eflare1

I recently picked up both a 931 and a 944, the 931 runs very well but the body is pretty much past the point of saving. The 944 runs horribly but has a very clean body. Both cars have the LSD trans. My question is: is it possible to throw the 2.0 from the 931 into the 944 body? Obviously wiring/engine management is going to be a challenge, but aside from that what would be involved logistically? Has anyone successfully done this before? I really enjoy the driving experience of the turbo motor and I'd love to combine the two cars into one good one. Any info would be much appreciated.

Gage

Because you have both cars, you should have all the parts necessary to complete a swap. The engine management will be less concern because the swap is going backward, no real engine management in the K jet system of the 931. You don't say what year the 944 is but 85 or earlier will be more similar to the 931. Engine mounting may be the issue requiring some fabrication / modification as the 931 engine is supported differently than the 944. The headlight motor is on the opposite side also but again, with both chassis available, most pieces will be available to swap.

wildcat077

I would suggest that it's probably going to be easier to make the 944 run correctly than trying to do a swap with a 2.0l engine ...
There's nothing really complicated in making a 2.5 engine run right and in the long run your 944 will keep it's value !

You'll get lots of help on these forums in order to get your car running perfectly.

Cheers
Phil

Braymond

Both are good answers, but I gotta go with Phil. Unless there's something catastrophic wrong with the 944 engine that just can't be repaired, I can't see swapping the 931 engine over. Even so, it might still be easier and cheaper to find used 944 engine to swap in, but that may depend on what year/model 944 you have. More info needed!

Gage

FWIW, my opinion is the same as Phil's in regard to correcting the faults of the original 944 engine. I was simply trying to help answer the OP's questions, which do not seem to seek opinion or advice on which course to take.

V2Rocket

The 931 engine would be worth more sold to another 924-ist than putting into your other chassis.
Rare engine with parts that are hard to come by - not a good swap candidate IMO.

Braymond

You definitely get extra credit for answering the question, Gage.

I was hoping we would hear more about the problems with the 944 engine. Having a good clean car with nice interior is a great place to start. These are often the pricey bits. So many 30+ yo cars need engine maintenance even if they run well.

s85b50

At 37+ years old, clean 944s or any classic cars for that matter are past the point of budget base car for swaps and builds but are more suitable for complete restoration in its original guise.

fasteddie313

Shhhhh!!!!
931 parts are CHEAP!!! Not worth much..
Don't screw it up for us..


You sure both cars are LSD?
A LSD 944?
If you have a LSD 931, what do you want for it?

16again2009

Notice how all the people who are not putting a 931 into a 944 are still talking about this. The OP has not responded once.

Gage

That happens frequently with "new users".

eflare1

Hey guys, had a slightly hectic week at work so I haven't had a chance to check back here. To answer a few questions:

The 944 engine is burning a lot of oil and also has some nasty bottom end noise. Not likely to be worth saving.
I could replace it with another stock motor but I really enjoy the fun factor of the turbo engine. It's not all that much faster I just enjoy the turbo noises and the power delivery.
Money and are not really an issue here so I don't really mind if it takes more of either of those. Just wanted to see what exactly would be involved in the process and if anyone had done it yet.
I know for sure that the 931 is LSD and I am told by the previous owner that the 944 has had an LSD trans put in it. He showed me a video of him doing a burnout in it (nice) and both wheels were spinning so I sort of believe him. Worst case, I'll take the trans out of the 931.
I appreciate you guys responding

EDIT: the 944 is an 83 for those wondering. 931 is an 81.

Gage

Tell us what model year each of the cars are. Porsche makes many changes from year to year so it's important to know what you have. Posting some photos of each could be helpful too.

fasteddie313

Still doubt lsd tbh, especially the 931 considering it’s an 81..

931 engine mounts different than the 944 engine..
You would be making engine mounts..

if it’s a US 931 then it would have lambda that you need to keep so that means yes it has an ecu/electronics kinda..

931 engine is faster than the 944 engine stock and has way more power potential for cheap..
931 engine can make about 250 to the wheels for about $1000 if you are competent and do your own work..


Why not just accept that the 931 is rough and drive the crap out of it not worrying so much about it?
Keep your eyes out for a cleaner 931 body?

All the same brakes and suspension as the 944 but just isn’t wide, so it’s lighter and slips air better (faster)..

PaulD_944S2

eflare1, you don't state if the 931 is running or not. My guess (worst case) is that it isn't. If it is running then you are very fortunate and the following doesn't apply.

If the 931 has been sitting for many years, you will be experiencing the joy of restoring a Bosch Jetronic CIS fuel injection system.

Do a search, you will find that when the fuel distributor, WUR, and injectors get varnished from standing fuel, there is a LOT of work (and $$$$) to do to restore it to running condition.

You have been warned.......