What to do? Fix 2.5 16V or Renegade LS1?
08-31-2006, 12:44 AM
#1
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What to do? Fix 2.5 16V or Renegade LS1?
Well, I bought this '87 "S" for $750 thinking I could fix it cheap (see pics). I should have known there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche. Anyway, now I'm trying to decide if I should fix the stock engine, or install a Chevy LS1. I think that there are benefits either way, but I can't decide. Here are some questions you guys can help me out with.
1) What is a decent condition 944S worth with 130K on it in perfect mechanical condition?
2) What would the same car be worth with the finished LS1 engine?
I have figure the cost of fixing the stock engine to be about $3200. The LS1 will be about double that, but also double the HP and TQ. My total investment in the car will be ~$4k with the stock engine and ~$7k with the LS1 engine. I don't know what to do? My evil side is telling me to install the LS1, Bilstein Escort Cup kit that I purchased for my 951, and make it a track car. My practical side say fix the stock engine and give it to the wife who has been bugging me to get her a sports car. Please help me decide!!!
1) What is a decent condition 944S worth with 130K on it in perfect mechanical condition?
2) What would the same car be worth with the finished LS1 engine?
I have figure the cost of fixing the stock engine to be about $3200. The LS1 will be about double that, but also double the HP and TQ. My total investment in the car will be ~$4k with the stock engine and ~$7k with the LS1 engine. I don't know what to do? My evil side is telling me to install the LS1, Bilstein Escort Cup kit that I purchased for my 951, and make it a track car. My practical side say fix the stock engine and give it to the wife who has been bugging me to get her a sports car. Please help me decide!!!
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08-31-2006, 01:46 AM
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I don't really race. I attend some DE's and open testing track days. That's all I"m doing w/my 951 right now. I have a brand new Bilstein Escort Cup kit in the garage just waiting installation. LS1 and a Big Red conversion and the 944S would be done. I'd be able to hang with or beat my friend in his Z06. HEHE.
08-31-2006, 03:42 AM
#9
Three Wheelin'
I'm not an expert, but I'd suspect your LS1 conversion cost estimate is low. My understanding is that its closer to or over $10k just for the swap, doing all the work yourself. Obviously corners can be cut depending on if you go with used parts or whatever though.
Still, I don't think I'd pay $3200 (again) to fix a 2.5L non-turbo, whether it had 8 or 16 valves. I'd be looking for a good condition 8V if I had that car and didn't want to take it off the deep end.
Still, I don't think I'd pay $3200 (again) to fix a 2.5L non-turbo, whether it had 8 or 16 valves. I'd be looking for a good condition 8V if I had that car and didn't want to take it off the deep end.
08-31-2006, 03:52 AM
#10
RL Community Team
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Totally, undoubtedly, LS1.
Now is your chance - you have to invest money into the engine anyway ($3200 to be exact). You can either toss that money toward the engine that every other 944S driver has, or you can use this opportunity to justify the spending of $3200 of the total conversion cost. You know you want the LS1, or you wouldn't even be considering it. It will always cost what it costs, but right now you need to spend money and do some work anyway so the answer is clear - get the LS1.
A 944S with an LS1 would be identical to a 85.5 NA with an LS1, so as far as value, I'd guess around 5-6k. But what do you care? You'd never sell it if you put an LS1 in there. Just do it and never ever add up the receipts.
Now is your chance - you have to invest money into the engine anyway ($3200 to be exact). You can either toss that money toward the engine that every other 944S driver has, or you can use this opportunity to justify the spending of $3200 of the total conversion cost. You know you want the LS1, or you wouldn't even be considering it. It will always cost what it costs, but right now you need to spend money and do some work anyway so the answer is clear - get the LS1.
A 944S with an LS1 would be identical to a 85.5 NA with an LS1, so as far as value, I'd guess around 5-6k. But what do you care? You'd never sell it if you put an LS1 in there. Just do it and never ever add up the receipts.
08-31-2006, 12:37 PM
#12
Nissan Rulez
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sorry to jack the thread but ive always wondered, when doing a v-8 swap do you keep the porsche transaxel or use a chevy trans and a custom rear end?
08-31-2006, 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by DanAllen944
sorry to jack the thread but ive always wondered, when doing a v-8 swap do you keep the porsche transaxel or use a chevy trans and a custom rear end?
08-31-2006, 02:20 PM
#15
Race Car
Its a stock chevy bell housing with a custom clutch and a adapter. I have seen both Porsche tranny and a complete LS1 with chevy alum torque tube and 6 speed with corvette rear supension. BTW, xsboost90, just a new crankshaft will cost you over $3200.