VR 944 PROJECT
05-20-2009, 07:53 AM
#1
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Location: Nashville///'84 944NA, Virtual Luftwaffe pilot, Fighter Ace online
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VR 944 PROJECT
After doing some (ok, a lot) research, I think I've finally discovered how this can be done (VR6 swap)...and so, it proceeds.
About a year and a half ago, I purchased an '84 944, with a fairly decent interior, so-so body, and the usual timing-belt damaged engine. I initially was thinking LS-1 swap...but the more I thought about it, the more I felt it would alter the fundamental character of the car. I don't want a Porsche that sounds like a taxicab, and if I wanted a Camaro or Corvette, I could've bought one.
The project stood in limbo for awhile...until I purchased a MkII Jetta with a VR6 swap and some slightly warmed over software (I still don't know where the rev limiter is yet). I'm pretty impressed with the torque, its ability to pull through seven grand, and its nasty snarl.
I looked at my VR motor,and was struck by its compact size. I began to measure, and was dumbfounded to discover that despite two more cylinders, and .3 liters more displacement, the VR6 is actually smaller in both height and length than the Zuffenhausen-built 2.5. It also makes roughly 40-45 more hp at the crank. I began asking around, and was told it couldn't be transplanted into a RWD car, without some serious custom fabrication, particularly the bellhousing. One evening while haunting the VW boards, looking for ideas, I stumbled across a guy who was building a RWD Corrado, using components salvaged from our favorite P-car...and the solution I'd been looking for was staring me in the face.
To date, I've yanked the old motor, modified a VW bellhousing to delete the FWD differential case, and fabricated an adapter plate to enable it to be attached to the torque tube assembly. Now I've begun test fitting the various components. The clutch, PP, fork, throwout bearing, and slave cylinder will all come from the VW parts bin. The clutch disc itself *may* need to be a custom unit...but it may not. The biggest hurdle encountered so far will be modification of the drive tunnel to accommodate the high mounted VR6 starter, but even that will be fairly minor, as it will not interfere with the pedal assemblies or shifter, although the brake lines will likely be rerouted slightly.
I'll post pics later...time for bed.
(Moderator, if this belongs somewhere else, please feel free to send it where it belongs. Thanks!)
About a year and a half ago, I purchased an '84 944, with a fairly decent interior, so-so body, and the usual timing-belt damaged engine. I initially was thinking LS-1 swap...but the more I thought about it, the more I felt it would alter the fundamental character of the car. I don't want a Porsche that sounds like a taxicab, and if I wanted a Camaro or Corvette, I could've bought one.
The project stood in limbo for awhile...until I purchased a MkII Jetta with a VR6 swap and some slightly warmed over software (I still don't know where the rev limiter is yet). I'm pretty impressed with the torque, its ability to pull through seven grand, and its nasty snarl.
I looked at my VR motor,and was struck by its compact size. I began to measure, and was dumbfounded to discover that despite two more cylinders, and .3 liters more displacement, the VR6 is actually smaller in both height and length than the Zuffenhausen-built 2.5. It also makes roughly 40-45 more hp at the crank. I began asking around, and was told it couldn't be transplanted into a RWD car, without some serious custom fabrication, particularly the bellhousing. One evening while haunting the VW boards, looking for ideas, I stumbled across a guy who was building a RWD Corrado, using components salvaged from our favorite P-car...and the solution I'd been looking for was staring me in the face.
To date, I've yanked the old motor, modified a VW bellhousing to delete the FWD differential case, and fabricated an adapter plate to enable it to be attached to the torque tube assembly. Now I've begun test fitting the various components. The clutch, PP, fork, throwout bearing, and slave cylinder will all come from the VW parts bin. The clutch disc itself *may* need to be a custom unit...but it may not. The biggest hurdle encountered so far will be modification of the drive tunnel to accommodate the high mounted VR6 starter, but even that will be fairly minor, as it will not interfere with the pedal assemblies or shifter, although the brake lines will likely be rerouted slightly.
I'll post pics later...time for bed.
(Moderator, if this belongs somewhere else, please feel free to send it where it belongs. Thanks!)
Last edited by Vonov; 06-10-2009 at 01:03 AM. Reason: Additional info
05-20-2009, 10:48 AM
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Very awesome project! My friend from school (Clarkson University) had a Corrado with a VR6 dropped in it. Pretty sure it's still FWD, but it's definitely a blast of a car. The VR6 is a hell of an engine, despite it's weird head setup. Throw some boost on and it's a monster. Good luck with the project.
05-20-2009, 12:00 PM
#7
Race Director
When I had the engine out of my 951, I also had a VR6 sitting around, it seemed too tall. Are you going to tilt it?
The VR6 is also extremely heavy, but is a great sounding, torquey engine! The only part of my old Passat GLX I miss
The VR6 is also extremely heavy, but is a great sounding, torquey engine! The only part of my old Passat GLX I miss
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05-20-2009, 12:58 PM
#9
No, not Mosquito!
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05-20-2009, 02:39 PM
#11
Drifting
05-20-2009, 03:25 PM
#12
Nordschleife Master
The VR6 is a great engine, very usable powerband. My friend has a Corrado VR6 which cracks me up everytime i work on it because they literally shoehorned the engine into that car, what makes me laugh is the fact they had to offset the radiator and mount it at an angle in order to get everything to fit.
05-20-2009, 03:54 PM
#14
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He should be, lol...and I've NEVER been afraid of work...when this is done, I plan to take it to Maxton. And yes, it will be FI, and I think I've already adequately explained the reasons I DON'T want a V8, and if cost were the reason, I wouldn't have bought the car in the first place, and I already have a VR6 Mk II Jetta, thank you very much, lol. Nuff said!
I'm off to the virtual skies, planes to shoot down, and airfields to take. I'll post pics when I return. I have a partner in this who's built more race cars than you can shake a stick at, and HE's getting excited about it.
By the way, Marcquito, that little video in your sig is amazing...bet I watched it for five minutes the first time I saw it, lol...
I'm off to the virtual skies, planes to shoot down, and airfields to take. I'll post pics when I return. I have a partner in this who's built more race cars than you can shake a stick at, and HE's getting excited about it.
By the way, Marcquito, that little video in your sig is amazing...bet I watched it for five minutes the first time I saw it, lol...