Looking to Upgrade My Porsche 944 Engine - What Are My Options?

Accessories & Modifications
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Introduction

If you’re like me, the thrill of driving a Porsche 944 is exhilarating. But what if you could upgrade its power and performance with an engine conversion? In this post, I want to explore the various engine options for the Porsche 944, including the benefits, drawbacks, and what modifications you’ll need to consider.

Why Consider an Engine Conversion?

There are several reasons why car enthusiasts might look into upgrading their 944’s engine:

  • Performance: The stock engine is great, but what if you want more horsepower?
  • Reliability: Some newer engines could offer better reliability.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Some modern engines consume less fuel while providing more power.

Popular Engine Options

  1. LS Swap:

    • Pros: Massive power increase, plenty of aftermarket support.
    • Cons: Requires significant modifications, including custom engine mounts and wiring.

  2. Turbocharged 2.5L Engine:

    • Pros: Keeps the original feel but adds boost. Good for a balanced performance.
    • Cons: Can be tricky to install without the right parts.

  3. Becoming EV:

    • Pros: It’s the future, quieter motors with high torque.
    • Cons: Expensive and complex conversion process.

Necessary Modifications

When considering an engine swap, here are some modifications you might need to think about:

  • Engine Mounts: Custom mounts may need to be fabricated.
  • Transmission: Depending on your engine choice, you might need a new transmission or adapter.
  • Wiring and Electronics: Expect to rewire parts of your car to accommodate a new engine.
  • Exhaust System: A new exhaust setup might be necessary depending on your engine choice.

Cost Considerations

While the thrill of upgrading is enticing, it’s vital to keep in mind:

  • Engine costs can vary greatly from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
  • Additional components (like mounts, custom wiring, etc.) add up quickly.

Conclusion

An engine swap in a Porsche 944 can breathe new life into your driving experience. Whether you’re aiming for performance, reliability, or just a fresh setup, there are multiple avenues to explore. What’s your experience with engine conversions? I’d love to hear any tips or suggestions!

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Have you considered the 3.0L M3 engine? It’s known for solid power output and can fit quite nicely into the 944. Just make sure to check the weight distribution!

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I love that idea! But would it affect the handling since it’s a bit heavier than the original engine?

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Great points! You could also look into a turbocharged setup for extra torque. The 951’s engine might fit with some modifications and gives a nice power boost.

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I totally agree! The extra torque can drastically improve acceleration. Has anyone done the conversion themselves?

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Yes! I’ve done a turbo conversion before. It requires a few custom parts but the power increase is totally worth it. Be ready for some serious fun!

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What about engine weight? I heard the turbo engine is heavier, does that mess with the balance of the car too much?

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I’ve always been curious about swapping in a Lexus V8. It’s got great power and weight balance if done right. Anyone tried that?

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That’s a valid concern! I think most people just adjust the suspension to counter that. Have fun tuning!

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I’ve seen a few builds online, it’s insane! But how’s the electric system handled during the conversion?

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It can be tricky! Most people use standalone ECUs for these swaps to handle things properly. It’s a bit technical, but worth it.

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I’m leaning towards keeping the original engine and tweaking it instead. Easier to handle and might save some bucks!

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That sounds like a smart move! Have you looked into performance chips or higher-flow injectors? They could really pump up power.

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Great idea! An aftermarket exhaust can also help with airflow and make it sound amazing. You’d be surprised how much difference it makes.

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I read that some people are even going electric with these builds! Seems a bit extreme, but has anyone tried going that route?

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Electric? That’s bold! But can the battery weight be handled on the chassis? Sounds like a wild ride.

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You could use a lighter battery setup and get creative with weight distribution. Plus, instant torque is really fun—if you can manage it!

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That’s awesome advice! I’m totally excited to see where this leads in my upgrade decisions!

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Upgrading a Porsche 944 engine can be a rewarding challenge! To start off, I recommend checking your current engine’s condition. Make a list of any performance goals you may have to ensure you choose the right upgrade path.

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Absolutely! I’ve been looking into options for my own 944. What tools do you think are essential for this project?