odd little question

AudiD · 10-09-2002, 11:33 AM

just curious....i know its possible to adapt a chevy V8 into a 944 or a 924S, but due to either the car goes or i find a cheaper solution, is it possible to place a small block ford V8 (probably a 302 since i have one laying around) into a 1982 924? and before everyone jumps on me, i have tried and tried to find a 924 engine that was halfway decent, but cost factor and the fact that i havent a clue on how to work on the Audi engine have forced me to look elsewhere. I would like to keep my 924, but if i cant figure out a solution by the end of October, I'll have a 924 for sale here.

P.S. if anyone wants to obtain a good condition 924 crank or an intake manifold, or throttle body, give me a shout, i need to get them out of my garage.

Moneyguy1 · 10-09-2002, 11:45 AM

I will not jump all over you. Why not see if you can trade the Ford engine for a GM v6 or a small block V8? The kit is for the GM engines and costs about $2,200 not including an upgrade for the cooling system (bigger radiator) and various other small parts you can glean from your friendly neighborhood salvage yard. Don't let the purists intimidate you. A small block V8 in a 924 body would be formidable. It is your car; you can do anything you wish to it. And, you would have the added advantage of reasonably priced parts being available almost anywhere. I, for one, would consider it a privelege to take a ride in it when you are finished, should you go in that direction. Without experimenters, we would still be fueling our rides with hay and oats.

AudiD · 10-09-2002, 11:49 AM

where is this kit? is it the renegade kit? because i called them this morning and they said it wont work for a 924 just for the S and the *944

Moneyguy1 · 10-09-2002, 12:17 PM

It will work with the 944 drive shaft and transmission. The 924 gearbox allegedly will not take the strain, and the "bell housing" is different. The torque tube (driveshaft assy) is part # 944 421 012 02. Along with this you would require the hardware and clamps that go with it. Auto Atlanta or Oklahoma Foreign can help you, or see if you can get a 944 "donor car" for the running gear. You might be able to pick one up locally for cheap. This would also permit you to upgrade the rear brakes to discs and even the entire front suspension of an early 944 will slip right in a 924. Heck, even the part nos for most of the front suspension parts start with the "477" designation (924 and variants). Parts that start with "944" are obviously unique to that specific line.

You did not say what year your 924 is, and what transmission it has. If it is the five speed, they are very prone to breakage (1979 and 1980). Over the years, many of these have been replaced with 944 gearboxes and drive tubes. Since that is the case, the swapout of drivetrain components should present no problem.

What you plan is not a weekend effort; it will require lots of sweat and lots of ingenuity. Good luck with the project.

BTW..I had an Audi based 924....I thought it was virtually bulletproof.

Bob S.

AudiD · 10-09-2002, 12:22 PM

1982 924 with the stock 5 spd manual

scottmandue · 10-09-2002, 03:03 PM

I don't know about the 924 but here is a site that provides small block chevy conversions for 914/944/911.

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/main.htm

I have heard it reported that the setup is not too expensive but getting everything sorted out can run into some money.

Not my cup of tea but good luck anyway!

Britwrench · 10-09-2002, 05:28 PM

I believe the Ford engine fits just fine; you have to remove the rear hatch glass first though. And I would remove the trunk carpet to avoid damage.

951carter · 10-09-2002, 06:32 PM

I don't think the 944 kit will work on a 924 as the engine mounts differently.
Of course you could "make" it work.

You could find a 944 with a blown engine for $500-$1,000 and save yourself alot of trouble. It would also allow for a wider tire to combat the traction problems you will surely be plagued with.