944 to a 944S?

[Keo_no_ka_oi]

I'm the proud owner of a early model 1985 944, and would like to learn about modifying. I know that the 944 (especially the early models) aren't easy (or cheap) to modify, but I was wondering if it was possible to put on the 944S 16v head on? From what it seems the engines are the same size, compression ratio...etc., the only difference is the 16v DOHC...but then again, I'm no expert. If any one has ever done this, or seen it done, or has any ideas for that matter, that'd be cool if you could help me out!

[83-944]

The head wont bolt on, sorry. Head studs don't match up.

[930guy]

I beg to differ-the head will physically bolt on but you would need the harness and dme from the "s" to make it run. Not to mention the exhaust manifolds are different, throttle cable is different, and your current transaxle may not handle the increased power

[930guy]

Oh by the way, I have done this, but I had a smashed "s" to scavenge the little extra parts off

[Keo_no_ka_oi]

did you use the 944 s transaxle? What else is envolved? I dont know a whole bunch about modifing cars, I just know how to learn, and thats really all I want to do. What else is all envolved, especially with swapping the DME...can you just get one of the new ones a plug it into the old generation? More details...More better!

[83-944]

930guy: When I asked on another forum, I was told the head studs were different, cooling passages moved, belt was wider, and the intake + exhaust were different. How involved was the process and what components in all were changed?

EDIT: Did you have to swap wiring harnesses?

[87Porsche951]

A 16V head from a S or S2 will bolt up to a 8V head motor with alterations. There are guys building big displacement 951 motors doing this for big flow and numbers.

Doing this for your regular 944 really isnt cost effective and worth it but if your taking the 2.5L block to 2.7-2.9L+ than its well worth it.

[87Porsche951]

You cant just go pull off a 16V head and bolt it right up, it wont work. Have to have someone do the modifications to the head to mate it to the block.

I dont know what all is done to do this though. I hear its pretty pricey to do. S & S2 heads are not easy to come by either. Most S & S2's are a bit rare to find and to find a owner willing to part ways with it. Wish a big name company like Edelbrock would make a performance head for these cars. Dont see them doing that anytime soon seeing they would never make a profit doing so. R&D would cost to much for them to make a profit.

[Keo_no_ka_oi]

930guy: What kind of special modifcations did you have to do? Was your 944 2.5L or was it overbored?

[930guy]

It was a 2.5. Stock "s" harness and DME. Pullys in the front, Intake was a custom Millage intake and exhaust was stock 's'.

[83-944]

not too bad, I'll have to find a doner!

Was there a problem w/ the stock S intake?
What kind of difference did you notice?

[930guy]

The intake was missing off the doner car. Difference was awesome! I think by the spec its a 40hp upgrade.

[Keo_no_ka_oi]

Wow! 40 hp! All you did was DME, head, harness, intake and exhaust? No high compression pistons? I think the "S" has a compression ratio of 10.9:1 and the regular 944 has 9.5:1. Did you have to physically modify the head in order for it to work?

[930guy]

The head was planed for straightness and the ports were opened up just a bit. We never had the car on a dyno but I think the spec for a N/A 944 was like 145hp and a "S" was like 180 hp I think, don't quote me on exact numbers

[Keo_no_ka_oi]

I'm not sure how reliable this website is, but it says n/a 944 is 163hp, and 944S is 188hp (http://www.petting-zoo.net/~gkm/944.html). Also, the 944S has a different compression ratio( 10.9 as opposed to 9.5), did you have to change the pistons, or does the new head account for this?
Thanks a lot.