86-89 engine into an 83 944
11-11-2005, 02:05 AM
#1
2nd Gear
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86-89 engine into an 83 944
I have an 83 944 and I was at Thunderhill today and had serious engine trouble. Some metal object in the engine broke and made a terrible racket and then I lost oil pressure.
I don't know what is wrong with the engine yet but if it turns out the engine needs major repairs, I was wondering if it would be better to put in a used engine. On the long drive home I was wondering if I can put in a used late model 944 engine. Does anyone know if the 85.5 or greater engines will fit in an 83 944? I'm guessing that the only big problem would be the wiring harness. I realize that I would have to change the ECU, but is that all I would have to do? Has anyone done this?
One of the guys at the track mentioned that the ideal 944 track car would be an 83 body because it is lighter than later models, but with a later model engine because the later model engines put out a little more power and have some reliability improvements. Does this seem sensible?
My car is setup pretty well right now so I am willing to rebuild an engine or put a new/used engine in. If I have to do major engine work, does it make sense to put a later model engine in?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I don't know what is wrong with the engine yet but if it turns out the engine needs major repairs, I was wondering if it would be better to put in a used engine. On the long drive home I was wondering if I can put in a used late model 944 engine. Does anyone know if the 85.5 or greater engines will fit in an 83 944? I'm guessing that the only big problem would be the wiring harness. I realize that I would have to change the ECU, but is that all I would have to do? Has anyone done this?
One of the guys at the track mentioned that the ideal 944 track car would be an 83 body because it is lighter than later models, but with a later model engine because the later model engines put out a little more power and have some reliability improvements. Does this seem sensible?
My car is setup pretty well right now so I am willing to rebuild an engine or put a new/used engine in. If I have to do major engine work, does it make sense to put a later model engine in?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
11-11-2005, 02:42 AM
#3
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Any later 2.5 liter 944 engine will fit into the early chassis. You don't need the harness off of the later engine or the DME. Use the 83's fuel rail and injectors, idle control valve (it's under the intake), alternator, A/C pump and their mounting bracket. Take the power steering pulley and the aux drive pulley off the crank. Put the aux pulley from the early engine on. Be sure to tighten the crank bolt to 150 foot pounds or the oil pump will not work. Change the timing and balance belts while you are at the front of the engine. Should reseal all that looks like it's been leaking.
You must use the later oil filler/breather. The bottom hole is bigger than the early block. Think this was changed in late 84.
Use the larger of the two connections at the temp sender for the gauge. The smaller is for the warning light that the 83 does not have.
I've had an 86 engine in my 83 for almost two years. If I remember any other details I'll try to post them.
You must use the later oil filler/breather. The bottom hole is bigger than the early block. Think this was changed in late 84.
Use the larger of the two connections at the temp sender for the gauge. The smaller is for the warning light that the 83 does not have.
I've had an 86 engine in my 83 for almost two years. If I remember any other details I'll try to post them.
11-11-2005, 10:29 AM
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Also the '87+ engines have the evil autotensioner. Beware. I'd use a pulley, but that's just me. You should get the water pump with the separator plate installed (easy upgrade and technically one that should've been done under TSB for even early engines, but dunno if yours was).
