DVC

FYI, I'm using an OEM C5 aluminum bell housing with my LS2. It's a very nice piece and has a cover that allows access to the clutch.

Spidey944

Keep in mind, even with a donor engine for cheap, between the headers, wiring, mounts, and exhaust work, IIRC you are still looking at around $4-5k to make it all work.

944-LT1

Engine (pullout) usually includes wiring and headers could be found for 1200.
Mounts 200 (making our own on the board...no idea how much yet).
Exhaust (single out + muffler) 500.
-------------------------------
1900.

Radiator ~400 (can be found for less than 200 but keep it at 400).
Clutch disc/PP 500 (also can be found for alot less).
Misc. 200 (beer, pizza, hoses, clamps).
QT bellhousing 500.
------------------------
3500.

So yeah thats in the ballpark.

Depends if you can source parts for less or if you have to buy everything. Harness work is easily done by yourself in front of the TV following the boards guidlines. Exhaust work is easy for me but I can see how others may not want to or cant do it themselves. We have a guy on our board making mounts to sell to board members but havent heard of a price just yet but he has them done! Yay!

Anyway, the point is, how much can you do yourself and how much can save by sourceing parts (ebay etc.) and then....how far you want to go. 600 hp takes alot of money. Stock HP/TQ numbers not so much. Simply put, theres no way anyone can throw a general $ tag on the conversion. Myself? I spent just a bit over 3700 (including paint).

CurtP

I've been tossing around the idea of doing a conversion. I'm an LTx guy, but for a project like this, I'd go with an LS-based motor even though there is no such thing as a nice sounding exhaust on a LSx engine. A big part of me doesn't want to give up the Porsche motor though. If I could drop in the motor from a 928, I'd be all over it!

I'll stick with what I have for the time being. My mindset right now is that if I wanted to drive a vehicle with a GM engine, I'd drive my Formula (or go buy another GM car).

roman944

hey LT-1 - always wanted to ask which front parts are these on your car? GT Racing? because it looks really good, like it was photoshopped or something'

Hotshoe

When you are sitting in the driver's seat of a 2,700lb car with 400HP under your right foot I don't think you'll care what engine is under the hood!

DVC

I think they sound pretty good in a 944:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3II_FNA5ThM

CurtP

That pales in comparison to a Gen I or Gen II SBC. Plus you don't drive WOT all the time - the exhaust note during normal driving usually sounds like either a bus that the muffler fell off or a boat. I have yet to hear a good sounding exhaust system on an F-body or Corvette. But I'm old and grew up with SBC and BBC engines.

DVC

There you go. It's a 190lbs heavier than an LSx, makes less power, has virtually no aftermarket, is incredibley spendy, and doesn't fit. Good call.

PS I dig that subdued Porsche badge

Dougs951

If you really wanted a Gen I sbc in your car, for weight you could use a motown aluminum block.

Potomac-Greg

I have to admit that I have no great love of my 2.5 n/a. It's not real strong, not particularly sophisticated, not great sounding. And as much as I wish otherwise, the 944 is not destined to become collectible.

If I could do a GM V8 swap that was reasonably priced, turn-key, and bulletproof, I'd do it in a second.

MAGK944

+1000 on the na, and even the 951 cost is prohibitive. You will not get much change from $20,000 to do a properly built 400hp 951 with standalone and you still have to deal with turbo reliability issues. But then I am sort of tired of the turbo scene

Doesn't take much to get that LSx to 450 though.

Mike

Dimi 944

That is what I was thinking too, Greg! Just think what the 944 would be with the LS1 in it on the track and how many 911 owners you would upset

Reimu

I think the 8v n/a has a nice exhaust sound for being a 4 cylinder...

If my engine exploded I'd be all over a LT1 though probably.

UncleMaz

LT, what are your thoughts on aluminum blocked vortec motors and are they as easy to convert? I have a beat on one with low mileage, all of the wiring and computers for very little money.