83 - 85.5 option parts suggestions

[Inferno_Rob]

I would love to hear suggestions for aftermarket upgrades or performance parts that anyone would like to suggest for those of us with the early years 944.
For example I would love to chip and exhaust the car and look at a cold air intake that works well.
Suggestions?

[Slam]

Complete tune-up, and then go hunting for vac leaks. Then get rid of the cat. Then a Wilk chip. Anything else is a waste of time and money, and I'm sure most of the guys here will tell you the same. 944s don't respond to bolt-on mods that much. It's always best to spend money on tune-up items. Plus, it's amazing how many vac leaks you can have and still think things are okay - then it's amazing what a difference fixing the vac leaks makes.

[shikzachaser]

Yuo can really dial in the suspension without breaking the bank. The rear lowers w/ a concentric bolt adjustment and the addition of some good shocks and ground control front springs makes a huge difference.
Fresh shocks and lowering the car 3/4" or so makes it look good and handle good.
The cars really perform remarkably well especially for the age. Just going through things and refreshing the tune up items and definately the timing belt will be well worthwhile.

Steve

[Inferno_Rob]

Timing belt was done last summer and the head was done at the same time (you can guess why). The engine feels remarkable strong compared to even a 16v I test drove for a friend of mine looking for a 944.
I think I heard somewhere that there is a simple way to find vacuum leaks with compressed air or something like that. What is the best way to find those leaks because they have significant effects on the performance of these engines.

[shikzachaser]

I used a spray can of brake cleaner. If you spray around a leak the RPM will go up as the cleaner is sucked into the intake.

Steve

[jcommin]

Not much engine mods for it. As others have said, improving handling gives you the biggest bang for the buck.

[shikzachaser]

I went w/ 17" wheels and the lowered suspension w/ new springs and shocks. The bumpers are Fiberwerks. The old cars really are pretty cool as you don't see many of them anymore.

Steve

[Eldorado]

hey Steve, what plug wires are you using?
is the heat from the intake manifold too much for them to lean on like that?

[shikzachaser]

Kyle:

They are Magnecor. The picture is deceiving, they are 1/2" above the manifold with the black plastic holders keeping them from touching. The heat does not seem to be an issue, it pulls strong to redline, especially now w/ the cool weather. I took about an hour and a half ride by myself this afternoon and it was great. I am going to get some dyno numbers in the next week or so as I am curious, also it will be nice to have an optimal tune w/ a wide band O2 sensor and a dyno.

Steve

[Techno Duck]

Im not going to bother to touch on power modifications.

Suspension you have tons of options open to you. Turbo sway bars are a good start and can be done for fairly cheap. If you want to go further you can upgrade the struts and shocks. What you use is up to you, But i would stick with Koni and Bilstien. Stay away from KYB.

If you want to go even farther than just struts and shocks, uprate the springs to around 200-225lbs.

If you want a solid setup for under $1k, this is one of the most solid street / auto-x setups on a budget you can do. Its basically how i built up my suspension and i love the way it handles.

200lb springs
adjustable spring perches in the front..lowered one inch
Koni struts and shocks
26.8mm front sway and a 18mm rear sway
lowered rear one inch with camber eccentric

This setup can be done for under $1k and is perfect for a dual purpose street and auto-x car. I can name a dozen or so other small things that you can do to further increase steering feel and grip...but above is a solid foundation to start with.