Hi, has anyone replaced a N/A with a complete turbo engine? What is needed in addition to the engine and wiring harnes?
Thanks, Terry

 

Ummm.... it would probibly be easier and cheaper to just buy a 951. Different suspension, better brakes. All arround better. Search the forums and sww what you can find.

 

First of all, I am sorry, but I hate the advice "just buy a turbo." He wouldn't have asked about turboing an NA if he wanted to buy a turbo in the first place... it is just a pet peeve of mine, because everyone here should understand how some people are attached to their cars. Secondly, as for the conversion, talk to Turby. He has everything you need and seems to know what is involved.
-Jake

 

Skippy,

Switching engines from an turbo into an N/A is not as "easy" as it seams. I understand that doing any engine swap is difficult, but there are other things to be adressed too. Different suspension, different guage pod, different intake process, and an intercooler. I'm not an engineer, but it would seem to me that the engineers in Weissach know a little more about the cars they are designing and why some components are beefer than others. I understand that people are attatched to thier car. I want a turbo, but just can't sell my car! It's a difficult choice, but if you want the turbo, get a turbo. saves you the time and headaches of not only sourcing the engine, installing it, and getting it running, but also having to deal with other components. Good luck in your power search. Fill us in on the outcome!

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

 

Check out what nine-44's doing...

 

jabba,
I know what's involved... I have done lots of work on cars, am pretty darn good in the machine shop too, and am working towards a mechanical engineering degree. So, I know it's not simple, I know there are lots of things involved, and, most importantly, I think you are right that it is probably the sane thing to do. But I'm not really interested in what's easier. I am interested in what's possible. Within reason of course... although someday I won't have to add that qualifier. Someday =)

-Jake, wishing I could just agree with you...

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by skippymcware:
<strong>First of all, I am sorry, but I hate the advice "just buy a turbo." He wouldn't have asked about turboing an NA if he wanted to buy a turbo in the first place... it is just a pet peeve of mine, because everyone here should understand how some people are attached to their cars. Secondly, as for the conversion, talk to Turby. He has everything you need and seems to know what is involved.
-Jake</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Many have asked about it, but no one on this forum has done it or known anyone who's done it that I'm aware of. You might wonder why. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

We are all waiting for someone to go ahead and do it and report back, though.

 

muhaha... here's to hoping it is me <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

 

You might try one of the aftermarket shops like Anderson or Huntley and do a NA engine swap (for a 3.0L or comparable). I read that they are putting down over 200HP at the rear wheels, plus no turbo lag. Plus, you get to keep your NA.

I would like to hear more about this sort of engine swap (a beefy NA engine).

Also, I wonder about putting a 968 engine in a NA 944? Perhaps this would be easier?

 

I've done it.......... see the topic I just posted on my girlfriends car about getting insurance $$$$$.......Not actually turbocharging an NA, but swapping all nessacary parts. Done it lots of times actually.
You need the following;
COMPLETE turbo engine
COMPLETE exaust
intercooler/pipes
DME and KLR
harness
gauges
suspention, you dont NEED, or breaks, or tranny, but it is a good idea.
radiator
coolant resivor/all assoc hoses
intake sys (complete engine)
fuel sys (complete engine)
oil cooler (complete engine)
Did I miss anything?

 

I've done the complete conversion including the brakes and suspension. Although mine was a Callaway Kit, the same can be done with somewhat better results doing a factory style system.
Like turby said, the parts that you need:

-turbo engine: 951 rods and pistons, n/a head can be modified to turbo or even better, n/a block is used

-complete exhaust: 951 factory or all SFR exhaust
including headers, downpipe, ect

-intercooler: 951 factory or aftermarket, ie SFR HR LR

-pipes: 951 factory or aftermarket SFR HR LR ect

-dme: aftermarket custom chips and/or MAP/MAF kit

-klr: forget about it, get the better J&S Safeguard

-harness: stock n/a is fine

-gauges: Lotek gauge pod is good, factory boost gauge is unreliable as per rennlist members testimony

-suspension: lots of aftermarket kits, even S4/996 monoblocks on '86 or older spindles
lots of aftermarket sway bars as well

-tranny: consider a 951 unit

-radiator: stock n/a is fine

-coolant reservoir: factory or aftermarket HR

-hoses: factory or custom

-intake: fatory manifold or aftermarket such as LR or Tims/SFR beautiful short runner unit

-fuel system: stock is good, lots of aftermarket pumps out there better than any factory Porsche pumps

-oil cooler: add a sandwhich block and install the oil cooler, still more cooling than either the n/a or 951

you gonna need new injectors

Although you should consider the costs.
As for all you 951 owners, some of these parts are what you replace if you plan to build a serious car.

 

Hmmm, How did the install go with otherwise N/A components? How's it holding up? Matnence?

 

What was the cost and time commitment?

 

It sure sounds like the intercooler kit would be a lot better approach, but the easy way isn't always the road taken..

 

I changed to a SFR SC kit as the Callaway mounted the turbo on the exhaust side. That prevented me from mounting a bigger turbo that I bought, a t3/t4 superS. Course, the IHI RX6 uses the same p18 turbine and housing as my RHB6, but finding one in this continent for cheap is nearly impossible. 320hp at the crank just wasn't enough for me. Right now, something is wrong with the clutch hydraulic system. Clutch is a Centerforce kit. I am upgrading to big reds and possibly Leda coil overs. I will post when I get more done.