Quirky Car Options

[SentraSE-R]

The 928 gets macho points, even if they're poseur points running a TDI engine. Much of its excess weight was from its V-8 powerplant. And if the 944 is sexy, the 928 is way sexier - and much rarer.

[cleanspeed1]

I actually am a fan of the 928, and now you can get them for low to no money for swaps. It's that I look at the 944 and for an eco build it would make good sense.

A 924 would be nice, since there is a VAG connection, but I think they all rusted away!

[some_other_dave]

Maybe in the Midwest, but there are a pretty decent number of 924s (and the 924S, based on the later 944 mechanicals) here in CA.

The 85.5 and later 944 has a better interior layout and is generally regarded as a major improvement in a number of other ways. It probably also has better aero than the early 928s that will be so cheap.

The 928 was astonishingly expensive when it was new; the later ones were over $80K in an era when a Civic was about $8K. The parts cost reflected that back then, and still does now. And they had lots of nifty features that eventually break down, and require those very expensive parts to fix. There are definitely reasons that early 928s are so cheap to buy nowadays.

On the 944, the engines are sensitive to maintenance. In particular, if you ignore the timing belt (with its special-purpose $$$ tensioning tool) it will snap and kill the head, if not the whole motor. Clutch replacement is also insanely difficult, because the torque tube (the driveshaft between the engine and the transmission) has to come out in one piece. A TDI swap obviates the first problem, and if you're careful with the layout and mounting you may wind up being able to remove the engine without disassembling half the car in the process, which would make the clutch job a lot easier.

I definitely like the 924 or 944 idea. The '24 is a little narrower and has slightly lower drag (confirmed at the race track) so that might be better for an eco-car.

-soD

[tjts1]

LOL 928? Is that the one with the 7 foot timing belt? Dime a dozen in the junk yards of California. Same with 924s 944s. They're all essentially worthless. I took a look at a 924S with 110k miles in ok condition for $1000 bucks. Needed a clutch. Walked away.
As for stuffing a diesel engine in one, I can think of about 100 more interesting ways to waste my time and money including slitting my wrists. 968s are just about the only old front engine Porsche that are still worth anything simply because they made so few.

[cleanspeed1]

Well, if you slit your wrists, you could contribute to the blood bank. Wouldn't be a total loss.

[Joenavy85]

Originally Posted by cleanspeed1

Wait a second, wait a second. Bing! Porsche 944!

Take out the gas motor, put in a 1.9 TDi! Injectors, turbo and software upgrade to 250hp and silly torque. 50 mpg and sexy!

You want it! You know you want it!

how about a EJ25T powered Porsche 914? Yeah, i know, no rear seat.

[cleanspeed1]

Originally Posted by Joenavy85

how about a EJ25T powered Porsche 914? Yeah, i know, no rear seat.

Wait, is that the Subaru diesel? Not familiar with the engine model number.

EDIT- Turbo gas WRX motor. No fuel economy when you're having that much fun!

[Joenavy85]

yeah, but you can get taller gears for the 901 tranny to help lengthen out it's legs.

My uncle found a 1974 914 that had the engine pulled already. He got the engine and trans out of a 2000 MR2 Spyder (paddle shifter and all) and fit it in the back and put a garrett turbo on it. now he makes about 325HP and about 280ft-lbs in a 2300 lb car, i've driven it and put 600cc crotch rockets to shame

[cleanspeed1]

You have an excellent point; I saw a swap like that into a Beetle and that was genius.

But no back seat for the 914.

You think that motor geared right could do 40 mpg combined?

[SentraSE-R]

Well, considering the amount of work involved with an engine substitution (not swap), that stock Honda hatch is looking better and better. I've ridden with guys who've pulled 65 mpg in stock Toyota Echos and Honda Fits, and I can do it in my xB. A used Prius would clean all their clocks in pure mpg.