Swapping a 20V Turbocharged 1.8T VW/Audi Engine Into a 944
The 944 has a magnificently balanced chassis that has earned praise from drivers around the world. In fact, many enthusiasts believe it to have been the best handling car ever. Unfortunately, the 944 had shortcomings in the power department that ultimately left many owners wanting. The 20-valve turbocharged 1.8T VW/Audi 4-cylinder engine may be just the right combination of power, weight, and cost to make it the ideal powerplant to swap into a needy 944.
The Donor Car
Despite being 30+ years old, the Porsche 944 still remains a confidence-inspiring driver that can carve up a mountain road with the best of them. While the 944 still has a chassis balance and handling better than many modern day sport coupes, it still manages to stand out amongst the drove of never ending family sedans and SUV's on the road with its voluptuous fenders flares, sloping rear hatch, and pop-up headlights. The value of 944's have plummeted to the point where they can be had for a couple thousand bucks, but because the vast majority of them were neglected over the years, the necessary engine maintenance required to make them road-worthy again often outweighs the value of the car. On top of that, the original 2.5L 4-cylinder found in the 944 from 1982-1987 made a lackluster 147 horsepower with the 944S (1987-1989) making out only slightly better at 187 hp. So for those looking for north of 200 horsepower as found in the 944S2/Turbo models, what can be done?
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The VAG Powerplant
For some, the answer to the expensive, underpowered, or even blown-up naturally aspirated 2.5L Porsche engine has come by way of the VW/Audi 1.8T Turbocharged 20-valve 4-cylinder engine. The 1.8T engine developed largely by Audi has found its way into many Volkswagen vehicles including the Passat (1997-2005), Jetta (1998-Present), Golf (1998-Present), and Beetle (1998-Present), as well as the 1999-2005 Audi TT and 1994-2007 Audi A4. The 1.8T is considered by many to be one of the most tunable engines available today and has a huge amount of aftermarket support. Engines are typically rated 160-220 horsepower from the factory, but as most of them are fitted with forged aluminum pistons, forged steel rods, and a forged crankshaft, power can be safely and reliably bumped up with software tuning and/or turbocharger upgrades. Best yet, these engines can be picked up for around $1000 because there is such a large number of them available at any given time.
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Developed In Competition
By this point, you are probably thinking that the 944 and the VW/Audi 1.8T engine sounds like a match made in sports car heaven! Apparently, the word is spreading and companies such as Motor Werks Racing are now doing their own 1.8T engine swaps into 924's and 944's in various levels of tune. Although the 1.8T engine has been found in a number of road-going passenger cars, it has actually been developed throughout the years in racing series such as DTM (German Touring Cars), the FIA Palmer Audi series, and even the FIA Formula Two Championship, so it is no wonder why a company that has experience prepping ALMS, Rolex, and SCCA cars has chosen this engine platform for their 944 track car builds.
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How Does It Fit?
One of the beauties of the 1.8T engine is that it is quite compact in comparison to the 2.5L found in the 944. As can be seen in the photos, the 1.8T easily fits into the 944 engine bay while also leaving plenty of room for intake, exhaust, intercooler, and radiator setups. Perhaps the most relevant comparison is the weight savings that the 1.8T engine provides. Not only does a factory tuned engine eclipse the horsepower output of the stock 944 engine, but it weighs nearly 150 pounds less (approximately 375 lbs vs 230 lbs). Additionally, the engine sits deeper in the engine bay which is said to improve the center of gravity of the car.
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The Verdict
Despite some trouble with oil sludge buildup from running conventional oil instead of synthetic (per VAG's 2004 TSB), the 1.8T has proven to be a reliable engine. Sure it has a timing belt that needs to be changed just like on the 944, but the large number of aftermarket performance parts available to boost the 1.8T can make any enthusiast giddy. To fit one into a 944, one will have to adapt some motor mount plates, customize the intake and exhaust setup, and fit a deep sump oil pan, but with an abundance of room, it is fairly straightforward. An adapter plate will be needed to mate the engine to the transmission as well as a VW G60/VR6 flywheel and pressure plate. As with any engine swap, an ECU and all necessary wiring will be needed, but engine tuners will get you up and running in a hurry. For those that want something turn-key, Motor Werks Racing is building cars with the 1.8T swap, some of which are making 500+ horsepower. Regardless, when all is said and done, the 1.8T engine can provide 944 owners an alternative to a stock engine that has the potential to reduce vehicle weight and improve horsepower output all while remaining under the VAG umbrella.
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