In other words, is the clutch/transaxle up to the job? I don't know if the 944S got the Turbo transmission setup.

 

It got the basic trans with a short fifth gear and a short ring and pinion. LSD was optional on most 944's. the S transmission does have a following among people who race on tight circuits, so it's got some value. the S has standard brakes and suspension, too. of course, everything is upgradeable and everything simply bolts up across the 944 range.

I'd buy the prettiest one I could get my hands on so I wouldn't have to pay for a paint job...

 

The clutch isn't up to the job, but the transmission should hold up (my understanding of them is that they have a hardened R&P and different gearing, but are otherwise similar to an NA transmission).

Would you rather the car looked like a Turbo, though? There are bound to be plenty of broken S2s in the next few years, as the cam tensioners come due, and they already have the better brakes...

 

Cue Odurina in 5... 4... 3...

(Hot damn, I beat V2 to it this time! )

 

nope.... but i did kind of have a question.....

people let stuff go on the S2s ? i thought they treated them a little better than previous examples due to the lower production numbers.

btw, are any of you all going to be parked on the infield at Daytona anytime during the next few days ?

don't want to be the only 4 cylinder P-car guy here..... interesting that there are so many Panameras hanging about.

 

The turbo trans ratios are better and you will need a different clutch setup. Spec makes a conversion specific clutch or you can get a mopar or ford clutch with the proper spline count and diameter.

 

So you already miss your 944 eh? Don't think a 44S would be any better than a regular 44. Turbo/S2 would be a bit better.

 

what makes the S count as being "blown"? in the back of my mind i have a WTB ad for 944S pistons and head.

 

Broken chain tensioner, spun bearing, thrown rod? Any or all?

I think a few folks have put v8's in 944s'.

 

Either way I have a 951 trans you could have for cheap if you take on the project. The torque curve the V8 produces will be rough on the differential if you launch it hard... I blew out a diff in my old 1985.5 944 NA.

 

Btw V2, I've got this stuff if you want it. I need to move it soon, it takes up so much space!

 

How much for the complete head?

 

With both cams, valves, everything in place, $450.

I've got most of the rest of the bits of an S motor as well.

 

it'll work...like the guys said above, it's always best to start with the nicest platform that you can. I started with a plain jane 944 n/a, original trans with over 210,000 miles on it before i thought i blew it up, turns out it was just an axle and the trans was fine. If i had the money, i would've started with a turbo, but bodywork to me isn't a big concern...i picked up a nice turbo trans from an 86 at crazy ray's picknpull for 90 bucks or something insane like that. And i'm planning on putting lexus brakes on my car in the next year or so. really it comes down to how little you can get the car for, if it's less than 1000, go for it by all means if the body and interior are pretty nice; between 1000 and 1500, i'd think about it hard before getting it, because it's a lot of work/money to put into the car...but sometimes the more you spend now, the less you spend later.

edit: oh and you're going to want a turbo trans, because the gearing, especially highway cruising on that trans will suck ***.

 

Agreed - starting with the turbo brakes and turbo trans will save a lot of money down the road. This makes starting with a 944 NA or 944S a poor choice.

Just my 2 cents.