JOK3R

Hello rennlist, this is my first post. I graduated wyotec for chassis fabrication and automotive paint. I've worked at a number of hotrod shops and now with a little extra $ it's my turn to build my dream project.

Im going to be buying a 944 at the end of the month and would like to here some input about the difference between the previous 87 models and the 87+ models regarding suspension setup. I WILL be going full coil over in the rear. I can't seem to find out whether or not that is easier, harder or the same with the 87+ models.

Next. I will be dropping a small block chevy 350 engine in it. (LS1 may come in the future but I have the 350 and I like that engine setup.) I'm not too worried about the location of the engine as the motor founds will be tied into the roll cage and that tied to the frame.

My question is about what transaxle to use. T56 corvette Trans seems like the best option. I will just have to get the right distance for the torque tube/drives haft. But maybe a Porsche Trans works better I don't know. I just know I can weld in whatever and make things fit.

I'm sure I will have a million more questions and I will post them here with my progress.

V2Rocket

check out http://944hybrids.forumotion.com/ for all the info you could want or need.

the 944 turbo transaxle is up to the task of the 5.7 (SBC or LS) power and bolts into your car.

as far as shocks/coilovers the 85.5-86 and 87+ suspensions are identical, the main difference between those model years was wheel offset which was changed at the hub end. if it's a street car i really don't see the point of a coilover conversion, torsion bars are not so hard to change and are much cheaper, but if it floats your boat...

FrenchToast

I would recommend a 968 transmission, especially if you plan to later increase torque further. Does require a different carrier and axles.

Can't help on Corvette transaxles. However I believe someone has swapped most an entire C5 Corvette drivetrain into a 944. Blue, has C5 Z06 wheels. Featured on GT Racing's site IIRC.

If you are planning to change out all the suspension, I would recommend changing to 87+ Turbo. Doesn't really matter what chassis you start with, but I would recommend 87+ suspension. The 87+ Turbos have the bigger spindles and better brakes. (M030 cars have best spindles and best brakes though).

JOK3R

Ok all very helpfully. So chassis are the same. Good to know. I won't be getting the turbo off the bat obviously because I'm just gonna tear out the engine.
968 carrier and trans with turbo spindles or better. So turbo lower rear control arms or 968 an option aswell? I would want aluminium bushings/Heiman joint rod ends either way.

FrenchToast

FWIW, back to transmissions, it really depends on how much power you think you'll have. The 944 Turbo S gearbox is only good for about 400 lb-ft and 400 hp on the track. More than that and the trnasmission will work, but it won't last too long. The 968 gearbox I think is good for about 650 or 700. After that you're into different territory.

There are some minor differences. Although no one has actually weighed bare shells across years, people claim the early chassis is lighter. AFAIK the suspension pick-up points are identical from 924 thru 968, but I am not sure.

Various bracketry, especially interior, changed with the 85.5 cars. (As did suspension components). In 87 the hubs were pushed out to allow for ABS (not standard until 89).

AFAIK, 87+ Turbo rear arms and 968 rear arms are the same.

With rear heim joints it sounds like you are deleting the torsion bars. The best solution for this is the Kokeln trailing arm carrier and spring plates (both of which are no longer available). There are some guys on the 944 Turbo forum offering a similar piece but they're having some teething problems with the crossmember bending and I think the spring plates shearing or cracking.

kens_74911s

and... they keep the CG of the spring mass down super low & why Porsche has been doing this for years .

V2Rocket

im guessing this wont be a street car if you want aluminum bushings and solid/heim joints.
944s have pretty rough rides with stock suspensions over bad roads, so going full solid will knock your kidneys out.

JOK3R

Awesome info guys thank you.
V2rocket the car will be a track car that may see some canyon driving on some infamous roads.
I'm familiar with torsion bars and their characteristics and I will need a linear rate coil setup. So no torsion bars.

French toast the lower control arms being the same is interesting news to me. And I will have to check out the design of the kokeln trailing arms and carrier. By 'trailing arm' are you referring to the lower control arm where the shock is mounted to or is a trailing arm used to replace the torsion bars to keep triangulation?

I will be building my 350/383 to about 500hp. So I like the 968 Trans idea. Now I hope they are priced in line with a used t56 vette Trans and I will be happy. I will have to do some research but I'm guessing I can use a 944 or 968 torque tube and some funky bellhousing to mate it to my engine.

kens_74911s

I have this bell housing that will get you connected to a torque tube you could make an aluminum adapter or modify it. $28 + FedEx at cost



I also have a 944 drive shaft out of a torque tube I could cut the front spline section at 10" and you could mock-up the interface. Add $10

Have a used flywheel with pressure plate & ring gear + old clutch disk & good starter that may be helpful for a mock up. I could do a package deal.
(I do not have a clutch fork or slave cylinder...)
Ken
porscheken@nc.rr.com

odurandina

the sbc is a very bad idea. you'll never get it right, like the car, much less want to drive it.

(that's coming from everyone who chose the wrong engine; before starting over).

get a cheap LS1, LM4, L77, L99 type of engine.

how to obtain the right engine for pennies...... and never look back.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/speed...und-1125469009

check out my exhaust for just the right amount of sound suppression.......

https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...-968-a-27.html

scroil down a bit more for yours truly hanging out with Lart (something no one including myself ever thought would happen)!



*388 c.i. of Chevy thunder screaming from under the hood of my 968.

JOK3R

Yeah I'm thinking about ls1, I know I can always go from sbc to ls. I just don't know if I want to go thru the learning process of the 'computer' engine. I liked my sbc camaro engine setup. Cheap and powerfull. Plus I just have one sitting around.
I kind of need convincing that it's worth it.

JOK3R

So I pick up my 1987 944 this weekend. Interior has been removed. No sound deadenning, carpet etc. It's a non turbo 5 speed manual car. I believe it's an s.
The guy I'm getting it from works on Porsches and says it will run after the fuel pump is replaced. I will try to attach a photo but it doesn't seem to want to work on my phone.

JOK3R

Got it!




https://my350z.com/forum/other-vehic...e-project.html

V2Rocket

say it aint so, a carb'd swap...
EFI or nothing...SBC/LSx whatever, but for the love of god, EFI.

JOK3R

You can view my pics through this link if interested.
https://my350z.com/forum/other-vehic...e-project.html