Hey guys,

Im starting to install the engine from a 968 in my 1983 944. I have seen wiring diagrams for late model 944's, but not early. Does anyone have this information? All I have found is this : http://members.rennlist.com/tholyoak...wap_wiring.htm

Thanks!

Jared

 

Man, what an ambitious undertaking! You know the 968 motor is worth almost double the value of your 83' 944, right? You will have to gut the 944, in order to get the 968 off life-support. I guess there is NOTHING money cannot fix(or upgrade), or sombody willing to carry out the project. I would document the job with before/after photos, receipts, written project estimates....we are dying to find out the true cost! And, you would be hailed a Guru, of sorts- just from the experience!

Zach

 

Jared,

Congrats in undertaking this project. May I ask, how much did you aquire the 968 motor for?

As far as the wiring goes for the early car, have you checked out the Haynes Manual or the Factory Manuals? You could take the chart that Todd created, add another column for your car, and fill in the blanks.

Keep us updated!

 

Yea, I purchased the conversion package from a auto dismantler in Georgia. They included the engine, limited slip 6 speed tranny, radiator and hoses, oil cooler, S2 flywheel and clutch, complete 968 exhaust, and a power steering package. All of this ran to about 7 g's. Not too bad of a deal, I guess.

Im doing this because its the most sensable way to increase the HP of my existing car. The car itself has a lot of sentamental value, so selling it is out of the question. I wanted more power, and upgrading to a 968 block is the most powerful option.

Ive been working slow at this project. I started 2 months ago, and Im at the stage where Im about ready to install the new engine and transmission. Ive hit some bumps in the road, but nothing too terrible.
One of the obsticles was the transmission carrier bar. In early 944's, the carrier bar was welded in, and supported the tranny in 2 places. On late 944's and 968's, it was bolted on, and supported the tranny in one place. I had to take a saws all to the bar, and drill a couple holes to install the new tranny.
I think that the electrics will be the big problem. Ive talked to Matt Olde a couple times, and gotten some advice from him.

any suggestions you guys have would be awsome. I would appretiate any advice!

Thanks,

Jared Hagan

 

Thanks for the reply.

May I say................Holy Crap! That is a lot of money for those parts. More than I had hoped to hear. I guess it almost makes sense. If I back ou the cost of the 968 transmission and the power steering package, I bet it is closer to the $4k mark I am looking for when I start to source parts.

Have any pics of the progress?

What are your plans for beefing up the suspension and brakes?

 

Wow! What an undertaking! Best of luck on your project, Jared!

 

Jared,
GO FOR IT.

 

Yea, Ive taken a bunch of pictures of the removal process so far. Ill probably post up a web site or somthing to that effect once Im done, detailing my progress.
Currently Im having the S2 flywheel and clutch resurfaced, and I had some fuel lines made up for the fuel tank (a 968 fuel tank came with the package, since the 6 speed wont fit without one).
Uh, as far as the suspension and brakes go, Im not sure. In still in the "research" phase of that. I know I want to upgrade my sway bar, install a rear sway bar, and possibly a strut tower brace later on. Ive heard a lot about this "M030" option for 968 series cars. What exactially is this option? I know the suspension kicks ***, but what are the specifice of it?

Thanks,
Jared

 

hey jared, good luck on the project. i'm rebuilding my S right now, which is big, but swapping engines and gearboxes has the potential to be even more of a complex issue.

some guys can tell you more about the M030 suspension, but basically my understanding is it includes adjustable koni yellow shocks up front with stiffer springs, bigger sway bars (30mm/19mm), and more aggressive 4-piston caliper brakes. you can upgrade your suspension to those specs for a lot of money, or buy some aftermarket springs and coilovers and make your car handle even better than M030 for probably less money. i spent $1500 on coilovers/springs for my car, plus bigger sway bars, and it really handles well (when it's driveable!!)

 

why not just buy a 968 ?

 

Where's the fun in that?

 

Other than the fun of making the project a reality there is a considerable weight advantage. A pre-85.5 944 weighs about 250lbs less than a 968 cabriolet, which translates to about 10% better performace. Good luck!!!

 

Heavy! 968 engine in a 944 is insanely cool. If i had money coming out of my ***, id be so doing the conversion myself!

 

Jared, so is the plan to use the 968 engine harness and DME, etc....cutting a hole in the firewall...and using a 'late' DME bracket in the passenger 'foot well'??

 

Yea, I have the 968's wiring harness and DME. The 968's wiring harness going to the computer is a little bigger than the 944's. I had to cut a bigger hole in the firewall in order for the wires to pass through.
I dont know about the DME bracket, im hoping the early one will fit. If not, Im sure I can make it :P
This weekend I installed the A arms, power steering rack, and sway bar on the engines cross member. I hoisted the car up, and pushed the engine + crossmember under the car. Today Im going to hoist the engine up, and ~hopefully~ bolt it up to the frame.

Oh.... upon examination of the motor mounts, I found the right motor mount bad on the 968's cross member (Suprize!). So, I replaced it with one from my 944. Their different designs, but it worked all the same.

Hopefully by next week, I will be installing my 6 speed posi transmission. We'll see!!

Thanks for your support,

Jared