UncleMaz

MY 1980 Manual

Searching yielded a lot of thoughts and why on the subject, but has anyone on here actually done the swap? Is there a how to?

What would some crazy person need?

For sure:
Both brains
Engine Harness
Updated engine accessories

What about?
Crossmember/MM
S4 CE
Steering Rack
Exhaust (would a dual Borla suffice?)

I have S4 brake conversion parts (sans calipers and rotors and pads) as brakes would need some beefing up for sure. I am guessing that a later transaxle would be needed at some point.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Lizard928

I have done it.

I would use the later 83+ cross member and new MM.
Rack etc. Doesn't need to be changed.

I would not use the stock brains due to ignition wiring (final stages etc.)
you do not need the other fuse panel, it is easy to adapt to it.

The rest is all just preferance.

I personally would go with MS or the like for engine management as it will be easier and more tunable. But it can definetly be done with stock S4 brains.

BC

My friend here in San Diego has done it, several years ago to a nice 83 euro.

zoltan944

Go MegaSquirt for sure and its not that hard of a swap and the wiring is so much more simple.

Ill wire it up, you get the parts!

UncleMaz

Sounds promising. I am going to check out a motor and ancillaries on Monday. Thanks for the input. I will keep you posted.

IcemanG17

Can be done.....but like others have said I would convert to MS or other standalone EFI when doing it

James Bailey

You could easily have smog issues if it does not LOOK STOCK when the tech opens the hood. Also note that the clutch ,flywheel ,bellhousing, starter etc. are different....

zoltan944

but they don't have to be, correct?

UncleMaz

Seems like the way to go. I have a steep learning curve here.

James, do you mean the s4 motor must look stock or an S4 motor (in general) will not look stock in an 80 engine bay? My understanding is that you can put a newer model motor in your car as long as it remains stock.

This would be nice. However, the motor comes with flywheel and my 80 clutch discs are about half gone. So, a clutch kit replacement is pending.

kccampro

I'm neck deep in dropping an '87 32v into a '80 chassis... based on everyone's input I seem to be on the right track. I'm using an S4 cross member, rack, full wiring harness... basically everything is S4 except for the non-sunroof body. Megasquirt for sure.

UncleMaz

Did you assemble the MS box? Where did you buy the hardware? TIA

Tom. M

You guys are crazy. A S4 engine in an older style 928 won't work. And to think that you are going to try to add megasquirt too... That's just crazy talk




VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
82 bodied/91 megasquirted engine/GTS flared/328 rwhp 385 ft-lbs/Track Car in progress

Good luck LOL..

James Bailey

The differences in clutch flywheel and starter makes some combination work and others do not...so which parts you are using makes a big difference...just a heads up that it does not always just fit and work. You can install later engines IF everything smog related is installed as stock meeeting all requirements for the new engine/car model year. In California ,you must go to a smog referee (government guy) and get it all inspected and a tag put on the door post. If it has anything aftermarket looking it will not pass. All that is one reason why 1975 and older smog exempt cars are what people make into hotrods.....

danglerb

It isn't too likely a smog tech is going to know Porsche 928's well enough to spot the change immediately, and the presence of all the clearly factory parts should help, but he is going to have a check list of all the original components of the smog system that he has to visually ID and mark as present and untampered. Are all the old systems still present on the S4?

Key point with a referee inspection is that 100% of a Calif legal donor car emission system has to be present and working. Details are often pesky, but it certainly can be done. Bone stock the S4 isn't going to be that much of a performance motor, but once you pass the inspection you might get away with a few improvements.

UncleMaz

You mock. More info and pics please!

Hopefully the dual disc combo I have will work. Thanks.

Also, from my limited reading, it is not clear to me as to whether a later model 928 motor will require a trip to the smog referee. The smog equipment requirement is very clear though. To alleviate any doubt, I will be calling the local referee. I will report back with my findings. I spoke to a friend yesterday who did an engine swap on his wife's Jag (350 SBC). He said the process wasn't too bad. They are sticklers for stock on replacement motor for sure.


I have to think a stock S4 motor compared to the stock M28/13 motor will be a performance difference maker.

I wonder if an aftermarket engine management system be a problem? Also, the 1980 MY does not have a smog pump. Do all S4 motors have pumps and are they necessary if you have an aftermarket exhaust?

So many questions.