[Moneyguy1]

Hi Lon....

The design of the engine, not only from displacement parameters, but bore/stroke numbers requires the balance shafts to prevent it from shaking itself apart at constant mid-range revs. horizontally opposed 4 cyl engines do not have this problem, nor do five or six cylinder in-line engines. My objection to the 944 engine design is its complexity for the amount of power produced (NA). Since it was derived from a number of 928 parts, it is kludged to work, and since I was once in automotive engineering, I keep wondering whether a clean sheet design would not have been simpler, and less expensive in the long run. As an example, the balance shafts are an add-on, not required in the "parent" (or donor, if you prefer), 928 engine. I also wonder what the factory/dealer repair record over the production life of the model was, and what items were the most frequent to fail. But, that is something we can only guess at, never know for sure. The problems of the timing belt were never resolved during the 10 year run of the model, with the notable exception of the addition of a spring loaded adjuster which, according to the manuals, STILL requires the P9201 tool to adjust the tension.

My comments about the V6 installation is not completely without merit; the car would profit by an engine of the same weight, 1.3 liters additional displacement, and a vibration free design. Something the factory should have done in the first place. But, remember, the factory AT NO TIME will permit a "lesser model" ouclass the flagship 911 or derivative thereof. Although that nearly happened with the 951 in 1986.

I try to answer questions honestly; my forte is electrical and air conditioning, with some expertise in overall engine rebuilding.

There are no stupid questions. The only way we learn is by asking and then sifting the answers for the truth....

Bob S.