brrgrr

Every time I turn around, more and more guys are going with the LSx conversions on these cars.
The guys that have done it - give us a ballpark on what it costs - and if you can break it into a few catagories that would be good -

Donor Engine cost
Conversion parts cost
Labor cost

Grand total cost

Ben951S

Also interested! Engine going strong but eventually, well, I want to know. =)

alxdgr8

There is a guy I think on the N/A board that did it for <$5k, but most spend more.

Lemming

I'm a terrible accountant and refuse to add up my receipts

arthropraxis

I haven't added it up yet. But really isn't that much for the actual cost. It's the while I am in there stuff that adds up. Estimated motor, parts would be about $4K me doing the labor.

Techno Duck

Donor engine depends what you decide on putting in. Complete used LS1's range anywhere from $1500-4k depending on condition. Ideally you want one from an f-body car as it has the accessory drive setup needed to fit the 944.

I talked with Eric at TPC about having the swap done, he quoted roughly $13-14k for a turn key conversion depending on options for a turn key conversion.

95ONE

SO many details in parts that people miss in their accounting. Like all the hoses, lines, wiring that must be done. The clutch / bell housing adapter parts. Hydraulic throwout, etc. Then of course the engine mounts and hydraboost. Accessory changes if you have to. Maybe a radiator, Oil Pan.. throwout bearing adapters. headers, exhaust etc. etc. etc.

CyCloNe!

Theres a dude from MD that's on this forum and did it for around 3-4k with himself doing the work. He had an LT1 though. I think it was Lovemyp-car

Jfrahm

I have been thinking about trying this conversion on one of my 968s. My plan was to get it working with a running pullout and then thinking about adding HP or cubes. There is a lot of money in freshening up a motor and that is on top of whatever the initial cost of that motor is. Exhaust is going to cost a good bit. Also hoses, ECU programming.

It looks like there is also a lot of thinking time involved in getting everything hooked up and working, then dealing with wire and hose rubs and things like that.

Headers are also pretty expensive, can this be done with stock logs? My plan would be to run quiet through a stock-ish exhaust and so spending a lot on porting and headers might not get me much. Plus I think I could easily meet my performance goals with a stock or nearly stock motor. Logs would suit me fine if they fit.

-Joel.

mudbuddha

How about fitting a Z06 engine in there...has anyone done it and the costs associated with the conversion assuming it will be done by a shop professionally?

Interesting question- I am also curious not that I'd go down that road any time soon but it's good to know the options.

Techno Duck

Which Z06 engine are we talking about? C5 Z06 with the LS6 or the LS7? The LS1 and LS6 are for the most part identical in terms of mounting and a few guys on here are running them. The LS7 i dont know much about. I have been looking into doing the swap on my car also and have seen LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS6 swaps. Id like to see someone put in an LS9 though . My big concern though with running any engine with that much power (LS7 and the like) is traction.

I have an LS3 sitting in storage for a rainy day..

95ONE

Exactly, because a few LS6 engines have been installed recently. So.. I'm going to guess you mean the LS7.

86 951 Driver

The LS7 is a dry sump engine. So that might cause an issue.

Lemming

Bingo, the little stuff really adds up. Not to mention that the headers and exhaust will cost you $1,500 to $1,800 by the time you are done.

My estimate is 8 to 9K for a diy job. Mine was funded by the sale of two 968 engines and still have a whole bunch of 968 parts to sell as well.

Scott H

I took the easiest way out. A little more expensive, but hey, whatever works



It makes sense to do the swap on a 944 if you're attached to the platform or want something "different." If you just want a V8 car you can tweak on the cheap and go racing then take (an objective) look at the C5. Their prices are stupid cheap right now and only getting cheaper. No traction issues, no worries about drive line durability, and a huge aftermarket with comparatively low prices vs. Porsche.

And now to don my flamesuit as someone is sure to take issue with this post.