Mike 89 NA

There's no subsitution for cubic inches!

Having messed around with my 83 NA, I decided to put a 968 engine in an 87 944S to get the power I was looking for from a non-turbo engine.

A quote from an old mechanic friend comes to mind, "There are only so many HP hours in an engine". I have to agree, having blown a few engines in my time. Have fun with the search for the elusive extra HP!

Dave

I don't recall seeing any mention of oversized throttle bodies, has anyone tried one on their n/a? this was a common trick on the Bosch F.I. VW's in the mid 80's. I would think the stock unit is a worse intake restriction than the mass airflow sensor, yet that upgrade gets all the discussion.

Ahmet

You really think so, that flap has a (pretty strong) spring behind it...

I'm trying to recalibrate mine right now (84 944).
Ahmet

Dave

I havn't dismantled them enough to measure anything, but the diameter at the throttle plate looks pretty small. Then again I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time. But it is enough to get me thinking about the old days, when you could add a quick 6-9 hp to a Rabbit or in my case Scirocco 1.6 l for a measly $200. The only hard part was deciding between Weber and Neuspeed. In the case of the 944, i'm wondering if the lack of discussion is because no one has tried it or if it was tried and given up on.

Ahmet

The openning trhough the air flow sensor is quite a bit smaller than the throttle body (or any other point in the intake system), AND there's a strong-ish spring behind the flap.

A possible solution to this is to drill holes in the flap, and back off the tension. I still haven't gotten around to it, but I just might sometime soon now (have been way too busy).

The potential problem is to have the calibration right, so the flap is open about the same degree, under given conditions before vs. after the mods. Besides, it's free. I'll keep you guys updated if you're interested, but I haven't been on time for anything lately, so don't expect it in the next 12 hours or anything (still have 8+ to go for LeMans).
Ahmet

art

Hook up a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold, and the drive at full or near full throttle as the revs rise and watch vacuum. If you are pulling any vacuum in the manifold the tb can be enlarged, if not there is no point.
Art

Exotic HorsePower

It is easy to spend a lot of money for very little horse power/performace gains. On a 87 944na you would be wise to forget about increasing horse power. The reason for this is the amount of money it will take to signifigantly increase the horse power you could buy a 86 951. Of course if you love your car and still want to modify it for more power I would recommend internal engine work. Pistons,crank,cams, and head work. Again this will cost alot. I know I have done this on my 91 944S2. If I had to do it again I would just buy a 951. There is a lot more possible performace for the buck.
Good luck with your 87 944