Anything to look out for when buying LS1 944?
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Anything to look out for when buying LS1 944?
I posted this in the 944 and s2 forum but someone kindly suggested that I post here since there's more traffic. I don't believe the base car is a turbo, but here goes....
My brother is looking at purchasing a renegade conversion LS1 944. It has a rebuilt AOR transaxle and seems to be going for a very reasonable price. Is there anything in particular my brother should get inspected or be on the look out for? He doesn't have much experience with conversions, so I thought I might run it by you enlightened bunch Thanks!
My brother is looking at purchasing a renegade conversion LS1 944. It has a rebuilt AOR transaxle and seems to be going for a very reasonable price. Is there anything in particular my brother should get inspected or be on the look out for? He doesn't have much experience with conversions, so I thought I might run it by you enlightened bunch Thanks!
#2
Rennlist Member
Do you have any history on the swap? Who did it, what mods, how many miles since the swap? The Renegade stuff is pretty good, sometimes their motor mounts break, look for a leaky oil pan...
I'd just spend particular attention looking over the swap to make sure it was done properly...
I'd just spend particular attention looking over the swap to make sure it was done properly...
#4
Coming from someone who got burned by one of the "professionals". Check normal 944 issues. example control arms. Along with v8 conversion issues example : healthy cooling system, healthy clutch, healthy syncros in the transmission, healthy axles and a well done power brake solution.
#5
Racer
I bought a V8 conversion about a year ago. It's really not much different from buying any car. In addition to what's been said above, mainly make sure everything works the way it should. Like all 944 owners, you should not be adverse to doing some wrenching. fwiw, mine does not have power brakes, and while that would be nice, it's pretty far down on my list of things to do.
#7
Rennlist Member
Definitely check the firewall for cracks if the brakes are not boosted. If the steering is boosted find out what type of hydraulic pump is used and if there's a cooler in that system. Check for added heat shielding at the firewall around the new driver's side header. Check for an appropriate fuel pump relay in the wiring and if the stock DME relay is still used. Check the fuel system to make sure there's a tank vent and some type of purge mechanism for the charcoal canister. If it's not a turbo car to begin with, check for a brake upgrade as the stock 944 brakes are marginal for ls1 power levels. Another normal 944 issue to check is shifter loseness. Also know the emmisisions rules where your brother lives. If it's CA or some counties in other states get fussy about engine conversions.
Rich
Rich
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#8
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Wow, thanks a lot for the feedback guys, I appreciate it and will relay it to my brother!
#10
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Hi Tony, I'm not sure whose car it is. It appears to belong to 'Bob'.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842
#11
Rennlist Junkie Forever
As far as the conversion goes...
It's no different than a non-conversion car. The LS engine is pretty bullet-proof. So there most likely won't be any problems there.
The transmissions aren't specific to the conversion. The conversion uses a stock transmission, thus if it shifts good, it's probably OK.
I'd make sure there no vibration at around 3k in neutral (which would indicate a flywheel balance problem).
If it's got power steering... make sure none of the power steering rack high pressure lines are running through on the oil pan.
Also make sure the oil pan is not rubbing on the cross member.
Make sure the oil lines from the oil pan towards the front mounted remote oil filter aren't being cut on engine bosses, pinched in the wedge created by the engine block and the rack, or are not rubbing on the steering linkage.
I've had 2 Renegade Hybrids oil pans... and neither has ever leaked. But some may have had issues. So check for leaks around the oil pan.
Check to make sure the throttle cable operates freely and is routed properly.
That's it. But for the most part... if you use a known conversion kit... it's pretty hard to screw it up in terms of the conversion. The real issue is if the clutch works properly and the transmission shifts properly.
TonyG
It's no different than a non-conversion car. The LS engine is pretty bullet-proof. So there most likely won't be any problems there.
The transmissions aren't specific to the conversion. The conversion uses a stock transmission, thus if it shifts good, it's probably OK.
I'd make sure there no vibration at around 3k in neutral (which would indicate a flywheel balance problem).
If it's got power steering... make sure none of the power steering rack high pressure lines are running through on the oil pan.
Also make sure the oil pan is not rubbing on the cross member.
Make sure the oil lines from the oil pan towards the front mounted remote oil filter aren't being cut on engine bosses, pinched in the wedge created by the engine block and the rack, or are not rubbing on the steering linkage.
I've had 2 Renegade Hybrids oil pans... and neither has ever leaked. But some may have had issues. So check for leaks around the oil pan.
Check to make sure the throttle cable operates freely and is routed properly.
That's it. But for the most part... if you use a known conversion kit... it's pretty hard to screw it up in terms of the conversion. The real issue is if the clutch works properly and the transmission shifts properly.
TonyG
#12
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Hi Tony, I'm not sure whose car it is. It appears to belong to 'Bob'.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842
#13
I'm in the middle of a 944 V8 swap and I have removed the Power Brake Boost. The Problem I have is the pedal link and pin came out with the big black disk. I have the adapter plate but I can't see how the pin fits into the operating cylinder. Is there a trick to getting that out of the power booster.
#14
Pedal Link stuck in power Brake on V8 swap
I'm in the middle of a V8 swap and I have removed the Power Brake Boost. The Problem I have is the pedal link and pin came out with the big black disk. I have the adapter plate but I can't see how the pin fits into the operating cylinder. Is there a trick to getting that out of the power booster.
#15
Hi Tony, I'm not sure whose car it is. It appears to belong to 'Bob'.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item231da15842