Porsche Repair: 944, porsche 944 s2, inlet manifold design

Question
can the 968 engine and transmission fit into the 944 model.

Answer
Joshua,

I've never given it any thought...and my expertise doesn't extend THAT far, but your question is so interesting...very short and very interesting...I decided to do some research on my own to see if I could get you an answer.  Based on what I've seen so far, I'd say the answer is YES.  There's nothing yet that even comes close to being an impediment.

Here's the basics:

The engine is a very sophisticated version of the 4 cylinder, 3 litre, 16 valve unit first used on the Porsche 944 S2. All alloy with Vario Cam for optimum power throughout the speed range. Improved combustion chamber and inlet manifold design, give the engine 240 HP at 6200 rpm and torque of 305Nm at 4100rpm (58Kw/Litre). At the time of production the engine had the highest displacement per cylinder of any car engine and also the highest torque output of any unblown 3 litre engine. Clearly Porsche had invested massive development on this engine with the required result. As with previous engines twin balancer shafts keep vibration and noise down to more than acceptable levels.

The rear mounted gearbox is a 6 speed manual or a 4 speed tiptronic, the first ever on a production car. The tiptronic utilises the research and development done jointly by Porsche and Bosch to manufacture a unit that combines the best qualities of a manual gearbox for the open road with the best qualities of an automatic gearbox for town driving.

Notice that in the 968 the six-speed is the first of its kind, so mounting locations or methods may be different.  If this is the case it will require some fabrication work on your part.  I'm not sure how the transmission signals the ECM (the computer), but I'm sure it does, so you should consider which ECM to use and whether they are interchangeable.

Now, before you plunk down any money on that newer 968 engine, I'd definitely get a second opinion. I've found a very useful source is one of the many forums that exist on the web.  Here's two related to the 968:

1.  Rennlist Discussion Boards: 924/931/944/951/968 Forum:

forums.rennlist.com/forums/ ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum&f=15

2.  Pelican Parts Technical BBS - Porsche 924/944/968 Technical Forum

forums.pelicanparts.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10 - 100

I'll bet any amount of money that someone in these forums has either already done what your thinking ....or at least has weighed the pros and cons...and they'd love for someone to ask THE question.

I hope this gives you a bit more insight and a direction to follow.

Thanks,

Dave