sharky47

I am going to begin installing a freshly rebuilt early engine into my 87 944NA this weekend. I am going to use all the late car harness/fuel stuff/accessories/etc. As far as sensors go - what do I need to change? I know I will not be able to plug in the low oil plug on the harness, but what about the water temp stuff. I seem to remember that one of the temp probes has one conductor vs. two - will the late sensor physically fit into the early block? Is there anything else to look out for?

V2Rocket

the water temperature sensor is different between early and lates, but they are interchangeable with the appropriate harness.

sharky47

I know they are different, what I am unsure about is whether or not the hole they screw into is the same. I don't have a spare early harness and don't care to change it out.

If I cannot install a late sensor in the early block - can I splice the correct plug onto the end of the harness where it interfaces with the sensor?

V2Rocket

the sensors are interchangeable into the block. same size/threaded hole.

blown 944

they are all interchangeable.

I have done this myself

sharky47

Good, then I will just pop the late one out of my old engine (that I know works) and throw it in the early block and be done with it.

azbanks

If that doesn't work you could just machine up a new block out of scrap you've got laying around.

Legoland951

Its the same thread/hole. I have one in my 88 right now with an 83 block using identical sensor. The only thing that is different is the cam. The early cam is the same as a turbo cam but will work fine. Straight forward plug and play.

83 944

yeah the swap will work i just did my 86 motor into my 83 944 and everything worked perfect. just change the temp sensor intake manifold mass air and such. if you want all late car parts change me if you want the 87 change them from exp. it doesnt work well if you have your 87 part together with the late car.

sharky47

Thanks Lego, was hoping you would chime in - thanks!

One question about the cam, if I using the late DME/injectors/intake man./etc. - all the late accessories and the only thing early is the block and head - can I use the late cam? I have a powder coated cam tower that is already assembled and don't really want to take it apart.

blown 944

yes and you actually want to use the late as it has slightly more lift and duration on the exhaust.

Not much of a difference.......... but may as well take advantage

Legoland951

I can't tell the difference between one and the other when I used the early cam with the late DME. For a street car I would say it makes negligeable difference at my butt dyno. I am sure there are some differences but someone with more knowledge of engine performance/dyno time can chime in on what early cam (turbo cam for lower compression) will do with a late dme. If it makes a difference to you, I think you can burn the early DME programming into a late chip.

sharky47

Thanks a ton for the info guys, going to be a mostly stock car as the engine goes - going to keep the late cam and late DME programming. I already have a nice powder coated/resealed cam tower that is assembled and ready to install.