944 S for Spec. car?

[lrayner]

Is it possible (feasible) to use my 944S as the basis for a spec 944 car? I am idly pondering what I might want to do next or down the line. Like, if I blow up the engine , could I turn it into a spec car by putting a non-S engine in? Or do I have to start with a regular 944 as the basis??

[ttweed]

Leigh-

Talk to Tim Comeau. He is always ready to assist any potential 944 Spec racers, and very accessible.

I know little about the waterpumpers, but have you read the rules for the series?
http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/944challenge.pdf
It looks to me like you can prepare a 944S for the "944 Super Cup" class without changing the engine. I'm not sure about the backdating provisions to change the car into a plain vanilla 944 Spec--more may be required than just the engine--but I'm sure Tim could line you out on that.

My first reaction to such a plan would be to recommend that you just sell the 944S and buy someone else's already completed race car, however. You will probably come out many $$$$ ahead that way, over converting and preparing your present car.

TT

[lrayner]

Thanks Tom. I took a look at the rules you posted a link to and the short answer to my query is "NO". I cann't make a 944S into a 944 Spec. I'd have to run against Turbo S's, 928's and 968's in the Super Cup class . So I'll have to ponder making the move eventually with a new car.

[Jad]

Oh come on Lee, your car is at least as fast as mine

[lrayner]

Well, you must be talking about that new oil spewing 996 of yours, Jad. But I wasn't way faster, only a little:86.2 to your 86.31 Hey, I might as well enjoy it while I can...

[Tim Comeau]

Leigh,
I got wind of this thread by way of Tom.
You could run your 944S as is in NASA, but I believe it would run in the 944 Cup class, not Super Cup class.
It'd be simpler to sell your S and buy a complete 944 spec car ready to go. I know of several in the San Diego area currently for sale, besides mine.
Here's another thought.....
if we can prove that the only difference between the 88 944S and the 88 944 is the 16 valve engine, maybe we can swap out the engine for an 8 valve one. I'm honestly not completely sure about the rest of the running gear?
ABS?
Fuel delivery to engine different?
I know the gearing is different, so the tranny would have to be swapped as well.
Brakes the same? Suspension the same? Body is the same.

[lrayner]

I think it is a can of worms... For example the brake rotors are unique to the 944S. I was really just thinking of going down this path IF I had to replace the engine anyway, but it seems to run like a top and will hopefully continue to do so. Tim I will definitely be talking to you when I'm ready to take the plunge into Spec. Cheers, Leigh

[elcap00]

The way that I read the rules it seems that in sections 11-16 the only issue may be the rotors (must be stock)and the gearing(1st -4th stock and you can shorten 5th). I know that the "S" cars are geared differently.

The first part of 11 says that "Cars may be updated and backdated with parts from Porsche 944 & 924S model years 83-88 with 2.5 liter 8 valve engines". This being the case it seems like it should be pretty easy to get my "S" car into the SPEC class. My car is already setup---it would be way cheaper/easier for me to change the motor/rotors and transmission than buy a whole new car.

But, of course I am new at this and could be very wrong. When I blow up my engine I will probably give this a try.

[Steve Grosekemper]

Don't forget you'll need the 944 8v engine wiring harness, DME wiring harness and DME for a 85.5> car.

[Tim Comeau]

Right, Steve. And the injectors might be different as well.
No doubt, it's a much better idea to start with an 83-88 8 valve car.
But, if the conversion was done completely, I'd have a hard time telling someone they couldn't use that chassis for a spec car.

[Jad]

Not to be a pessimist, but I believe the rules say, "if it isn't specifically allowed in the rules, it is not legal". Since, no where does it say a 944S can be used (just a 924S), I would be extremely careful, and maybe request a rule change/clarification, before even thinking about spending all the money to convert the car.

[Tim Comeau]

Jad,
Yes, that phrase was added back in after we "fixed" the problems it was causing by adding paragraph 2.3.It actually contradicts para. 2.3.
It shouldn't have been put back in there, but I'm not in charge of the rules.
Example: Accusump. People were complaining that it was cheating because it wasn't expressly stated in the rules before. That mod offers no performance gain, so it should be allowed. I encourage mods that evolve the cars into more reliable machines.

[Jad]

I agree completely Tim, but if you start winning, one person can probably successfully protest a 944S even though it has no real advantage and should be allowed. Would really suck to spend all the time and money to convert, only to be DQed for no good reason. I would never protest, I let Martin and Bill cheat all the time without complaining , but it only takes one person was my point...

[Tim Comeau]

Got it.
Congrats on the new race car , BTW. Gotta run and pick up my boy from K-garden. See ya.