968to986

Beautiful! Some Cup II wheels would also look nice on your car I think. How is steering weight at slow speed with the manual rack?

Frank@Work

Steering at low (parking) speed is heavy, but not too heavy. Bear in mind that I’m using the sport manual rack. This rack steers heavier than the regular maual rack. I wouldn’t want to go back to the power steering rack.

968to986

Yes, the sport rack seems like a great upgrade since steering ratio on these cars is a real let down. My Boxster and 914 are scalpel-like compared to my 951.

944M3

I had cup imitation wheels from Italy, not sure how old. Had a real bad vibration at highway speeds. Tried the usual fixes like balancing and Racer's Edge strut mounts (old mounts were shot), but sill had the vibration. Took all the enjoyment away driving at speed. Then I lucked out and purchased a set of 17" Fikse FM5 wheels on Craigslist for a great price. Once installed, I took the car out on the highway and immediately thought something was wrong, it didn't feel the same. Literally laughed out loud when I realized the car felt smooth as glass on the highway. Haven't ever had a nice set of quality aftermarket wheels, I was surprised the difference they made. Maybe its my imagination but even the steering feels lighter and more precise. And this was on the same set of tires by the way. Planning on getting quality tires soon, which I think will make the car feel even better.

Frank@Work

Great news!
My current engine is a temporary engine. I have buildup the stock engine to get the Porsche on the road again and the plans were to build another engine with Darton sleeves and a 3.0 crank etc.

The plans have changed!
Through the 944online website I became aware that Porsche has the engine blocks new on stock again! It is the block with the balansshaft covers and the crankshaft girdle. BRAND SPANKING NEW!!!

I will pickup my block next wednesday at a local Porsche parts dealer.

Tom Pultz

Frank, are you getting the 3.0 S2 crankcase, 944-100-962-00 or the 2.5 crankcase 944-100-961-00 [correction: this P/N is for the 2.7 block 944-100-961-00 M44.11/12] (which is much more expensive)? I assume if the 3.0 then you'd install an S2 crank and suitable pistons, or would you build a 2.7 with stock 2.5 crank? Sounds exciting.

Frank@Work

I'm going for the 2.5 (944-100-961-00) with a 968 crank, aftermarket rods (carrillo?) and new pistons for a 2.8 stroker.

Tom Pultz

I hope you already have a 968 crank since they are NLA. That 2.5 crankcase is about $900 more than the S2 here in the US. Hope you are getting a good deal!

Frank@Work

I have a 968 crank.
In relation to the cost of darton sleeves including getting the sleeves in the block I think I got a great deal on the engine block.

Tom Pultz

Good to hear. In the US the S2 block is roughly $3500 net and the 2.5 block is $4400 [correction: this is for the 2.7 block 944-100-961-00 M44.11/12]... hmmm, that's about half the cost of a 500+ HP Chevy 6.2 crate motor

Frank@Work

Ian (944online) has a better price for the 2.5 block.
Initially I wanted to do a LS3 swap, however I'm happy i went the "stock engine" way.

Tom Pultz

I had the wrong P/N for the 2.5 block listed earlier. The correct number appears to be 944-100-960-00, which Delaware Porsche shows as "Not for Sale." I have in inquiry in to them to clarify since Sunset has it listed for $2609.97. Ian apparently has a few for $3500. This is the one you want, not the 961-00 version since that's a 2.7 block and won't work with a 2.5 turbo cylinder head.

Mike Goebel

Now I'm not suggesting an LS swap but doesn't this make you think about it?

Cheap HP on Tap

Mike G.

Frank@Work

I was amazed at the amount of hardware included with the purchase of the new engine block! Very happy with the purchase.
Let's start with Part Deux of the restoration!

mj951

Very cool, thanks for the photos!