motobri

Bought a 59k mile 90 S2 and since I'm new to front engine Pcar world, what mods do y'all recommend?
Easy to get more HP?
Car doesn't have LSD-a must?
Already has M030 bars.
Would like some different period correct wheels and store the D90s-best rim/tire sizes?
What is the correct radio/cassette player for these models? Has the OEM EQ, but Kenwood head unit and CD changer.

divil

Congrats! I think the stereo should be a Blaupunkt. That's what my car came with, along with the EQ. I think others will be along soon to answer your other questions, but from what most people say, getting more power isn't that easy. It's not like a 951 where you just add more boost.

Daniel S

Congrats! Pics?

jhowell371

Congratulations and welcome aboard.
Real horsepower gains don't come easily or cheaply. A tune up (plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor), a new air filter element (they tend to get neglected hidden behind the nose panel and requiring it's removal and stock Porsche filter is fine) and a performance chip (I have a Lindsey Racing) are cheap and easy
I'm lucky mine has LSD
+1 on the M30 bars
I put 16 inch 968 wheels on mine with 205 front 225 rear
Mine has a Blaupunkt Madison with CD player but I don't know if it's original.
You should first address the belts, cam chain tensioner pads and engine compartment fuel lines before anything else. Lots of information here about all these issues. YMMV

motobri

Found some 18" Gemballa Lemans wheels, really like that look. What tire sizes are suggested? Thoughts on adding LSD, if only occasionally going to the track?
Pix once delivered.

951and944S

Big wheels/tires kills the gearing unless you can get a tire for an 18" with same/near OD.

It's said that the exhaust camshaft from the 944S is worth a few hp, though I have never tried it, the duration is def different.

Lightening the car is gonna give the biggest gains.

T

Luis de Prat

Congratulations. You're going to enjoy it.

As others have stated, the 944S2 was a pretty complete package in its day that performs best unmolested.

There is a difference of opinion on this, but the official word from Porsche is that 17" is the largest size wheel for the 944 chassis, and even then with 968 M030 front caster blocks, or the larger wheels will rip out the bushings in the factory caster blocks and throw of your front alignment. YMMV

Dan Shea

K.I.S.S. There isn't much to improve HP wise.

Refresh what's old and it will make a world of difference. Upgrade shocks, even a single adjustable koni yellow will improve things over the 30yr old O.E. bits. If money is no object switch all four corners to coil-overs and stiffer springs. Check/replace all of the bushings, they're probably dry rotted by now.

Looks like your in CA, so cat-delete is out of the question. Cat-Back may improve performance, but mostly is an audible change.

I don't have lsd in my car, but with 200tw 255/40/17s I can't get my S2 to easily break traction. I don't know if LSD is worth the investment.

Don't replace the rear glass struts if they stop holding the hatch up, deal with it. New ones exacerbate the glass separation which is much more of a PITA.

It's a momentum car, so the best way to make it 'faster' is to reduce the need to slow down.

bonus12

You have an S2 now. Don't learn how to add HP to it. Learn how to drive it.

motobri

I like it...well said.

KEVIN ANDERSON

I have a 1991 944S2 Coupe and it really depends on your budget and how far you are willing to go. Most important are doing all of the usual maintenance things first, like timing belts, plugs, wires, rotor, water pump, fuel pump and the list goes on. Short of having your engine removed and having a high compression race engine built, there is not magic part or chip that will give you big increases in power. Web Camshafts now makes brand new performance cams for the S2 for $1300 a pair. Since you have to keep the cat, a high flow 200 CEL cat with wider exhaust pipe in and out reducers will pick up some power. If you can find Bursch headers, they are inexpensive. A performance chip and making sure the intake is all clean and clear is pretty much about the basics for getting a little more power from the S2. If you had a huge budget it would be a different story. Just get it running the best it can in stock form first. Get the injectors professionally cleaned and tested as well.

KEVIN ANDERSON

Also, there is a performance shop in Germany Called M&M. If you do a Google search for M&M Porsche exhaust in Germany, they make a header back full performance exhaust with a high flow cat. It is pretty expensive (over $2300) and I think they claim it picks up a whopping 10 HP. Personally I would buy the DANSK cat back stainless exhaust and clamp in a high flow cat and get headers, so you save $1000. I'm sure that power gains from the exhaust are mostly from using a high flow cat.

motobri

Thanks for the replies. Any brake or suspension (other than the bars) upgrade suggestions?

jhowell371

The S2 uses Turbo (not Turbo S) 4 piston brakes so they are good to go. One instructor on the track riding with me kept yelling "brake" as I would approach a turn but I would keep going a bit longer. He found my late braking a bit unnerving but I knew my car Like I said the stock brakes are very capable of dragging you down rapidly and repeatedly.

Someone of racing fame said something like "brake late and get on the gas early". My memory fails on who I have yellow Konis with non adjustable spring perches on the front adjustable yellow Konis on the back..

FHMotorsport

I have a complete brand new VEMS system available for sale that will bring about 20hp and AFM removal.