Alternative Engines for the 944 (other than a Chevy V8)

[pablo1987]

Have there been any meaniful attempts or completed 944 projects with alternative engines other than an Chevy LS?

Yes, have heard about the guy working on the 3800 V6 conversion.

How about a reliable 4 cyl in plentiful supply that would somewhat cheaply be converted to get ride of the 2.5l - A Miata engine, Honda, Toyota?

Just curious?

[Tervuren]

Why get rid of the 2.5L 4cyl for a smaller 4cyl? The only 4cyl enginer swap I'd consider would be a S2000, but the cost/performance/effort probably doesn't make sense.

Rover V8 conversions are floating around mostly in Europe.

[alan6272]

Well for one the Miata engine cant even move it's own car.. As far as 4 cylinders I wouldn't change from original. But that my opinion and we all know what that means LOL But seriously I have never heard of any swaps but the chevy 8.

[9FF]

I'd wait a few years and get the 2.0l twin turbo, direct injected BMW. It's a slant 4 too and looks like it will fit perfectly.

Economical, fast, light, reliable.

[Lapkritis]

Rover v8's are JUNK. Head gasket failures, dropping sleeves/cylinder liners and bad HP. They are complete crap. I say this and my current driver is a 4.0L LR Disco 2. Big time junk.

My preference and effort is the 20v 4 cyl VW/Audi engine with a built engine and big turbo (BAT) Should be running by spring. Check my other threads if you want to watch. Will be making two of every custom part and sending to a mechanical engineer shop for jigs and duplicates.

[Endat]

Originally Posted by alan6272

well for one the miata engine cant even move it's own car..

+1

[v2rocket_aka944]

anything with torque, lots of it, from 1000rpm on up.
the purists would decry such a thing as a "truck motor" but id rather be able to pull off a stoplight easily than have to wait 4000rpm for anything to happen (*cough*944S*)

that basically means a bigger engine, or a similar size with variable timing.

the GM atlas engines are sweet. i would like to see someone try the 2.9L i-4 they make, stock its about 175/180 hp/tq, with a tq curve you could eat off of...dirt cheap, solidly built, low maintenance...hell, maybe ill do it.

honda, toyota...maytag, amana...same thing.

[tamathumper]

id rather be able to pull off a stoplight easily than have to wait 4000rpm for anything to happen (*cough*944S*)

Word.

[Lapkritis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHqIEXCZbMQ

[ckelly78z]

I guess for the money, time, PIA factor, and unknown fabrication issues, I would just build what I have......some good head work, free flow exhaust, cam change, chip change, and you're over 200 HP.

[Techno Duck]

Why not just swap a 968 motor? Direct fit, 240bhp.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

I guess for the money, time, PIA factor, and unknown fabrication issues, I would just build what I have......some good head work, free flow exhaust, cam change, chip change, and you're over 200 HP.

Not unless you're starting on a 16v car, or you've got several times the value of the 944 in the bank to mess with the 8v.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by Techno Duck

Why not just swap a 968 motor? Direct fit, 240bhp.

The 968 has the same problem, somewhat alleviated, as the 944S - no guts below 2/3 max RPM.

For the cost of a 968 motor, I could buy an LS1, rebuild it and add some power.
For the cost of a 944S2 motor, I could buy a good used LS1.

Though the LS1 is still up there in motor cost, so if you can get a practical option for cheaper....why not.

[9FF]

I guess for the money, time, PIA factor, and unknown fabrication issues, I would just build what I have......some good head work, free flow exhaust, cam change, chip change, and you're over 200 HP.

If it were that easy we would all do it You're maybe at 160hp with all that work if you are lucky.

[9FF]

...For the cost of a 968 motor, I could buy an LS1, rebuild it and add some power.

For the cost of a 944S2 motor, I could buy a good used LS1.



Though the LS1 is still up there in motor cost, so if you can get a practical option for cheaper....why not.

Yep, for a base na you are looking at probably $10k all in for the LS swap, plus expect you'll be paying much more regularly at the pump for that V8.

[Techno Duck]

The cost of the 968 motor can buy you an LS1 but there is alot more to an LSx (or any engine swap) than just buying the motor.

A 968 motor is direct fit.. no need to figure out power brakes or adapt the LS based power steering pump to the Porsche rack. Not to mention all the other parts you would need for the LS swap; oil pan, engine mounts, headers, bell housing adapter..etc.

Im not saying dont do an engine swap (see my other thread ), but look at the big picture.

[Techno Duck]

Originally Posted by 9FF

Yep, for a base na you are looking at probably $10k all in for the LS swap, plus expect you'll be paying much more regularly at the pump for that V8.

20's putting around town, 25 highway on LSx swapped cars... pretty comparable to a 944T, best i ever saw was just under 30 between NY and Ohio on my way to 944 Fest (with turbo motor). Swap out for the n/a 5th gear and you can probably do even better.

I remember there was a guy fitting an Audi 5-cylinder to the 944 though i dont know if he ever finished that car.

[Techno Duck]

index

and

20v 5cyl turbo 944 project - Rennlist Discussion Forums

[tamathumper]

The 968 motor is very much indeed "alleviated" over the 944S. With the 944S, I recall having to decide whether or not to leave the AC on if I wanted to pass or pull out spiritedly. The 968 has no such issues. Underpowered compared to today, yes, but definitely more powerful than the 944S and much more driveable in all circumstances.

[flash968]

lol - and set up like yours, with about 300 lb/ft of torque, and over 300 hp, added to the fact that it was actually designed to work in the car, it starts to make a whole lot more sense than other swaps.