KenC

A (VW enthusiast) had an idea for my 944. Since - I am unhappy with putting so much $$$ into a car that would only be worth $5,000 - $6,000 tops, EVER..... He thought of converting it to a 50's era 356 Porsche Speedster Replica. Buying the body kit, minus the VW engine and using the 944 engine instead, and bits of what ever else works. (Brakes, ect..)

Questions: What, if anything would work.

Please understand it's only a thought and I am not mech. inclined. most work would be done by others. Just putting out a feeler from some of you who are more literate than I on such a transformation. I am beginning to look online and to educate myself on the kits and it doesn't seem to be many with 944 engines anywhere. They are using 912 engines and VW engines - probably for maint. costs!

My maint. costs would still be the same using the 944 engine vs. the VW, however it would be quite a neat little car!

FRporscheman

I only know a little bit about conversions, but here's my input:

912s and VWs are preferred probably because they already have a small engine in the back, the 944's is in the front. Also, a bug or a 912 has the same basic shape as a 356, the 944 has a similar shape to other 80s sports cars. And you should have a lot of money to toss at it, since my brother's really into conversions, and he tells me a lamborghini kit for a Fiero is around $5000 just for parts, and no fancy door hinges. Then add the cost of labor... but I've never done it or seen it done so hopefully someone with experience can give tips.

Sean

My $.02... There are a lot of cool things you can do with a 944. Trying to turn it into a 356 isn't one of them. A front-engined water-cooled 80s Porsche just isn't the best platform to build a replica of a rear-engined air-cooled 50s/60s Porsche.

If your 944 is nice, who knows... Maybe someday it will appreciate in value, especially as a track car. This happened with the 914.

KenC

Again...wasn't wanting to convert a 944 into a 356!
Asked about using the 944 engine in a 356 conversion.

Sean

Well, that's a little different. But I still think you'd want an air-cooled four (or six) in the 356.

If you want to have some fun with your 944, maybe turn it into a racecar.

And don't be too sure the values will always stay this low. This has got to be the bottom of the 944 market. In another 10 years or so, we may see values bounce back. There are some undesirable 70s cars (AMC Gremlin) that are actually commanding nice prices now at auction! And the 944 is still desired by a lot of people.

Steve Jensen

Sean has a good point - seen what 356 prices were like in the mid/late 70s and early 80s? No guarantees, but stashing your 944 properly in a low humidity area, along with a ton of what will eventually be NOS parts, accessories, etc. may not be such a bad idea.