Porsche 944 SBC swap questions

[jlorda]

So Ive noticed a few 944 Small block chevy conversions on the web nowdays but most people are using Chevy's LS motor and not the older LT Small block. It looks like I will have to fabricate my own motor mounts as nobody seems offer porsche to LT motor mounts. The other issue I see is setting up a clutch release bearing/ pilot bearing. The third issue is deciding what bellhousing to use. Should I use the C5 corvette bellhousing and an adapter plate that connects the porsche 944 transmission or should I purchase a Quick Time Bellhousing RM-6033 that is already setup to use the porsche transmission? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Mr. Squid]

Not sure how much fabrication you want to do, but here is a company that provides kits and parts:

Check out Renegade Hybrids

[v2rocket_aka944]

Check Texas performance concepts, they have the mounts and adapters you need

[plyhammer]

Had an LT in one of my 944s years ago. I remember that it had a hole in the hood to clear it and the oil pan would scrape speed bumps.

[flash968]

i'd think long and hard on this. it's a long, painful, and expensive project, when you factor in all of the things that are needed to go with it, all of which ultimately makes the car nearly worthless for resale. conversions are always hard to sell. very few want a car that doesn't have a repair manual.

as a potential option, i am pretty sure the company i am licensing my stuff to will be marketing the CARB certified supercharger kit for the 944. if they do, you install in a weekend, stay porsche, with no crazy mods or upsetting the car's balance, and you get manageable power. all that and a whole lot less cost. film at 11.

[Dave Colangelo]

Im with flash on this one. Many of these projects go unfinished or never end up panning out as planed. If you are talking about putting the motor in maybe a donor car or otherwise not running chassis, go for it. But if you have a nice order, running 944 I say keep it that way. There are lots of mods out there that make these cars a blast to drive, not to mention they are great to drive as is.

Regards
Dave

[Techno Duck]

Check this forum out, a few guys have done LT1 swaps.

944hybrids Forum: V8 Conversions

[jlorda]

Yeah, the car in question is a $500 1983 ran when parked special I purchased nearly 6 years ago with a less than stellar spray paint job and many other issues.... The way I look at it after purchasing the proper timing tools , belts, waterpump, etc. I could have bought a new factory barebones LT1 engine. I just have no desire to do another 944 timing belt job ever again regardless of how much money gets thrown at this piece but feel free to talk me out of it The amount of money at this point is moot.

[Sterling Doc]

An aluminum L33 truck motor won't cost much more than an LT motor, and all the parts, and adaptors are widely available. an F-body LS1 is even easier, and can be found pretty inexpensive, as well. The aluminum LS V8's don't weigh much more than a 944 motor, and about the same as a 944 turbo motor.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Where do you fwould mayensive LS1? I've never seen one under $2k for a bare long block.

And in CA a truck motor isn't likely to pass CARB and certification. But If you're not in California then go ahead!

And although I entirely support the engine swaps, not liking a timing belt job is a bad excuse for the swap. It's $200 in parts and 2hoursof your time every 3 years... Is that so bad?

Either way, I wouldn't waste any time with an SBC or LT1. Go straight for the LS type motors (and save 100lbs, get way more power and mpg, and reliability ) or something else designed since the 944 was a new car