School me, Porsche 944's, for V8 swaps.

[Zerb]

its time for me to acquire a 944, and a V8, and make them one. as much scattered reading ive done across the internet in regards to this swap, this board is more of a home to me so id like input from the people have helped me in the past. so here goes....

starting with nothing, which model 944 should i be looking at?
i assume the turbo models came with better suspension? larger front brakes?
are there any 944 models i should stay away from?

any other advice is greatly appreciated!

[alxdgr8]

You definitely want a turbo or an S2 model, even better if it has the M030 option as you get even bigger brakes ('medium blacks', not quite 'big reds') and upgraded suspension from the turbo/S2.
The turbo/S2 in general has better brakes/suspension/trans and looks 1000x better IMO. 87+ turbo would be better than an '86 due to some brake/suspension changes. The only advantage an '86 has is lower offset suspension so you can sometimes fit a wider variety of wheels (but you generally need spacers unless they have large lips). You'll also want to look for option 220, which is an LSD trans.

You could do an N/A, but I wouldn't unless it were given to me as I think they look so much worse and would need lots of upgrading. At the minimum, you'd need a 944 turbo trans ($1000-1500 since you would want LSD), the N/A trans wouldn't last long. There are brake upgrade options for N/A's, but most are custom. You would probably want to swap in turbo/S2 suspenion/brakes. 85.5+ N/A's also have the updated interior, which would also be a must for me. '83 would be the lighest, and it came with manual steering racks.

As far as V8's, I'm assuming you're talking SBC? There have been some 1UZ swaps, but the SBC is much more common. Frame rails are pretty skinny, so headers are a pain on SBC and it makes pretty much any DOHC V8 out of the question.
Check out Texas Performance Concepts for swap parts: http://www.texasperformanceconcepts.com ... parts.html
I'd avoid Renegade Hybrids.

[ChrisAudi80]

Jon, did you sell your VR6T set up already? That might fit a little easier.

A 1UZ would be very light, but wider than a SBC. The 1UZ has horrible EMs. A good set of headers on this frees up about 15-20chp, I understand.

[Zerb]

Ok. Those option codes you mention. Those are found on some sort of ID plate on the vehicle I assume?

I have a set of 996 boxster s calipers here, was hoping perhaps those could be swapped if I ended up with a non turbo model car.

You are not the first person I've seen recommend TPC over renegade, is there a reason for this? That I haven't read anywhere yet, lol

Vrt was scrapped a bit ago, 07k was the plan moving forward on the 90. But an LS( ) in 944 seems like it will be more what I want in the end here now.

[my2000apb]

so no more 07k project?

[Zerb]

so no more 07k project?

Correct

[ChrisAudi80]

so no more 07k project?

Correct

Why? Because you now want a V8 944?

[Zerb]

so no more 07k project?

Correct

Why? Because you now want a V8 944?

Correct. Is that an issue with any of the above parties? :cry:

[alxdgr8]

Ok. Those option codes you mention. Those are found on some sort of ID plate on the vehicle I assume?

I have a set of 996 boxster s calipers here, was hoping perhaps those could be swapped if I ended up with a non turbo model car.

You are not the first person I've seen recommend TPC over renegade, is there a reason for this? That I haven't read anywhere yet, lol

Vrt was scrapped a bit ago, 07k was the plan moving forward on the 90. But an LS( ) in 944 seems like it will be more what I want in the end here now.

Option sticker is inside the rear hatch, in the spare wheel well under the carpet.
I think I've seen some Boxster S caliper conversion, so it's possible to use them. Most of the aftermarket suspension is available for turbo or N/A.
Renegade was one of the original and they still charge prices like they're the only ones offering parts. TPC and other off much better parts at better prices.

[Zerb]

Option sticker is inside the rear hatch, in the spare wheel well under the carpet. I think I've seen some Boxster S caliper conversion, so it's possible to use them. Most of the aftermarket suspension is available for turbo or N/A. Renegade was one of the original and they still charge prices like they're the only ones offering parts. TPC and other off much better parts at better prices.

Cool. That's exactly what I gathered. I'm just glad someone on here confirms my theory.

So I guess once it's time ideally I want to find a blown motor or blown turbo 944.

[speeding-g60]

928.

[ChrisAudi80]

Correct

Why? Because you now want a V8 944?

Correct. Is that an issue with any of the above parties? :cry:

Well, it seems strange. You were putting so much effort and money into this 07K swap, everybody excited (including you) and then you change your mind again. Of course you are in your rights to change your mind, but... just sayin'

[alxdgr8]

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4946774997.html

http://lasalle.craigslist.org/cto/4958132532.html

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/4956011481.html

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/4955913375.html

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4969838546.html

[Zerb]

Well, it seems strange. You were putting so much effort and money into this 07K swap, everybody excited (including you) and then you change your mind again. Of course you are in your rights to change your mind, but... just sayin'

The effort was put in yes. But the big money wasn't, yet...which is why I'm pulling out. In the end I have no one to blame but myself, but driving around a high HP tin can is something I don't seem to be wanting to do anymore. If I can build something fun to thrash around and not worry much about things breaking, while having a radio, interior, maybe even a heater, that's something I want to put my time into now.

Wow, those examples are less then I thought they'd be. Once I have cash is hand I may put up a local craigslist add looking for one, myself and a friend have had very good luck doing it that way. Sometimes people dont want to try and lost things they think people will never buy. Blown motors. Blown turbos. Banged up fenders. Etc.

[ChrisAudi80]

The effort was put in yes. But the big money wasn't, yet...which is why I'm pulling out. In the end I have no one to blame but myself, but driving around a high HP tin can is something I don't seem to be wanting to do anymore. If I can build something fun to thrash around and not worry much about things breaking, while having a radio, interior, maybe even a heater, that's something I want to put my time into now.

That is completely understandable. Although, I would not refer to your 90 as a tin can if you mean by that, that its unsafe.
You can have all the amenities you mention in a B3 or a B4 with a 07K. A 07K turbo putting out 250-300wheel should be reliable.

I don't have the ambition to drive a high (strung?) HP machine either, which is why I like my stock turbo AEB swapped B4. I opted to put in some electric black leather Recaros, which are heavy. Working AC, but no heater (In Thailand?). At the same time, it has a CF hood.
My goal with the car is 240-250chp, strong mid-range, solid suspension, OEM+ brakes and reliable.