without a kit

[bpxc]

I really want to dig into a 944 v8 project but I have a few questions.
-944 n/a verse a 944 turbo, what's the difference between the conversions of the two?
-LS1 and LT1 what are the differences in conversions?
-How can you do the conversion without a kit? They're expensive and hard to find and I would love the excuse to use power tool.

[v8carreragts]

It depends on what you can fabricate. There are many different options. I have fabricated all of my parts (Gen I Small Block) Buy for resonably priced ;arts you can go here:
http://944v8s.com/Products.html

As for the LTx vs LSx, it's all your prefference. I don't see either better than the other. The LSx's are becomming more popular because the cost of the engines are dropping. The LTx's are getting older and good low mileage used ones are becomming difficult to find.

If you are planning to build an engine like I am I don't think it matters what you choose. I am using a Gen I because they are somewhat simpler and it is also what I had. For an LTx or LSx I would have had to buy everything. I have a 4 bolt main block, forged crank, powdered rods, forged pistons, aluminum heads and FI intake. To have the same in an LTx or LSx would cost some big $$$.

If you have to choose between the 944 NA or turbo, I would choose the turbo because it already had bigger brakes better suspension and the turbo transaxle (stronger and geared better for a v8)

I started with an 84 944 but I wanted an early car because I am building it to look like a 924 Carrera GTS. These had the early dash so the early car fits better. I already had an LSD G31 transaxle and the associated pieces so I don't need the turbo transaxle. (the G31 is stronger than the turbo but way more $$$) Since I design and build everything myself I didn't need the turbo brakes or suspension parts.

[Bluemach1]

1987 Turbo and up is a better starting point than 1986. 86 still had the early offset. Picking up tires and suspension componets will be far easier.

Choice of engine could be influanced by where you live. In California for example, the earlier LT engines will be slightly easier to get through the smog inspection. It should be mentioned that if you are doing a CA conversion, it will be more challenging than a state that does not require such intense scrutiny.