You may want to look at an S tranny if you can find one with an LSD. Stronger than the NA with Turbo 1-5 gears and a shorter final drive. My setup has had no issues despite now 3 years of racing and a pile of DEs as well as some street use. Took it apart to add a quaife this spring, and the R&P looked almost virginal.

 

I did a 3.0 S2 swap into my '88 ROW 944 after the original motor scored its bores. The S2 motor, clutch, and bellhousing mate right up to the '88 8-valve torque tube. My torque tube and trans are still hanging in there, but they're worn to be sure. In my opinion, the '88 8-valve gearing is a tad too short, especially first gear. I think that the "S" trans is the way to go. Taller first but the same 5th, so more of a close-ratio setup than the stock gears. Which should compliment the S2 engine nicely - it doesn't have the torque spread of the 968 variocam motor. Speaking of which, if anyone has a nice "S" trans in the New England area and wants to sell it, let me know.

In my opinion, an '83-'85 car will be easier to do a 968 swap into than just about any other. The number one reason is the speedometer. The number two reason is that the S and S2 motors have an ignition igniter module located in the driver's front corner of the engine bay. The 8-valve cars have their igniter modules inside the ECU, as does the 968. When I did mine, I had to add the igniter module to the front engine bay harness - it's not part of the engine management harness. This made the wiring a little more difficult. A 968 motor into an 8-valve car won't require this. So the hardest part of the swap - the wiring - should be substantially easier. You might want to think about the air filter and intake setup on the 968 engine though. The nose of the 968 vs 944 is pretty different.

 

I figured I would just use a cone-filter, the way 944S3.com has pictured... Any better ideas? Ideas that would work with a vented nose panel perhaps?

 

Slightly different application but when this guy dropped an S2 engine into his '88na, he went with an S2 airbox -- but used a vented nose from a 924turbo. I remember reading somewhere that a 924turbo vented nose gives more clearance under the nose or something.....
Bryan Gunn's website

 

I am planning on doing the same project to my wife's 924 S, so I will be very interested in the out come of this project. How much are you guys seeing 968 motors going for these days?

 

There have been very few come up on ebay in the last 4-5 months. Last spring there must have been about 5-6 in a row. Expect to pay 3-4K depending on condition.

 

That's what I waas thinking... Seems like the S2 airbox should work with 968 engine?

 

Hey that's weird. I didn't know other people knew about my site.

Just for you guys I updated it with a recent pic of the car and here's the URL to the main 944 area:

http://home.earthlink.net/~bryangunn/main944page/

The suspension section is outdated - once I set the rear shocks to a softer setting, set the ride height, and had the car aligned the ride is actually pretty nice - still a bit much for the street but not too bad.

Lots has happened on the car lately - manual windows, turbo cup mirrors, rear seat delete, complete disassembly and respray in original India Red with all new trim and seals everywhere, and more. I'll try to get the site more up to date over the winter.

Bryan - aka "DoYouSmellGas?"

 

I've had your site bookmarked for awhile, I've had pictures of your car for longer, it's beautiful! Your car is an inspiration to what i'd like to have someday.

 

Tim, that is what I figured I would be paying for a 968 motor. I figured the whole project would be a $5K project when all is said and done. Best wishes - Jay

 

is 5k the average cost of the entire thing?

 

i am planning the same swap, but into an auto. i picked up a 968 parts car for 4k. let me know how yours develops.

 

I'm pretty sure his car is done and has been running for a while.

 

That would be a no.

C.

 

Hey Chad, what was a ballpark for your project? Curious how much vice my 3.1L turbo conversion. You can PM me if you don't feel like posting numbers here.