Hello, My name is Chris and I have been a classic car restorer for several years. I have about ten rebuilds usually 40s, 50s, and 60s American lead sleds and muscle cars. I recently purchased an 87 924s for practically nothing, couldnt pass it up. However! The previous owner was going to do a V-8 conversion and got in over his head. The problem is that he removed the motor and not knowing what he was doing took a sledge hammer to it to get it out. He put a 50 cent piece size hole in the oil pan and dismantled most of the motor which I have. I have found replacement engines from $740.00 to $1350.00. I want to put an original motor back in it but I am not an import smart person. The car itself is in great condition for an 87 so I really want to put it back together. I need a very experienced person to shoot straight with me and tell me how hard it would be to put a new engine in this car. I am mechanically inclined but wonder if I should have a professional install it. Are there any how to manuals available in the event I try to do it myself? Please help and thanks in advance. Are there replacement oil pans and should I have a mechanic see if he can rebuild the original motor or am I better off just buying a new one?

 

I'd find another engine. If you can find one in good condition (new or lightly used) I'd just drop it in. If not, with the two and a rebuild kit you should have enough good parts to rebuild the engine.

The 944, among all Porsches, is by far both the easiest car to work on and the car closest to American muscle cars in how its put together: reminds me of a first generation Firebird, actually, in what it feels like to work on/restore. It should be an easy rebuild: just be certain you have the correct serial number, etc. - there were many slight variations of engine, etc., and parts don't always fit from one to the other.

On the other hand, a conversion of the 944 to a GM LSx V8 results in one of the sweetest little cars ever. Even a stock as a stone LS1 will result in a powerful and very satsifying car all around -- and its light enough the car is still balanced and still drives like a 944. Kits exist for the mounts, piping and hoses, etc., clutch and such, and the conversion is easy and probably less costly than doing a good restoration: use a good kit and the full V8-bell housing-trans from an early final series (after '98) Camaro (these are very cheap).

 

Buy aused oil pan and rebuild that one, if you by a used engine it will most likely be an ABused engine! You don't have to be import smart! It's pretty much like any overhead cam engine! Porsche just added a balance belt system to keep the engine vibration down at idle speeds! Give me a call at the office and I will anwser ant questions you have and any advise you may want!
Jamie
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