944 engine swappability into a normal config car

I'm compiling a list of possible swap candidates for my S12 200SX. Apart from the obvious KA24, SR20 and VG30, I have been thinking in the strange end of the spectrum as well -- from Ford 5.0, to BMW M20, to Volvo B5254FT.

On my short list is the engine from a 944; I'd like a 2.7L engine, but whatever the choice my question regards changing the engine from a rear transaxle setup to a standard config. Ignoring the ridiculousness of the swap, how doable is this? Just blue-skying at this point, and getting reference.

The engine is just an engine, but the bell housing is t shared with anything else. The clutch uses fairly standard splines, but originally is a pull-type clutch.

Not many people like the 2.5L motors, they aren't very exciting for the amount of maintenenace they require. The main advantage of the 944's is in the chassis.

If you really want to do an off-the-wall swap with Porsche power, use a 928 motor and at least get some torques :). Once free of the electrical system, it's about as reliable as the 944 motor with similar maintenance.

If it were me? I'd go 20-valve Audi 5-pot with boosts :)

I wonder if an L28 turbo would fit?

turboswede wrote: If it were me? I'd go 20-valve Audi 5-pot with boosts :)

Only if you like to chase vacuum leaks....

I would skip any porsche front engine. Not that exciting for what it costs to own and maintain them. that is just my opinion.

Odd ball swaps? look for Volvo or old school Saab stuff.

EricM wrote: I would skip any porsche front engine. Not that exciting for what it costs to own and maintain them. that is just my opinion.

Agreed. Big, heavy, low compression, low tech, stupid expensive to maintain, I don't see the attraction. The stock engine is the worst part of the 944, IMO.

EricM wrote:

turboswede wrote: If it were me? I'd go 20-valve Audi 5-pot with boosts :)

Only if you like to chase vacuum leaks.... I would skip any porsche front engine. Not that exciting for what it costs to own and maintain them. that is just my opinion. Odd ball swaps? look for Volvo or old school Saab stuff.

Vacuum leaks? Seriously?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iR2sSHdewE

This is GRM, I laugh at your berkeleying Vacuum Leaks and smack you in the face with home-built awesomeness. Now get out of the way, the awesome train is coming through

Seriously though, I know that the Audi 5-pots are a bit of a pain to deal with at times, but I'd rather deal with that than a 944 motor. The potential is just greater, IMO. The exception might be a 944 Turbo motor, but in the end it would be about a draw in terms of pain to enjoyment ratio.

Of course I drive a loud, rough, slow 924, so I might not be quite right in the head :)

Please understand, I speak from experience, not bad mouthing them, I just have spent more than an anecdotal amount of time berkeleying with them.

(linked from my own photobucket account.

Also spent more than a fair amount of time with the 2.5 Porsche "half a motor"

And with it in the 924S body:

the 944 motor was not that bad to work on, just expensive and not a lot of power when it did run correctly.

the Audi 20v was liking being punched in the kidneys every time I had to do something to it, and that was a lot.

You know most people try to avoid using Porsche parts for cost reasons...

Oh I'm sure your experience trumps my rose-colored glasses.

However, once you move the engine to another chassis, one would presume that much of the wonky vacuum systems would magically fall off.

I know from helping my father fix the TB and vacuum line system on his 98 2.8L A4 that I wouldn't keep that junk on there if I can avoid it, and if not? It wouldn't go on with stock parts at least :)

Like I said, just kicking around ideas. Thanks for the input -- Porsche motors have now been dropped from the list for cost reasons.

rotard wrote: I wonder if an L28 turbo would fit?

Nope. I have access to my old 280ZX Turbo, and I measured. It's way too long. More's the pity.

You do NOT want a 2.7. Porsche does not even admit they ever made a 2.7 944. The motor is rare, and parts are even rarer. I once spec'd out how much a set of valves cost...IIRC it was upwards of 800 dollars.

The 944 2.5 is a great and reliable motor.

That said, there are cheaper and more exciting ways of making 140 horsepower.