Can an 87 N/A to 88 turbo swap be performed easily?

[MikeP944]

I have an 87n/a, if I buy an '88 turbo engine, is it possible to swap it. I know anything is possible, but I mean will it require extensive modifications?

[Brando]

This is your friend.

It's a bit more than just an engine swap. DME, Engine wiring harness, brakes, front end... list goes on.

[Eli K]

hehe....the veteran posters love this questions the most.... here it comes

[SoCal Driver]

Entire engine, exhaust, intercooler, plastic ducting for the intercooler, air cleaner, entire DME harness and DME and the extra electronics for the turbo side.

Best to buy a turbo in the turbo car. Or a complete crashed turbo to sit beside the target chassis.

[Z-man]

Originally posted by MikeP944
I have an 87n/a, if I buy an '88 turbo engine, is it possible to swap it. I know anything is possible, but I mean will it require extensive modifications?

Yes, it is possible, yes, it will require extensive modifications, and IT IS NOT WORTH DOING!

Sorry, but that's the most asked question here. Just search for the word SWAP and you will see.

Now this thread will evolve into 4-6 pages of the pros and cons of a turbo swap, and what to do and what not to do...etc. After which of course will be the 'I need more straight line acceleration' piece followed by a little street racing discussion...

Anyway, welcome to the club!
-Z-man.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If you don't mind it being a long and expensive process, of course it can be done, but there are a lot of things to consider (such as was said above).

The advantage of doing a turbo conversion versus buying a turbo car is you can "spread out" the cost, this is how I'm doing it. With a 951, you DO get everything all at once (which is nice), but you also need a helluva lot more money up front. Get the (totaled) donor car and the recipient and park them, do the swap piece-by-piece, the right way, take your time and consider the implications of everything you do. If you're going to bother swapping over, say, the intercooler - think "is this THE intercooler I want?". If yes, do it - if not, get the one you want and install that without wasting your time (then sell the one off the donor car to make some $$$).

Plus you get the satisfaction of KNOWING your car inside and out afterwards, and being able to say "I built that".

Do it right, be selective. Good luck. Post pics.

[gearhead290]

Originally posted by Brando
This is your friend.

You're turning into me Soon search nazis are going to take over the world!!!

[Brando]

Sell the 944, save some cash, buy a 951 with power steering.

[gearhead290]

Originally posted by Brando
Sell the 944, save some cash, buy a 951 with power steering.

83 was the only year the 944 came w/o power steering

[ronin]

Originally posted by Siberian
hehe....the veteran posters love this questions the most.... here it comes

lmao!

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
The advantage of doing a turbo conversion versus buying a turbo car is you can "spread out" the cost

you can "spread out" the cost by buying a turbo and financing it