Fresh Meat!!

[johnminer]

I just wrote a long ass post talking about myself and what I am planning on doing, but I took to long and it logged me out! So, i'll just sum up what I was going to say. Hello everyone! I read alot of threads from the other board and decided to join this board. I either want to do the lsx swap on 944 or the FC RX7. I'm unsure what to go with for a few reasons, but I definatly like the looks of the Porsche better, and it seems to have held up better over the years. I hope to learn alot over the next year before I attempt to do a swap. Thanks in advance!

John

[944-LT1]

944 for sure. Although, if you start with a 944 that needs alittle attention before the swap, it may cost more than the rx7 but the outcome is gonna make peoples heads turn. I see rx7's all day but hardly never see a 944 (or a porsche for that matter) so when I do...even I stare! Also, I would go ahead and say that the resale is gonna be alot better than a mazda?!?!? Who knows...im biased. Hahaha. Welcome!

[944-LT1]

BTW...Wasnt the RX7 modeled after the 924/944? Suspiciously similar.... Man i may catch some hell for that statement. :eek:

[ttv8rx7]

BTW...Wasnt the RX7 modeled after the 924/944? Suspiciously similar.... Man i may catch some hell for that statement. :eek:
i agree with that. when people look at me and say an 88 rx7?? what does it look like? i say kinda like a 944. most still cock their head sideways like a confused dog and say? i still dont know. LOL i love my FC. and im by far not an import guy. there are guys selling these things with the LSx swaps for 18K-22K so they are getting their money. go take a look at v8rx7forums.com there is a guy selling an LT1/t56 FC for like 3K good starting point? welcome to the site.

[johnminer]

I am also a member on v8rx7forum.com, and that car does seem like a good deal. I have to wait at least a year for my wife to finish college before I start a project, I need her RN pay! Im stationed at Minot, ND so its hard to find alot of cars up here. They don't seem to last long up here with the harsh winters.

How does the stock gearbox and torque tube hold up to the lsx power? Do you have to use the turbo rear? If I were to find a cheap 944 in decent shape are there any normal wear and tear items with a porsche that will cost alot of money? Thanks!

[944-LT1]

How does the stock gearbox and torque tube hold up to the lsx power? Do you have to use the turbo rear? If I were to find a cheap 944 in decent shape are there any normal wear and tear items with a porsche that will cost alot of money? Thanks!


I have an LT1. Depends if its a turbo or NA in that some claim the 944T can handle more power...I think its a myth. I believe both boxes hold equal amounts of power and cant see any difference to suggest otherwise (~400 ftlbs). I prefer the NA box due to the off-the-line characteristics. If you dont dump clutches, they last quite awhile and are enjoyable if you can manipulate the clutch pedal.

The TT has no trouble.

The most expensive part of any 944 was the 944 engine and ancillaries. However, since you are ridding the car of this POS engine, no, theres no really expensive or obsolete parts that you and your wallet will have to contend with. If I had to choose one expensive part that you may have to replace though, I would say the climate/heater control (if you get a late model) although I see alot of people replacing them just because they dont want to replace the AC button or theres a bulb out inside. Besides that, most wear/tear items i.e. brakes, shocks, bushings, etc. are relatively cheap and readily available.

[v8carreragts]

There are a few reasone that the turbo box is thought to be stronger. It has a slightly larger ring gear and better tooth ratio (8:27 VS 9:35 which gives it bigger teeth), a larger front pinion bearing, lower 1st gear, (3.5 VS 3.6) and because of the ring & pinion ratio. The overall multiplication is less on the turbo so there is less stress on the diff.

But I agree that the N/A transaxle will hold up fine as long as you do not do drag race starts.

[marc a]

Expensewise, the transmission must be limited slip if you intend for the car to be on the track, whether for dual purpose or dedicated for the track. This will bump up the cost of the conversion. Quaife makes a torque biasing diff that is guaranteed for life to the original owner, that includes use for racing. It costs 1300, but they are IMO the best out there. My unit is 12 years old (put in by prior owner), used for racing only, and was in perfect condition when the box was rebuilt last winter.

The other item that can be costly is front control arms. While there are still used A-arms out there that can be rebuilt, the rebuildable ones are getting harder to come by. Most have cracks in the upper seat or have been rebuilt with a ball/stud that can not be removed. The best solution, although not cheap, are the a-arms build by Lindsey Racing. They will be the last ones you ever buy.

Welcome to the board.

[johnminer]

Expensewise, the transmission must be limited slip if you intend for the car to be on the track, whether for dual purpose or dedicated for the track. This will bump up the cost of the conversion. Quaife makes a torque biasing diff that is guaranteed for life to the original owner, that includes use for racing.


I didn't realize that it was the transmission that made it a limited slip, I had always thought it was the differential. I still need to learn alot. What models came with the limited slip from the factory and how do you tell? I thought I had already read this information, but I thought I would ask again so that i'll remember. I was looking at the RH site and I noticed the LS Series TO 944 COMPLETE CUSTOM FUEL INJECTION HARNESS: Without emissions From $425.

Is this a complete wiring harness or does it just hook up the fuel injection? Did any of you guys use this and did you find it necessary? Thanks for all the help!

[expuppy]

marc a knows his stuff. I put a 951 tranny in my car a few months after the engine swap and the LSD makes a HUGE difference in the cars behaviour on the track. I wouldnt think of tracking mine without it now.

[v8carreragts]

I didn't realize that it was the transmission that made it a limited slip, I had always thought it was the differential.

The LSD is the differential. It is just that since our cars us a transaxle (transmission and differential combined) it is easy to just refer to it as a transmission.

All models could be had with LSD but the two ways to tell are either by the ID code or if you are looking at the transaxle turn one output flange and the other should turn the same way. If the other does not turn or turns the opposite direction it has an open diff. Although I am not sure that the newer ATB (automatic torque biasing) LSD's can be identified by the flange turn method.

[johnminer]

[QUOTE=v8carreragts;272]The LSD is the differential. It is just that since our cars us a transaxle (transmission and differential combined) it is easy to just refer to it as a transmission.

That makes sense to me. Thanks!