked before, but in my searches I cant find anyone posting recently, latest one was from 4 years ago i think, so with the Internet growing the availability of parts and new tech coming out in the performance parts industry, what are the best bang for your buck performance mods to do to an '86 944; engine mods (looking for around a 25-35 hp increase from stock), brakes, suspension, rims, tires and anything else that could get the car moving faster and handling better for a reasonable price. It's a bone stock '86 NA that I'm looking to use on street and track, I'm in college for one more year and on a budget. also I'm currently going through some major engine repairs, so now would be the time to do stuff while I'm at it. any advice is appreciated.

[944tothefloor]

Not a lot you can do. I don't have an NA but I heard rogue tuning sells some good remapped dmes and similar mods.

[Bradical]

Forced induction and weight reduction will always be the answer for noticeable performance gains. You can buy all the eBay throttle body spacers and electric fan cold air intake cone filter performance PVC deluxe racing mods you want but those are still the only two right answers.

[Gawernator]

Thousands of dollars in custom engine mods, gain 25 HP

Buy 968 engine for same price and gain a lot more

[grendiers]

If I had a dollar for every increase in horse power post from newbies, I'd be able to retire! With that said, Search is your savior, you need to spend more time on that. Along with 'why' you want more horsepower. You will find that these cars are 'momentum' cars not pure horsepower cars. If you want HP, then buy something else. If you are trying to draw attention to yourself, find another forum. Enough of those here. You will subsequently get responses after mine, to work on tires, suspension, etc., instead of reality. All search available information. Get 'er done, then report.

[ckelly78z]

The only way you are going to gain horsepower from a intake/filter change is to move the inlet either through the spoiler or in front of the radiator. Some HP (10-15) can be found with a header and free flow exhaust, but using a larger diameter tubing can cost you low end torque which will affect drivability. The two mods that I can whole heartedly endorse, are replacing the throttle cable pulley on top of the AFM with the weltermeister unit for more throttle response, and install the FR Wilks computer chip for a smoother running motor at higher RPMS. These two mods made all the difference in the world and it "FELT" like it had an additional 25 HP.

[diamondzz]

my 87' n/a has a straight pipe, new free flow exhaust, throttle cam and an autothority performance chip but when i do hard acceleration it still has less power then my completely stock 88 n/a.... which has 8 more hp from the factory then the 1987 model, so you can do many mods and still not gain as much as you would if you just spend your money on a different model of 944.

[J1NX3D]

Approach it as modernising 80's technology and look at any freed up hp as a bonus. Get the DME from an '88, or modify your DME to take a 28 pin chip, and get the roguetuning MAF conversion. It goes 1 more step beyond a flashed chip. Add in the optional cam key he offers for 4 degrees more advance and you have a new car. Get new oem bushings all round with 968 castor blocks, or instead of oem bushings use something like powerflex purples. Get front and rear swaybars from a 944 turbo, 944S2 or a 968. Get a good wheel and tyre combo and a decent, aggressive wheel alignment. (I like 16" fuchs. 951 fuchs will do but 911 fuchs have a bit more dish to them) For brakes, choose good pads and fluid. I liked the feel of new braided lines for my 86 but it might simply have been new lines that made the difference.

[944 Ecology]

Get yourself to a Porsche Club race and talk to the 944 racers (there are a ton of them) and ask them what they have done to make their cars faster.

Weight reduction, sticky tires and suspension are the typical answers. Also, keep in mind, there is no such thing as cheap racing.

[guru944]

Dm333,
Since you mention 'major engine work' why not do cylinder head upgrades like porting/polishing and valves to a possible 8-16% power increase? Or just the highrer flowing valves for up to 12hp above your 150hp base rating... We have seen consistent documented results with the SS Competition valves on both the 8 and
16v engines. We are able to perform these type of upgrades and more at a our place. Please wisit my site and PM me for details and pricing. Long term considerations work better.... Later.

[v2rocket_aka944]

gurubirdman
do you have dyno evidence of +12hp for the 8v with your headwork?
what might such a service cost?

[guru944]

To all,
Please visit our website for a basic overview of our services.
Please PM me for further details quotes, etc.
Later...