Porsche 944S, 16-valve DOHC engine, 1987–1988 (this example is equipped with 5-spoke wheels used on the 964)
The 944 S—super is denoted by the S—was unveiled for the 1987 model year. The 2.5 L engine (M44/40), which produced 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) in the 944 S, was a high-performance naturally aspirated, dual-overhead-cam 16-valve engine. It also included a self-adjusting timing belt tensioner. The 944, built from the 928 S4, had modified camshaft drive, magnesium intake tract/passages, magnesium valve cover, higher capacity oil sump, and updated exhaust system. This marked the first usage of four-valves-per-cylinder heads and DOHC in the 944. The alternator had a 115 amp capacity. Additionally, the brake servo action was improved, and the wheel bearings were strengthened. Although rear wheel brake circuit pressure regulator from the 944 turbo was used, floating 944 calipers were standard. On the flanks in front of the body protection mouldings, small ’16 Ventiler’ script emblems were placed. The vehicle’s performance statistics included a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.5 seconds (Best) and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph) due to a curb weight of 1,296 kg (2,857 lb). Additionally, it had a dual knock sensor Bosch Digital Motronic 2 Computer/DME with upgraded programming and programming for better fuel performance for the higher 10.9:1 compression ratio cylinder head. Similar to the 944 Turbo, the 944 S also received reworked transmission and gearing to better fit the higher 6,800 rpm rev limit of the 2.5 L DOHC engine, as well as progressive springs for better handling and larger front and rear anti-roll bars. The 944 S had options like dual air bags, a limited-slip differential, and anti-lock brakes.
Available options were the lightweight 16-inch CS/Sport Fuchs 16×7 and 16×9 forged alloy wheels, as well as a Club Sport touring package (M637). This model was raced in North America, Europe, and the IMSA Firehawk Cup Series. Production only took place between 1987 and 1988. In 1989, the ‘S2’ variant replaced it. The 1987 944 S’s power-to-weight ratio allowed it to reach 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, matching the speed of its more recent, larger-displacement 944 S2 sister.
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Performance & Technical Specification Summary for the Porsche 944 Turbo S
Between 1988 and 1991, this Porsche 944 Turbo S was manufactured. It is a 2-door, 2-plus-2-seat compact sports coupe with rear-wheel drive and an engine up front. This 944 Turbo S goes from zero to sixty-two miles per hour in 5.9 seconds thanks to its 247 horsepower and continues on to a top speed of 162 mph. It has a curb weight of 2976 pounds, gets an average fuel economy of 23.7 mpg, and has a range of 501 miles before needing to refuel. A five-speed manual transmission is included. 11.2 cubic feet of luggage space and a 706 lb payload limit are available. modified on November 22, 2018.
What kind of engine powers a Porsche 944?
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A fourth Porsche model line entered the market for the 1982 model year. The 944 filled the performance and pricing gap between the 911 SC and the 924.
Although the 944’s body was based on the 924, it had far more eye-catching curves. Porsche also designed a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine for the 944. Customers therefore considered the 944 to be a “genuine” Porsche. Audi also made this transaxle type at Neckarsulm.
The 944 could be easily separated from the 924 thanks to a front spoiler painted in the outside color with square rubber buffers and broader, slightly angular wings. Initially producing 163 horsepower, the 2.5-liter engine was later upgraded to 150 horsepower with a catalytic converter starting with MY 86. In model year 1988, the catalytic converter-equipped engine was modified for unleaded fuel with 95 RON, increasing power to 160 hp. The displacement was increased to 2.7 liters and the power to 165 horsepower for the final model year (1989).
944 S (model years 1987–1988) The 944 S shared the same body style and equipment as the 944. The four-valve engine of this particular model, nevertheless, was a first and produced up to 190 horsepower. So, behind the flasher repeaters, there was an optional badge stamped with “16 Ventiler.”
944 S2 (1989–1991) The 944 S was succeeded by the S2 model for the 1989 model year. It possessed the 944 Turbo’s rear wing, stronger body, and rear diffusor (as of MY 91). The 944 S2’s 3.0-liter four-valve engine produced 211 horsepower, virtually matching the performance of the Turbo model in the successor of the S model. From the beginning, a Cabriolet variant of the 944 S2 was also offered.
A Porsche 944 costs how much?
Cost of the Porsche 944 Original MSRP for the Porsche 944 is $36,990 or $43,350 for the Turbo S. corresponding to $92,457 and $108,354 in 2021, respectively.
How far will a Porsche 944 travel?
In case you are unsure, have a compression test performed; it will also reveal any gasket and valve leaks as the Nikasil-coated aluminum blocks cannot be rebored.
To prevent a blown engine, it is critical to replace the cam drive and balancer-shaft drive belts at 48,000 miles or four years. If in doubt, the water pump should also be checked and changed. Replace the hydraulic tensioner and the (mid-head) chain that transfers power from the exhaust to the inlet cam on the twin-cam S/S2 at least every 96k miles.
Look for smoke on turbos and listen for rumbling. The unit has a lifespan of well over 100k miles when kept in good condition; the typical maximum boost is 1.7–1.75bar. Examine the engine and power steering for oil leaks; the oil pressure should be 5 bar at speed and 2-2.5 bar at hot idle.
