motoist

Ok, I just had it confirmed that my 87 944S has a seized engine (presumably a bearing failure). Is there any way that I could just replace the faulty bearing? I don't want to sell the car, but can't even afford the 1000 shortblock I found. Does anyone know if the standard 944 block will bolt up to my head? by the way, this is NOT a timing failure. let me know what y'all think.
thanks,
Dylan Wood

Jfrahm

Bottom or top end seized? If you run 'em out of oil you generally seize the cam(s) to the head. The cam does not have bearings, just oil on aluminum.

-Joel.

Bryan

You have the perfect car to swap in an S2 engine. It's some dough, but the results are worthwhile ;-)

8V blocks are only compatible with 8V heads, likewise 16V blocks are only compatible with 16V heads.

Bryan

Jfrahm

The bottom ends are compatable between the 8v NA and the 16v S up to 89, which will swap with the S2 head (bore and water passage differences.)

-Joel.

Tom

The parts that are to be replaced following total bearing failure (I presume you mean rod bearing) are oil cooler, lifters (16). Cam chain tensioner, oil pressure relief valve, oil pressure valve in head, possibly oil pump. I would expect to change all the rod and main bearings (they are relatively cheap and sold in sets, and are likely places for chips to stick). You may also need piston/rods depending on what happened. I would expect to pay at least $4000 for an overhaul and I think overhaul vs replacement would be comparable. If you replace with an S2 motor be sure to get all the various bits and pieces that are also needed (DME, wiring harness, fuel lines, intake system, etc.) These are usually not included with the replacement motor, and if the motor has been cost effectively removed from its old home, they may have been clipped instead of disconnected. Jim Pasha did a nice article about that in Excellence a couple years ago.

Jfrahm

I read in another thread that this car probably has had a cam chain failure that has locked up the top end.

-Joel.

Mike951

Motoist, if you are going to rebuild your engine, and depending on what failed, I have a complete(rings, circlips, wrist pins) set of 944S pistons, brand new OEM in box that I need to sell. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks
Mike

motoist

bottom end failure!, cam chain was fine. I think I will try to save up for an s2 conversion. does anyone have a copy of that article in excellence that they could send me (email, or postal).
thanks,
Dylan Wood