The first major redesign in 1985 – designated as “Series II” cars – are typically called “eighty-five-and-a-half” cars. These are easily identified by the new dashboard and console featuring an oval gauge cluster.
For the 944, there were actually two engine designs on the table – a 3.5L V6, which was essentially a 928 engine with two cylinders missing, or an inline four cylinder, half of a 928 engine.
The D-Production version of the 924 was a factory kit that made the 924 into an SCCA D-Production monster. Al Holbert, Doc Bundy and others campaigned these cars in the early 80’s at SCCA events all over the country.
Over 170 drivers and instructors registered to practice their skills at Sebring on the 3.74 mile seventeen-turn road course. Several 944’s showed up to navigate the same course that hosts the 12-hour IMSA race each March. The place bleeds motorsports history.
So in searching the internet for nuggets of 944 information, I stumble across forum posts where people talk about 1) the low power output of the 944 8v engine, 2) the desires to install forced induction and 3) the desire to dump their 944 Turbo due to high maintenance costs.
In 1980, Porsche declared their intention to go racing with a special version of the 931 called the 924 Carrera GT. With only 406 examples made for homologation, this rare Porsche had 210 horsepower, Fuchs wheels and a five-speed transaxle. The front fenders are the same as were used on the 944 when introduced in 1983 with flares on the outside of the rear fenders to accommodate wider track.
We made the trip up to the Porsche Werks Reunion in advance of the Amelia Island Concours last Friday. It was quite the thing with the “Outlaw 356” showcased and … Continue Reading Amelia Island: Werks Reunion
I read an article recently about the changing purchasing habits of Americans, specifically the argument of “Purchase vs. Lease.” Even Clark Howard, the “helping you save your money” guru has … Continue Reading 924S/944 and Advanced Electronics
One of the biggest differences between the engines and therefore the two models is how the engine is mounted in the front subframe. The 944 engine mounts into an aluminum crossmember – the one that also mounts the front control arms and the steering rack. The 944 engine sits on top of the crossmember on two mounts.
It seems that when Audi designed the 2.0L engine for the 924 and other cars of the early and mid seventies, they decided that strength was important. So, the crankshaft and connecting rods are all forged, not cast. That instills a lot of confidence in this little engine as far as longevity.