i got a 944 n/a sitting in a parts yard with a nice block and i have a 944 turbo with a messed up block. the compression is the only thing thats diffrent right so i would swap the crank rods and pistons. right? no?

 

The early blocks up until <86 had smaller oil passages so they aren't as desireable as a block candidate. If your NA block is 86+ you should be fine. You'll also need the oil pan off for the turbo oil drain and have to tap the drivers side balance shaft of the NA for oil supply.

 

ORLY?

 

The drivers side balance shaft housing should already be tapped on the 86 engine (not sure about 85.5). The 86NA engine I used had a bolt plugging the turbo oil line supply passage.

 

cool thats a win situation

 

Some of the later made early blocks just need the balance shaft housing drilled and tapped. The cranks are the same for all year n/a or turbo. The later blocks have thicker cylinder walls but they pretty much all work. Use only the bare short block, crank girdle, and crank. Swap everything else over as the pan need the turbo oil return line hole, and the rods/pistons are different.