Difference between early and late NA 944s?

[Daedalus]

A friend of mine who is a Porsche mechanic says that the earlier 944s were slower than the later 944s. Is this true? Did Porsche change the exhaust to a less restrictive one or something like that?

Besides the interior change in 85.5, whats different between the early and late 944s?

[SoCal Driver]

If it's the same basic engine 2.5 liter and 8 valves the internal differences are less compression for the later models but increased cam duration on the exhausts. Less compression with the same bore and stroke but different head cavity design/volume.

The external differences I've noticed: The oil filler hole on the bottom is bigger. The gauge temp sensor has a larger tapped hole. Uses a two wire sender to get around the engine to chassis grounding problems.

Then if you add a turbo charger, 951's, then there are significant differences. Less compression and a different cam grind.

The "S" models have four valves per cylinder and two cams and more compression.

Go to this Pelican Parts technical ref page:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/944/944tech_specs.htm

[lambic2000]

I used to own an 88. I now own an 83. My 83 could spank that 88 any day of the week. The end.

Stephen

[951carter]

Actually the later cars have higher compression and a different cam.

The later cars have 8 more hp and should be faster.

The later cars also have the updated interior and the steel VW based suspension components were replaced with lighter cast aluminum pieces that do not flex like the steel ones. The later cars were fitted with flush mount windshields that offer better CD and a reported 5mph top speed benefit.

These are some of the larger changes. There were many changes throughout the years, too numerous to list, making each model year better than the last.......as with all Porsche motorcars........evolution at its finest =))

[Moneyguy1]

I do not have the figures handy, but if I recall correctly, the later NAs, despite a small increase in HP are also heavier than the earlier models, wich may negate any increase in engine output.