333pg333

Hi guys. I'm just putting my '89 s in for some mods to get it ready for track days and I can't help wondering about getting the sump pan baffled. My previous experience was with a VW Golf that I turbo'd and wound up baking the engine as no-one suggested that I baffle the sump. I notice that not many of you seem to mention this. Am I paranoid or is this something I should be doing? The stuff I'm getting done is: new clutch, rebuilt LSD, new headgasket and cam belt and rollers,new valve guides,heat wrap exhaust+ fuel lines, all new plumbing, new chip, Tial 38 and Greddy II, 968 suspension upgrades w coilovers on the rear and stiffer anti-roll bars, new ball joints, new wheels and tyres (17x8, 17x9 + toyo fig '8' s) and whatever else he finds. This is getting $cary!!!
PS eventually I'm going to want more power. What are your suggestions to go to next?

ed devinney

Well, you already have some baffling in the sump now. That and a full oil fill should ensure good oiling at street-car track performance.

I track my 88 with only track pads, Toyo RA-1s and double-adjustable Konis up front, an autothority MAF and chip and a cat bypass. With a couple of years experience it's still faster than I can drive it.

aeronautica86

Wow, sounds like you'll be getting a whole new car back from your mech! Every 944 on the track ought to have something done with the oiling system, at least better baffling in the oil pan or even something like an accusump; either one of these are fairly inexpensive and much less headache than an engine rebuild... As far as more power goes, you could look into stuff like full exhaust, MAF, bigger turbo etc etc

333pg333

Whole new car is right! It should be too with all the dollar$ being spent.
My only other concern is the slow and notchy gear changes. I've only owned the car for 3-4 weeks so I'm not sure if this is just typical of a 17year old car. I've seen the short shift kits but my mechanic and his son who races seem to think they're not worth it. Another thought was to put in a 968 6-speed but that would be a major expense or fit a shorter ratio crown&pinion? Any thoughts?

User 41221

The notchiness can possibly be solved by getting some fresh fluid in the tranny (Royal Purple, Mobile One or Reline are favs). If you want the tranny done right, I'd get a S2 ring and pinion and send everything to Kevin Gross to have it rebuilt (I JUST did this and am EXTREMELY happy with the results).

Regards,

Waterguy

The '89s have a revised (deeper) oil pump and pick-up, with internal baffling. I want to switch those to my 86 and add a crank scraper and cross drill the crank for #2 and #3 rods. However, based on some good advice (including my experience), probably the best thing you could do is add additional oil cooling. The KISS unit looks nice and effective.

944CS

http://www.accusump.com/acc_products/acc_units.html

docwyte

Why are you doing a head gasket? Does it need it? I tracked my car all last season with just fresh brake fluid and a set of track pads. It did great. Spend your money on safety items, like a rollbar, real seats with headrest holes and a set of 5 or 6 point harnesses.

Then spend money on seat time, then suspension, then power.

JET951

he is doing a head gasket because it is original.

333pg333

Thanks for your input guys. Yes alot of the car is in original condition or there are no receipts to suggest otherwise. Jet951 is doing the mechanical work and does trackwork himself so I'm in good hands. It's just that we don't have access to so much of the stuff that you guys take for granted and if we can get it we pay for it! So we have to base some of our choices on what guys like you in forum like this have used and can advise on. Then we have to make decisions allowing for our ridiculous import duty tax, some slight differences in our cars to yours, and varying
club regs. I guess there has to be some sacrifices living in the best country in the world. Otherwise it would be perfect.

thingo

I'd get a vitesse chip next myself,that's what I did,easy and effective.
I felt the same about the gearshift, but a year later I am used to it.
I've done pretty well all you have in the past year, it is all worthwhile.

docwyte

Just because it's original doesn't mean it needs to be replaced. I'm on my original head gasket...

dougoh

while you are doing the clutch ...you might think about a light weight flywheel.

mein51

Try taking your car out there in as close to stock form as possible. I think you'll be suprised how well Porsche did
If you get bit by the track bug (which you probably will) then eventually you may want to race it. With stuff like chips and little things like that done, you'll be in a non-stock class. Spend the cash on safety things, as said above. I say its a good move on keeping that old motor fresh - things do go bad over time and there is no telling what other things you might find while replacing the head gasket. Good luck!