Is there a difference in spindle length between an early NA and an S2?

 

I don't think it's an issue with the spindles, but the length of the control arms. I haven't seen what an S2 spindle looks like, nor can I say it will bolt up like the Turbo spindles I got.

This thread is a dated, so I thought I'd give everyone an update on this upgrade I did a while back. I have had ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS as far as stress on the suspension. No cracking on the struts after elongating the camber holes on the struts.

 

I still don't advise doing it that way. Why add such a high possibility of failure to the system? If you spend all of the money to upgrade to 951 or larger brakes, just spend the couple of extra bucks and get the correct strut housings and do it right. It really isn't that hard.

 

The car has been tracked over a year now with no complaints. Actually the only complaint that I have is that I should have repacked the driver side wheel bearings better because I have to go back in and replace them because they probably got too hot and worn, so they are noisy.'

I agree with you on the strut upgrade. If replacement struts are not within the budget, early struts can still be modified until someone can obtain replacements for that extra margin of safety.

 

Anyone have any idea if S2 struts/spindles would be safe on an early control arm?

 

Yes, except you need to make a provision for your speedo sensor on your early car.

 

so- any write up yet? I have some 951 calipers that I would like to enjoy.

 

This is my write up. There is another in the DIY forums.

 

Cool. I can work with that. Thanks for the write-up, btw. Makes things hella-easier.

 

Hey, I searched the DIY forums to see the write-up to do a little reading on the turbo brake swap onto the NA. I was not able to find it. Is it still available? If not, that's fine- I was just looking to gain as much knowledge on the project before I go into it.

My car is also an early. What exact provisions need to be handled for the speedo sensor? Anyone know? Thanks!

 

You can't run a early speedo if you switch to a 85.5+ spindles. You will have to either make some cool funky custom rig to drive the speedo cable, or you'll have to install a different speedo gauge and sender. I had a thought that one could use a late 911 speedo with a late 944 tranny but I don't know if that would work.

 

back from the dead...
using this method of adaptation, what is the most affordable solution/source for a 4 piston caliper set?

 

I just upgraded my 87 Turbo to Turbo S caliper and rotors. Having said that, there is a set of perfectly good Turbo calipers in my garage. I haven't tried to sell anything before so if this is a breach of the rules please let me know. I might have some other "stuff" I'd like to pass on.

 

I'm purchasing a pair of 1987 NA struts to rebuild with Koni inserts on my S2. Does this mean the hole for the brake line is too small?

 

The 2 holes for bolting the strut housing to the spindle/knuckle will be too close together. You will need to elongate one hole to make it work. And people say that isn't super safe... If you haven't bought them yet, don't - either find a set of turbo/s2 struts, or just rebuild the ones you have.