Jensen S-V8

[jsb88]

How easy are they to modify though?

[crayzayjay]

Cbass> did you consider a 944 at any point?

[jsb88]

what is the real difference of 924 and 944?

[crayzayjay]

Technically i dont know a great deal about these particular Porsche models. I do know the 944 evolved from the 924, looks better (IMO) and had more powerful engines.

[jsb88]

so just an updated car... ok.

[crayzayjay]

kind of, but im sure theres more to it than that

[Cbass]

Well, there is the early 944 and the later 944.

The early 944 was built on the same frame as the 924, used same suspension, but had the 4 wheel discs standard. It used the same tranny as the 924 turbo, although with slightly different gearing.

The biggest difference aside from the flared fenders would be the engine. A 2.5 liter 4 cylinder based off of the 928 V8, with EFI, which the 924 2.0 did not have.

Making a NA 944 fast is nigh impossible, unless you change the engine out. The same is true of the NA 924, but both turbo models are capable of very good power. The 924 turbo engine is capable of about 250hp with the stock CIS fuel injection, and made 375hp in the Carrera GTR, with Kugelfischer(spelling?) fuel injection.

They are very reliable, ridiculously over built, and easily modified. Any body kits that would fit on a 944 would fit on a 924 Turbo, and you could put 944/951 fiberglass fenders on a 924, resulting in a 2300 lb car with airconditioning and leather. In a worst case scenario where you crash the car, you can pick up a run down 924 for $500 and swap all your parts over.

[crayzayjay]

u still havent answered... have u considered a 944? they've aged a lot better, me thinks

[jsb88]

very diverse cars?

[crayzayjay]

very good cars

[Cbass]

Lol, I can't afford a 944... I certainly can't afford to make one fast

There are two fast 944s, the 944 Turbo(951), and the 944S2. Both are quite expensive, and require very expensive maintainance and parts.

The 924 OTHO, is very easy to work on(I know 5 or so people who have rebuilt their own engines), have very cheap parts(the engine is Audi based, the brakes are VW), and they aren't very expensive to begin with.

The 931 is more expensive to buy, and parts are also more expensive, but is still cheaper than a 944. The performance potential of the 931 is rather impressive, especially at the price. With an EFI swap and upgraded turbocharger, 300hp isn't unattainable. The easiest way of getting more speed out of the 924 is of course, weight reduction. Being an older German car, the body panels are quite thick and heavy, so fiberglass replacements save an awful lot of weight. If you prefer the 944 body style, you can throw on lightweight 944 fiberglass panels, and save a hundred kilos or more!

Of course, I prefer the narrow body of the 924, those sleek fenders...

[crayzayjay]

You certainly know your 924/944 stuff

weight-reduction for 924's sounds promising

[jsb88]

weight reduction is the key.

[Chris]

I do like light cars, one of my pet peeves is 4000lb 'supercars'.

[Cbass]

Well, start with a 2600 lb 924 turbo (although the later ones got to be about 2750), and install these components.

Bumpers, front and rear $200-$1500(lots of choices). 20-80lbs lighter.
Polycarbonate hatch(lexan), $750. 70 lbs lighter.
Fenders/quarter panels, fiberglass $1400. 40-60lbs lighter.
Fiberglass/CF hood, $600. 70lbs lighter.
Lightweight sports seats, $120-$2000, 20-60lbs lighter.

You can always strip the 80 lbs of sound deadening/insulating material, or remove the 70lb air condition system, but that comprimises the driveability of the car...

I myself have lined up a set of seats that will save roughly 50 lbs for about $120 USD, a hood for $600 that will save 70lbs, a hatch for $750 that will save 70lbs, and bumpers that will save 80 lbs or so.

270lbs from a 2500lb curb weight, combined with 11:1 compression, a hot cam, shorter gearing, all this should get me 0-60 in around 6 seconds, and low 14s/high 13s in the 1/4 mile. Not that fast, but it's a daily driver, and it's best attribute is it's handling. In stock form, this is an excellently balanced car, very nimble, good roadholding...

With a set of coilovers all around, higher springrates, stiffer sway bars and a complete delron bushing set, this car will handle like it's on rails. Many parts are interchangeable from later models, such as larger swaybars and brakes.