1303RS

I am looking at getting a 944 turbo to go with my 89 944N/A but this one will be a street/D.E. car. I would like to have more h.p. and reliable. I have seen Lindsey Racing with their kits that offer 350 h.p. Are some of you guys doing this or what are you doing? Is 300 to 400 h.p. a reality with longevity? What boost do you run? I dont want a grenade. I also live in the desert and dont want any over heating issues when it gets hot out.

gt37vgt

yes lots of guys are doing that or very similar 350whp or 400 crank is about the limit beyond that reliablity and expense get out of control

1303RS

thanks, as I spend more time in the turbo area, I see lots of stuff. will need to spend some time reading an learning.

a4944

I would not recommend a 944 Turbo for a track car if you want reliability. I've seen way too many come and go and way too many people get into a 944 Turbo and then sell it out of frustration. I really don't see that many on track anymore (I run with a general purpose sports car club, not PCA). I've stuck with mine through bad times. It's a very fun car but not reliable based on my experiences at the track. I'm sure there are excepetions.

Mark

Adam Poland

Yeah my 944 turbo race car has not seen a track since we rebuilt it, about 7 months ago. Mainly electrical problems, since my color blind father crossed red and black wires, (confusing red with orange), and fried a bunch of stuff. Now, a stand alone system is in order. So, I dont even know how my car drives. Theyre very frustrating cars sometimes, but a blast to drive. I love both of mine to death, even though one is going through a rebuild, and the other is in the shop....missing the event this weekend....yet again.

George D

I ran an 89 951 with 330whp in Tucson for 8 years that just had bolt on parts. I just had to keep up with the routine stuff that any car would require. I figure I spent about 2K annually keeping things up to date. This included a few track events annually.

You need to purchase a well cared for car if you really want to get into something that you won't have to get up to spec. The entrance fee into these cars can be cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Running these cars in the desert is no big deal. I've had about 13 sports cars in the past ten years, and my favorite is the 951. My current 951 will be driven a few times a week to work, and see Firebird, PIR, and the new track in Willcox a few times a year.

This car will see over 450 whp with pump gas and much more with race fuel. It's just a matter of money and your desire to have what you want.

A reliable 350whp 2.5 951 is fairly easy to keep reliable. Just purchase the proper car up front.

George

1303RS

Thanks for the input. I have a DE this weekend and will be using my 89 944 na and am anxious to see how it does. The 944t idea is still an idea at this point. I am wanting a new toy in addition to my dd. My other idea is a 964, but it all depends on selling my current toy. I know, apples and oranges. But the idea of a 994t is more likely because I love driving my 89.

George D

Once my car is done, I'll be at most of the PCA DE events. A well sorted 951 is a surprise to many PCA DE event folks with modded modern Porsche Turbo cars.

Techno Duck

Here is my opinion on running the 951 for track use.

As mentioned, the most important thing i think is finding a car that was taken care of. These cars can nickle and dime you to death if your not careful.

The 2nd thing is you need to cap your HP desire in my opinion to sub 300whp and keep the boost under 15psi. I modified my 951 heavily but everything i did was done because i felt it would increase the reliability of the car. You just have to chose your modifications wisely and be realistic about your power levels. On the track i actually turn my boost down almost all the way and run spring pressure (about 11psi). The performance of a stock 951 on the track i think is well beyond what my skill level will ever be, that and i am sure 11psi is far easier on the car. Again, my entire mentality in modifying my car was all reliability.

Im my opinion going over the 300whp point is where things start getting 'iffy' with these cars.

Also one thing i think is VERY important is short shifting at 6k rpm max. Most 951's peak around this point (and if anything are dropping in HP / TQ) from 6k on. For a DE i think its pointless to run the car to redline as i really feel like its putting far too much strain on the engine for no gain (your not racing anyone!). The crankshaft on these cars looks like it came out of a truck and wanting longevity with something that heavy spinning that fast i cant see happening. The other must for a 951 that see's track use is a better oil cooler.

This is just my opinion, take it for what its worth.

brrgrr

There are A LOT of 944 Turbo track cars out there. They can be very reliable in stock form or slightly modified form (boost 1 bar or less) - One of the fastest cars in the ARPCA (Pittsburgh region) at DE's is a 944 turbo that runs the stock AFM, a k26/8 and 1 bar boost - lots of suspension work and a good wheel man. You'll be plenty quick with a good suspension and driving skill.

MM951

I agree with George and Jon, these cars are pretty reliable so long as you stay on top of things (knock on wood)


Jon - You don't raise it about 15 psi?? I have to admit, I have been running ~17-18 psi for about a year now... I agree with you on the revs, each of my friends that has banged the rev limiter (pretty violent in 2nd when you are in the passenger seat ) in 2nd/3rd gear is no longer allowed to drive my car. Even I haven't done it, as the highest I typically shift at is 6400 rpm (although it sees 6400 all the time) ..

1303RS

When I build my car, the most important part of the car is reliability. When I did my last toy, reliability and longevity are the most important, thats why i started asking for everyones input. If a stock or mild mod 951 is the best way to go, then thats what will happen. A well sorted car is priority #1.

Techno Duck

Mike, i have run 17psi twice just to 'see what it can do'. Its ridiculous fast. More power than i would ever need on the street and TOO for me on the track.

1303RS, if your looking for a well sorted car, i know a very handsome guy selling one.. .

toddk911

+1 and 95% of the equation.

I have talked with numerous drivers, especially Porsche, that run in Rolex/Sebring, etc. and they ALL told me the same thing about what mods I should get if wanting a track car.

“KEEP IT STOCK AND SPEND THE MONEY ON DRIVING LESSONS” lol

Then maybe some suspension work.

They were all adimite that a super fast car with a mediocre driver will be a super slow car on the track.

1303RS

Techno duck, got any info and pics of the car? $?