Could you just throw a turbo on a reg 944?

[ranbok]

I've been looking at 944 websites with turbo's for sale, and I saw one for about $1000. It said it would make 300 hp from the stock 217, so maybe 240 for a regular 944? The turbo was being advertised as an upgrade for 944 turbo 2.5l's, but could you drop it on say, an 83 944?

I've been looking at 944's for a little now, and even found an 83 with a rebuilt engine and nice wheels for ~$3000.

What kind of work would be involved? According to the website its completely bolt on(at least for 944 turbo's).

Thanks, and don't slap me around too much, I'm just a newb.

[lordgrommit]

Thanks for playing your this weeks can I Turbo an NA.

Short answer NO
search on this topic lots has been disscused

Matt

[Rollins]

I think this question should be sent to the 944 Turbo board. They know a lot more about turbo systems than us NA owners....
Matt, you guys should seriously make a board for this very topic!! Just post a universal answer of "No, NOT economical at all"

[Mike B]

Very funny Matt...LOL

[Dave951]

Originally posted by ranbok:
According to the website its completely bolt on(at least for 944 turbo's).

???

Yes, you can just bolt the turbo to your NA. I would suggest a location on the hood(so everyone can see the turbo), but that would require a little fabrication. You can definately bolt the turbo on to many locations in the engine bay, as the bolt diameter on the turbos is the same as many bolts in the engine bay.



Sorry, Ranbok. I couldn't resist. Like others said, it is not economical. There are MUCH more differences between the Turbo and NA than just the turbo.

Dave

[Dave951]

Wait, wait, I have another one.

The title of this topic:

Could you just throw a turbo on a reg 944?

Answer: yes, but I wouldn't advise it. You're lible to break a window or put a dent in it.

Sorry, I can't stop. It's Friday night.

Dave

[Rollins]

Dave, a good question is what are you doing home on a Friday night? It's all right, I don't have an excuse either.

[Dave951]

Rollins, actually, my wife is out-of-town right now. So, I am leaving to go clubbing with some x-girlfriends. So really, I am only here because it is so early.



Dave

[Scott R]

You guys need to go easy. He is a new member. Is this how we welcome all new members?

[Dave951]

Ranbok knows we're kidding ... I hope. Ranbok, we're kidding.

Scott, that reminds me. I sent the package today, but through USPS because I missed the close of UPS.

Everyone have a good Fridy night. Time for me to go party.

Dave

[ranbok]

anyone care to explain WHY this cannot be done?

[Dave951]

Ranbok,

Here is the complete, serious answer. The 951 was better brakes, better suspension, better tranny, etc. It would cost the difference, or more, between the 944NA and the 944 Turbo(951), to add just these things. Then, you have the engine internals and control to worry about. You will need different pistons or connecting rods to lower your compression. The cam is different. etc, etc, etc.

The only reason a few of us messed around a little bit in the beginning of this post is that it seems that this question gets asked every week or so. Just go to the Turbo and Turbo S board here and read the post about the conversion. This should help reveal some of the humor behind it.

To make a long story short, if you want a turbocharged 944, it will be cheaper and more reliable in the long run to start with the 944. Think about this as well:

By turbocharging a 944NA, you will be lucky to get reliablility just trying to match the 951 in stock form. You can take a stock 951, and spend ~$400 to get ~50HP more, or go all out(like it seems almost everyone gets dragged into) and create a 400+HP motor. If you search the archives here, you will see that the arguement always ends the same way.

Unless you are just wanting to do it to do it, and have the money, I would advise against it.

Regards(and welcome to the board),
Dave

[ribs]

It can be done, but is not economical. You will have massive detonation problems, a ***** times 20 trying to get it tuned so it is streetable, etc...You would be much better off buying a 944 turbo motor (they can be found for $1000-2000 used, all accessories, ECU, etc), fabricating a mount and ducting for the intercooler, and doing a swap. People have tried this, and only one I know of have been sucessful at turning their n/a into a turbo without a motor swap...but...it was not as economical as just buying a turbo, IIRC. So, unless you are a very good mechanic with funds to spare, sell your n/a and buy a 951...that is my advise...or...put all of your money into suspension and tires.

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[Blackfoot]