Svoboda

I'm wondering what it would take to fit a '84 944 trans into an '87? Are they even compatible?

I know the '87 has an electronic odo vs the cable driven odo of the '84, but besides this are the two trans compatible?

I have the option of getting a complete '84 944 n/a that has been rear ended, and an '87 944 n/a that is complete minus the transmission, as far as I know. Seeing as I'll have both cars, I could theoretically swap the entire drive train from the '84 onto the '87.

I've never worked on a 944 before, but I've owned and worked on a few 924s, my current being a '80 924 turbo. I'm only really interested in doing a swap, I know I could buy a trans for the '87 but that'd just be too easy lol.

odonnell

The main difference is the transmission mount(s). On the 84 there are 2 mounts and on the 87 there is single mount, with the holes integral to the case casting. On my 83 trans the holes were there so it would have been ok, but I'm not sure if all early transaxles had that same casting. Mine was a QM code and I replaced it with a 5S from a 85.5 car.

Basically, swapping a late trans into an early car is easy because the holes for the early mounts are drilled and tapped into the trans already. You just need to move the mounts over. But to do the opposite requires the early trans to have the late 944 trans mount holes which you really can't see until the trans is down. IMO I would just find a late 944 trans, unless you are basically getting the early parts car for free or can otherwise verify the trans has the needed mounting provisions.

V2Rocket

trans will bolt up but as you know there's no speedo
shouldn't be too hard to find an 85.5+ trans though, trade them lol

Svoboda

If I get them, I'd be getting both 944s for free, just need to tow them home.

I'm somewhat partial to the older style interior so I was thinking about swapping the '84s dash and center consol and all the gauges over to the '87. That might be a huge pain tho, so I don't know. I do like the '84s yellow gauges tho.

How does the early speedo work? I was told it reads off the front axle? I guess there's nothing to lose by just taking the cars and seeing where it goes from there...

V2Rocket

cable driven speedo from front left wheel hub
cant swap dashes without swapping/deleting the ac components...

konakat

An N/A trans is only a few hundred dollars, early or late, so it isn't that big a deal.

Svoboda

That really isn't the point... I am not going to go out an buy a trans for the '87. I'd sooner part both cars.

If I am to bring one back, it will be solely with the parts I have on hand. That is my goal. I know it may be a bigger pain than just buying the parts I need, but where is the fun in that?

odonnell

If they're free just get them and see if it the mount lines up. If not, you can part them out and make money. Couldn't be an easier decision.

V2Rocket

the only issue again would be the lack of speedo drive.
if you're ok with that, then go for it.

or...go nuts and put the 84 suspension on the 87 car, to use the 84 cable speedo

Svoboda

I'm thinking this is what may end up happening. Or I'll learn how to do body work on the '84... the more I think about it, the more I'd rather get the '84 running. I really do like the older style interior more... and then I can pull all the '87s suspension parts I need to finish a 5 lug swap on my 931...

Decisions, decisions... I'll need to see if there is any frame damage on the '84 from the collision...

MAGK944

Rear end damage on a 944 likely means the car is a write-off, unless it was a really light tap that only compressed the bumper.

Svoboda

It was a bit more than a tap unfortunately, but it was only damage to the left rear, where the tail light assembly was. Probably more trouble than its worth. I can't assess it clearly the way it is parked, but when I tow it out I will be able to get a better idea. No structural damage as far as I saw though.

I finally have decided on a plan of action. I'm not going to take the '87, I will take the other 944, an '85.5 auto that is complete and may even run still, and I will be taking the '84, for parts probably. The auto trans will have to go, but I'll first figure out which engine is a better candidate for bringing back and then go from there.

Should be another fun project on my list!