LS3-powered 944 S2 Comes with Interesting Race History

V8-swapped and tubbed 1989 944 S2 one of 7 originally built for the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Endurance Championship. 

Rennlist member jremke is selling an interesting piece of Porsche racing history. Though it’s currently powered by a swapped GM LS3 crate engine, according to the seller the 944 (serial number WPOAB2949KN452079) was originally one of 7 944 S2s that were converted in period to compete in the IMSA Firehawk race series. The series saw a variety of cars competing in multiple classes, all of which used Firestone tires, which was the series largest sponsor.

Kelly Moss Racing built a competitive 944 for the 1989 season, which attracted the attention of the Porsche factory. In turn, the factory made 7 special 944 S2s that used the 944 Turbos chassis and 944 S2 running gear. Kelly Moss was then responsible for prepping the cars to race in the Firehawk series, where the 944s raced successfully against everything from Chevrolet Camaros to BMW M3s.

The seller states that the car was retubbed in 2005 and at the same time converted to good old American V8 power. The engine features a dry sump oil setup, while the chassis has been improved with MCS adjustable race shocks, a race-spec steering rack and new control arms. A 951 (944 Turbo) transmission was installed along with a Guard limited slip differential that benefits from electric cooling. Other niceties include Wilwood pedal box, adjustable brake bias, Sparco seats and 3 extra sets of Forgeline 18-inch wheels. The Rothmans liveried bodywork features a larger rear wing and front splitter.

With an asking price of $65,000 this certainly isn’t the cheapest 944 S2 around, but it’s interesting motorsports provenance no doubt adds greatly to its value. And with a torquey V8 and tubbed chassis, it’s no doubt a serious track weapon.

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