Project Boxster Clubsport just wrapped up, it’s time to change our tune. I’d like to introduce our new project car, and I’ll be the first to point out that it is inconsistent with the very title of this site. It’s Porsche-powered, but it’s an all-aluminum 2.5L inline four, not a Flat Six. We didn’t seek this car out as a project car, and actually I had this particular car before I started writing for this site. I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly so far, but I have been wanting to take this car to the next level in terms of performance. In order to keep up with the latest in performance tires from our friends at Michelin, Project “944 GTS” is going to be host to quite a few updates to its suspension, brakes, and powertrain.
Presenting Project 944 GTS: In all its Impact-Bumpered Glory
Before we get started with this project in earnest, we need to thank Michelin. As many of you know, Michelin is a long-time sponsor of FLATSIXES.com. Recently, they have generously offered to sponsor Project 944 GTS as part of their involvement with our site. Please consider checking out what Michelin has to offer by clicking their banners on this page. Without Michelin’s support, and others like them, this site really wouldn’t be possible.
When the 944 debuted in 1983, it brought a Porsche-developed engine to the four cylinder transaxle cars for the first time. This 2.5L, 8-valve four would be the basis for all 944 and 968 engines to follow, and in various forms would sprout turbochargers and displacements up to 3.0l. Our new project car, a 1987 944S, is the unloved middle-child of the range. With 2.5L and 16 valves, the S delivered forty horsepower more than the base car, a seven thousand RPM redline, and a lower price of entry than the Turbo.
The only engine modification is visible above; a set of braided stainless fuel lines which replace the crack-prone stock rubber lines.
What’s Been Done
Though little-loved when it debuted, the sixteen valve four would find more fans in 3.0L form in the 944S2, and became Porsche’s first model with Variocam in the 968. I’ve had this 93k mile example for a little over a year now, and it is my three-season daily driver. The 944 has a reputation for unreliability, which seems to be more the fault of the cars’ low prices for the last twenty-plus years and resultant inattentive owners. This example has been incredibly reliable for me, however. The maintenance file which came with the car totaled a few times what I paid for it last year. The car has needed nothing beyond routine maintenance in the last year and eight thousand miles.
So, like any responsible 944 owner, I’ve addressed the timing belt, tensioners, water pump, and balance shaft belts. Though well maintained, the car had seen limited use over the last several years, and the now seven year old timing belt was an engine failure waiting to happen. The 944S, like the later 16v cars, features a single row timing chain under the valve cover which connects the two cams. The cam tensioner is prone to failure, largely due to the plastic guide rails wearing down over time causing timing chain breakage. A few weeks ago, I replaced that as well as I was beginning to hear some chain noise on cold startup.
Heck, even the dash is free of cracks.
Where We Stand
To date my 944 has done everything I’ve asked of it. It is comfortable, reliable, and though not as flickable as some of my past cars, has faultless handling. Currently everything works except the cigarette lighter, so we’ll be able to focus on improving the car, rather than spending a lot of time sorting out its faults. Aesthetically the car is not perfect, there is a thin spot on the left rear flare, some paint wear under the driver’s door sill, and some fading and oxidation in the Guards Red paint. Though I’ve done some paint correction, it’s unlikely it’ll ever look perfect without a repaint.
Apart from changing the wheels and the current Momo steering wheel, there won’t be many cosmetic changes. The 944 has never been subtle, with its big rubber spoiler and aggressive flares, and I have no desire to go full-on garish with this car.
What is a 944 GTS?
The 944 in virtually all of its forms, save this one if I’m honest, has been a popular platform for modification since its debut. My car already features a handful of upgrades(some of which I don’t care for), including a Momo steering wheel, forged 968 16″ alloys, and a freer flowing exhaust. My intention is to increase the performance of this S, without turning it into a harsh, track-only car. As I said, I use this car nearly every day. Like Project Boxster Clubsport, we plan to shed weight and increase grip, but I’d like to look at this project slightly differently than that one. While the Boxster is decidedly a sports car, the closed roof 944 is more of a junior GT car. A lot of space is dedicated to luggage, and thanks to its 21 gallon fuel tank the car has extremely long legs.
With that in mind, let’s consider this project in the vein of the current 911 GTS(did the title give it away?): Project 944 GTS will be a more performance oriented take on the 944S, but without taking the full plunge in to hardcore, GT3-style territory. Remember, this car has to stay every-day usable. I live in the Northeast where even the best roads resemble the surface of the moon. So while the suspension will be thoroughly upgraded, we won’t be using 500lb/in springs for peak track performance. The focus will be on improving roadholding and permitting a wide range of adjustability to take full advantage of modern performance tires, plus a few nods towards usability and safety without sacrificing performance.
Watch this space for our first update!
View Comments (25)
As an owner of an '83, I'm looking forward to this build!