A worn-out engine mounting is a common cause of vibrations; if the bottom hose reaches the offside chassis leg, the mount has collapsed. It is typical to have a stiff or worn gear linkage; upgrades employing 968 bushes, which are significantly more durable, are available. The lower arm must be replaced entirely since the front suspension needs to be replaced. Wider wheels and reduced suspension can cause fractured arms, which can be dangerous. It is possible to upgrade with 968CS suspension components.
Brake calipers frequently seize and can be expensive to repair. Over tougher terrain, cabriolets may rattle and squeak, while coupes may crash and thud. Unsightly tailgates make more noise. Verify the proper operation of the electric seats, mirrors, sunroof, tailgate release, and air conditioning, if equipped.
Wheel offset altered in ’87, making it difficult to switch out alloy wheels for a later or earlier model. For a spare Spacesaver, a compressor, and a toolbox, check the boot.
What is the MPG of a Porsche 944?
Porsche has been producing the 944 model for six years. The most recent 1989 944 gets less than the usual 18.2 combined miles per gallon, on average.
Government regulators calculate that the 1989 944’s gasoline costs are $2,700 annually. This estimate is based on 15,000 miles of driving, with 55% in cities and 45% on the highway, using premium gas.
Over the course of five years, you spend $6,250 more than you would on an ordinary vehicle.
A typical calculation of 15,000 miles travelled per year reveals that the 944 uses roughly 18 barrels of oil. The majority of the world’s petroleum is produced in nations like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States.
Is the Porsche 944 making a comeback?
Porsche has declared that the 944 model will return in 2023 as its entry-level option into the niche sports car market. The automobiles will be produced in Germany at a facility outside of Stuttgart that is now undergoing refurbishment and retooling.
Can a Porsche 944 be turbocharged?
I absolutely adore my vintage Porsche 944. I’ve taken fantastic care of it, and I’ve been debating adding a turbo kit to give it a little more oomph. Can a Porsche 944 be equipped with a turbo kit?
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Technically speaking, installing a Porsche 944 turbo assembly is possible. Before you add the turbo kit, there are a few things you might want to think about.
- The process of installing a turbo kit entails major modifications to numerous components of your car; it is not a plug-and-play operation. Decide if you are okay having a lot of parts changed out and altered if your antique car is in mint (or nearly mint) condition.
- Given how many components need to be replaced, installing a turbo kit is expensive. The cost of labor is also significant, in addition to how much you all must spend for parts.
Others might not want to significantly modify a classic vehicle, even though the speed improvement might be worthwhile. Make sure you get the greatest Porsche auto insurance prices no matter what you choose.
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How uncommon is the Porsche 944?
At the very end of the 944’s production run, only 528 specimens of the one-year-only 1991 Porsche 944 Turbo Cabriolet were ever produced, most of them by hand. The Porsche Museum in Germany sent this Maritime Blue 944 halfway around the world to be here in Hawaii, just like he had.
Are Porsche 944s trustworthy?
I truly wish I had known this before purchasing the 944, though. This vehicle might not be for you if you’re searching for ridiculous power increases. The one problem I’ve encountered with the 944 is that getting the engine to produce more power is an extremely expensive endeavor that, in most situations, yields little in the way of benefits. Can the 944 engines be turbocharged and supercharged? Yes. Will the price be higher than the value? 100%.
The LS V8 swap is the most popular choice because it is the simplest way to generate a significant amount of power and because it weighs about the same as the stock engine, maintaining balance and weight distribution is not disrupted. Having said that, this car serves other purposes in addition to power. The 944 was created with the experience of the driver in mind and offers just the appropriate amount of power to allow you to have a great time without getting into any difficulty. Because the car is so predictable, you may enjoy testing both your own limits and those of the other drivers without much concern for risk.
That’s all, then! I realize that’s a lot of information, but the point of my article was to share what I wish someone had told me before I made the decision. However, despite my own 944 being a project for the past two years, I have never looked back, and whenever I drive it, it gives me a feeling that I haven’t been able to replicate. As long as you perform routine maintenance and don’t cut corners, these cars can and will be highly dependable. There has never been a better moment to purchase and enjoy yourself an affordable route into vintage Porsche ownership because the 944 has also increased in value extremely swiftly in recent years. Who doesn’t appreciate pop-up headlights, after all? Gratitude for reading! For more, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any recommendations that you believe we have overlooked, please post them in the comments box below, and we will review them.
Does owning a Porsche 944 make sense?
The Porsche 944 is unquestionably a worthwhile purchase in 2021, with average costs between $9,000 and $24,000.
Almost usually, the 904, 906, 908, and 917 are the first models mentioned when discussing vintage Porsches. The 914 is one of the Porsches that receives the least attention, though. a partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen. While many people disregard the 914 because it is rather unusual, among Porsche enthusiasts it is regarded as the company’s first genuine entry-level model.
Volkswagen-Porsche decided to create a prototype to replace the 914, and after a string of unfortunate events, the Porsche 924 was born. The 944, a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive Porsche, is the result of further development of their mid-level model. The 944 Turbo, 944 Turbo S, 944 S, and 944 S2 were among the several variations of the 944 that followed the 968.
Prior to the Boxster and 911 Carrera, the 944 was Porsche’s most popular model, yet it didn’t earn a place in automotive history as a classic. Whatever your opinion, the 944 is every bit a Porsche, and having one would be something a petrolhead would look forward to, especially given how affordable they are.
The Porsche 944 is unquestionably a worthwhile purchase in 2021, with average costs between $9,000 and $24,000. Prices are beginning to increase quite quickly as demand for the mid-level Porsche grows.