LS4 V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction

A radical transformation of the Porsche 944 unveils an eccentric LS4 V8 swap... and in a mid-engine layout!

By Verdad Gallardo - December 19, 2023
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction
V8 Swapped Porsche 944 Is Strange Concoction

Strange Transformation

The Porsche 944, known for its classic sports car appeal, has undergone a radical metamorphosis exemplified in an eBay listing featuring a 1987 model. The initial build was a stock 944, but it has since been drastically modified, sporting an LS4 V8 engine situated behind the seats. Despite maintaining certain stock elements like the seats, dash, and center control stack, the vehicle's exterior modifications are notably unconventional, presenting a departure from the original Porsche design.

LS4 V8 Power and Performance

This modified 944 boasts an LS4 V8 engine generating an impressive 400 horsepower, a considerable leap from its initial 150 horsepower capacity. But it's not where you'd normally expect the 944's power plant to be. Instead, the car has been converted to a mid-engine layout, with the GM mill behind the cabin. Concerns linger regarding the Porsche gearbox's capability to handle the increased power output, raising questions about the combination's durability.

Exterior Modifications

The eccentricities extend to the exterior where the traditional 944 design undergoes significant alterations. The front now features a bullnose design, replacing the original slanted nose, while mesh grilles and unconventional fog lights adorn the vehicle. Rear modifications include peculiar rectangular taillights, deviating from the classic blocky ones, and additional mesh grilles for heat extraction, emphasizing the car's non-conformity.

Interior Features and Condition

Despite the outlandish exterior, the seller assures potential buyers that interior amenities such as power windows, seats, and the instrument cluster remain fully functional. However, the vehicle's paint job is labeled as subpar, described as a "10-footer," hinting at imperfections visible up close, potentially deterring buyers seeking a pristine finish.

Comparison and Affordability

With a price tag of $17,000, this modified 944 offers a unique proposition for enthusiasts seeking a fusion of classic design and unconventional power. Nonetheless, potential buyers might contemplate whether investing in a different 944 model with a V8 swap and a more preserved original appearance would be a wiser choice for a similar price point.

944 Legacy

While the 944's legacy has been overshadowed by subsequent models like the Boxster, this unconventional LS4 V8-modified version beckons a reconsideration of the iconic Porsche. The affordability factor, coupled with the unorthodox modifications, sparks curiosity about a potential revival of the 944's nameplate, reflecting an enduring allure among automotive enthusiasts.

>>Join the conversation about this weird LS4 swapped 944 build right here at Rennlist.com.

>>For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section.

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