I also want to improve mine...
Already I have the yellow adjustable Koni's on all corners...
I updated my '90 944S2 with Koni adjustable shocks and springs, M030 sway bars front and rear, thicker torsion bars, and new sport rubber suspension bushings all around. It worked very nicely (for my skill level) on track, and had fantastic ride comfort as well.
I look forward to reading more about your build!
It sounds like lot of elements are going to be similar to your car. I picked up a set of rebuildable Koni Reds from a 944 Turbo S from my mechanic. I have to send them out to be rebuilt, but I think I'm going to do a few upgrades to modernize them as well(lots of options out there to update old shocks/struts from Koni rebuilders).
Of course, being an S rather than an S2, you have the better brakes and a few other items I do not. With this project I want to either bridge that gap, or try to step beyond the S2 wherever I can.
If you'd like to really go down the rabbit hole, I have a very cool, and fairly sophisticated, suspension analysis spreadsheet (which I did not create - others smarter than me did so) which I used as a basis for determining the modifications to my S2 suspension, rather than going trial and error.
Either I got lucky, or the spreadsheet is pretty darned accurate (knowing the creators, I vote for the latter...), as my set up hit the nail on the head for what I was after. I'm happy to send a copy your way if you're interested.
Mike
I have a 88 944S.
I'm putting koni yellows on. Still waiting for the front shicks to come in.
I would be very interested in your spread sheet.
Brian,
Send your email to mikesanto@att.net and I'll pass it along!
Mike
Like to have a copy of that build sheet.
Have a 968 Turbo , moving toward an RS.
i have a 968 cabro i should like to contact you as to improvenents you have made turbo mine has some improvements yellow koni sway bar rubbers
a few minor others
Please send me a copy of the spreadsheet. I have 4 944s and a Cabrio 968 in various stages of build.
Bob,
Send me an email to my address above and I'll be happy to send you a copy of the spreadsheet.
I should have done this when I had mine -- I'm eagerly following this story, and excited to see the journey unfold!
Well, look what the cat dragged in... :-)
I daily drive my 1988 Celebration Edition 944 and it's totally stock. Looking forward to seeing what you choose for the GTS.
This is my daily driver as well, at least when it isn't snowing. March-November I drive my 944 pretty much daily. Of course, I work from home so I don't put on a TON of miles, but last year I put more miles on the 944 than on my Subaru.
I have a 1989 944, with the 2.7 engine, what an underrated and often unappreciated Porsche. I added the Koni Cup Coil Over Kit, using the 475lb hypercoil springs. In addition a KLA 944 Strut Brace. Fabspeed made a catbypass for a nice sound. No question a nice all around Porsche.
I wish I could go that stiff. For the amount I drive this car on the street, I think 475lb springs would break me. I used to daily drive an older Golf with coilovers and approximately the same spring rate:front end weight ratio(the car was corner balanced and a total sweetheart). The front suspension on the two cars is nearly identical, and that car beat the snot out of me. I still loved it and daily drove it for 8 years. I don't want to go quite that hard with this car, as it's more GT car than rollerskate.
I am very interested in your project. I have a 1988 924S SE with the M030 (yellow) suspension, a front strut brace and 16" 968 wheels and it is as stiff as I want. Most of what you try should apply to my car as well.
For your 944 GTS, I have to recommend the KW 3-way adjustable dampers. I put them on my 1986 944 NA (had to have a machine shop do a little bit of customization to make them fit this model). And they are phenomenal. The car is great on the street and very composed on the autocross course. I don't use this car on track. There isn't the typical "coil-over bounce" from having it too stiff. Being able to adjust both the rebound and compression is very helpful to achieve a great "GTS" balance. Rebuilding the lower control arms helps too. The plastic bushing in there disintegrates over time. Good luck with it!
Hello, Id like to send you a front splitter spoiler for your car, free.
Please supply a complete shipping address and I will make it happen if you wish.
If you send me a email address and you want I will send you a couple pics to see if you like it.
Thanks,
Mike
I would like to see a pic of the front splitter for an n/a if you could please send me one.
I am in Aus. and am keen to get one for my own car......
dmaca@y7mail.com
Thks Dean
Please send me the photo as well since to one I am driving is a 1987 944 s.
Great to see 944's in any form I have a 87 that will soon have a 3.0 Lindsey built motor. Has M30 sway bars and koni yellow adjustable shocks love the car and even in its current form it Eats 911 up it has a 2.5 with a Lindsey super 53 with chips and 55lbs injectors. I'm told I need a 911 I ask why ?
Stephen Dell,. Boston Ma.Yes seasonal driving for me only! 1984 944. New rebuild stock engine I install a chip, thus increase performance, stainless steel exhaust system .strictly Hytest fuel. Add for new Perelli Performance tires. Sweet treat! Enjoy Muchacho‘s