performance mods

RJ Santangelo · 09-16-2003, 01:50 PM

Currently own a 87 944S, already had the all the problems associated with the "S" (cam tensioner failure), but this is all in the past. I'm looking at buying a Big Bore throttle body 3mm over stock has anybody tried this before - more air more fuel more power RIGHT? Also a different cam plate for less throttle movement, more fuel.

singpilot · 09-16-2003, 02:23 PM

I have the oversize throttle bore. At first, couldn't tell the difference. At first, only experience was around town. I then did a Las Vegas run, and the diff really showed on the road. WOT produced the ability to climb the several grades on the way to Las Vegas without downshifting. With the air on. Subtle difference, but there, nonetheless.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

a big bore throttle body won't make a huge difference unless you modify the fuel/air mixture through the DME/MAF system. The computer is programmed to let in a certain amount of fuel and air, and a bigger throttle body or 'cold-air intake' won'd do much without altering the stock fuel/air mixture

at least that is how I understand it

RJ Santangelo · 09-17-2003, 09:22 AM

Well if I install a chip in the computer would it not take care of the fuel/air maping??

Dantilla · 09-17-2003, 10:51 AM

Whatever you do, it must work as a complete package. An intake by itself does very little. An exhaust upgrade does little. but an intake and exhaust together usually makes a more dramatic improvement. Along with a throttle body and chip, hey- we're getting somewhere- as long as they compliment one another. All the components must work together, or you may actually lose performance. Your car left the factory as a well-balanced machine. Porsche's engineers are pretty smart.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

well said, dantilla. although I don't really think a new air filter or exhaust really does ANYTHING other than change the sound of the car.

Anyhow, I would chip the car, work on the suspension and brake system, and then worry about something as expensive as a big bore throttle body ($300 right?). Along with the throttle body and chip, a new ignition system would be another good upgrade, but, again, this will do little by itself.

RJ Santangelo · 09-17-2003, 11:51 AM

Now I'm not sure if this right but besides the exhaust manifold on the turbo being different than my "S" the rest of the exhaust system is the same and the 951 put out an extra 27 hp. So if squeeze out an additional 17 hp should the exhaust sytem restrict it????

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

First thing to do is to upgrade the driver, of course!!

Best thing you can do is upgrade your suspension, IMHO.

I'd also look into a limited-slip differential: what good is power unless you can get that power to the road?!?

But as far as getting more power, besides intake / exhaust & a chip, there's not much the 944S engine has to offer. Most tuners shy away from the 944/968 16-valve power-plant.

You'd be surpised what a 944S with suspension mods can do on the track: I went for a ride with an instructor at a DE in such a 944S, and it was simply amazing!

Just my $0.42,
-Z-man.

RJ Santangelo · 09-17-2003, 01:26 PM

Z-man do you do your work at that shop in Rockaway??? How are they on mod's????

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

RJ: Yes, I get my work done at Powertech in Rockaway. They can do some nice stuff for your car. But remember, most shops won't do anything to the engine itself on the 16-valve 944's.

I'd also recommend Protosport in Pompton Plains: they do chips and will match up their chips with a different intake/exhaust for you. Too bad you don't have a turbo: they've been known to do pretty exotic things with forced-air engines! (Like a 993 twin-turbo I saw there the other day with something like 700hp!

)

-Z.

RJ Santangelo · 09-17-2003, 03:17 PM

I'll give those guys a shout, so will all the ultimate wisdom on this forum the general feelings are I'm wasting my time to get some more get up and go. I probably just put in a new throttle cam and call it quits!

dj_yen · 09-17-2003, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Z-man
RJ: Yes, I get my work done at Powertech in Rockaway. They can do some nice stuff for your car. But remember, most shops won't do anything to the engine itself on the 16-valve 944's.

I'd also recommend Protosport in Pompton Plains: they do chips and will match up their chips with a different intake/exhaust for you. Too bad you don't have a turbo: they've been known to do pretty exotic things with forced-air engines! (Like a 993 twin-turbo I saw there the other day with something like 700hp! )

-Z.

Rockaway in New York? if so, what are your hours? contact info?

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Performance mods for the 944, 944S, 924S, 951, 944S2, 968:

Put 60 pounds of air in the tires!

Less rolling resistance.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by dj_yen
Rockaway in New York? if so, what are your hours? contact info?

Powertech is in Rockaway, NJ.
My hours are 9 to 5, but I work in IT in an office for Mercedes-Benz, so that won't help you!!

Powertech's hours are typically 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and 9 to 12-ish on Saturdays. (The place sometimes closes eariler if Andreas, the store manager, has a hot date that night!!

)
You can contact them at: 973-586-3210. (Funny, I know their number by heart!!) Or, click here.