myates

Hi. Does anyone know which model year engines would be a straight swap for my 1988 944 2.5? Can I use a anything from 86-89? Thanks for any input.

V2Rocket

85.5-88 are directly interchangeable.
89 will swap in but is a 2.7L engine instead of 2.5, the dme should run it ok though.
82-85 engines will swap in too but you will likely need to change a water temp sensor, idle valve, and be sure to use the DME/AFM from your 88 car.

myates

Thank you! Unfortunately the timing belt went while running and no compression in three cylinders. I appreciate your input immensely!

kevin12973

Why not just get the head rebuilt and be done?

myates

We looked at that option, but it is actually more expensive than the donor car we found. And the engine has 170,000 on it. The donor, 70000

konakat

If you're in the US the '88 has higher compression pistons and makes more power than an earlier motor. I would inspect your bottom-end for wear, and if it's still good, just use the top-end from the donor.

V2Rocket

yea, around here rebuilding a head would only be a $300-400 job depending where you go.

konakat

There is also the expense of the gasket set and new hardware, etc. My head rebuild is going to end up being around $500 plus a ton of labor. If you don't even crack open the new engine, it is way less effort and expense to just swap it in.

myates

The head work was going to be between 4 - 800 alone. So my hope is to just drop in a motor. Thanks to all for your words of wisdom. Heading to Ohio to look at a donor now. wish me luck.

V2Rocket

Plyhammer in Ohio can set you up for the right price.

carlege

Because the odometers are so accurate

jeffrsmith

What year is the donor? Are you sure it is only 70,000 and not 170,000?

Tiger03447

Put in a supercharged VR6 engine and enjoy some real power without so many headaches! just a thought.

konakat

That might be the most damning statement I have ever heard used to describe the reliability of the Porsche 2.5L.

tempest411

Why would anyone do that? If someone wants a car with a VR6 then they would buy a VW Passat...or whatever those came in.