1986 Porsche 944 NA LS1 swap start

Hi guys I'm new to the forum I just purchased a 1986 Porsche 944na to do and ls1 conversion.

I'm very mechanically inclined but really just don't know what the first thing I should start with is.

I'm guessing pulling the motor that is currently in car can someone give me some pointers and what items I will want to keep under the hood.......

And thanks in Advance....

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Hey guys I'm new to the forum just picked up a 1986 Porsche 944 NA starting immediately on the swap planning on doing an LS1 unless there are better more suited options out there.
Was just curious if there is anything in the engine bay that I may want to keep.... And if anyone has any pointers on pulling the engine...

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Welcome and best of luck.

I kept the fan thermostat and wiring, most of the fuse box and about half fuel tank vent setup. You'll need the starter and alternator wires as well as some of the 16-pin connector for gauges and such. Click on "Wiki" above to find wiring hook-ups for engine bay and beneath the glove box.

I went straight f-body LS1, which I believe is still agreed to be the easiest. But there are other choices, read the build threads as part of your planning to see all the ideas on here.

For engine removal: pull the suspension and crossmember, lift the body and drop the engine out the bottom. Easy part done!

Rich

ls1/ls6 would be the easiest as its still cable throttle. the best bet is an f-body ls1 as thats what most people run for accessories. truck engines can be had for a lot cheaper, however you need to consider the costs of a complete ls1 intake manifold (manifold, fuel rails and injectors) as well as a complete accessory drive setup as the truck stuff wont work. the ls2 and ls3 and other varients will work fine as well, the electronic throttle doesnt really pose much of an issue (just have to mount the throttle pedal), it all depends on how much you want to spend on an engine.

Welcome!
I just "finished" my 86na LS3 swap, and although i had a local shop most of the work, I will point out a couple things for you.

First off, are you swapping the trans? Most people on this site recommend using the 944T transaxle. I personally broke my stock na trans prior to the swap, so my 86na now has a 944T transaxle. They handle the power much better, and as long as you don't go crazy with the horsepower should hold up just fine.

Also, starting with the 86na, you should upgrade the brakes. Turbos had much larger brakes than the na, but there are many ways to go with beefing up yours. So I would definitely think about doing that so that you can safely stop all this new power. I personally chose wilwood 6-piston which required an adapter bracket, but still fits in the 15in wheels....then I bought 17in wheels. There are other combinations of calipers and rotors that you can go with, but that was the best deal I found.

Also, if you are thinking about wheels, the 86na has the "early offset", which means wheel selection is slimmer pickings than the late offset, unless you go with spacers.

Other than that, all the other issues/hurdles are very similar to 944T, so just spend some time on this site, and I'm sure you'll find the answers here.

I will say, that even after the hiccups that I ran into, the result is well worth it.

Best of luck!

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Thanks for all of the input from everyone all ready disconnected most of the wiring figured I'd just label and leave everything until I knew exactly what I needed to keep.  I've seen where people have pililled this motors from the top has anyone pulled the motor this way..  And when you say fbody ls1 you mean like z28's and trans ans and such correct...  Also I was figuring in having to put a turbo trans in it.  But was gonna ask I don't really plan on making a race car car restoring car to pretty much everything factory except the motor trying to make a daily driver/weekend getaway car.  With power to of course but if turbo trans is neccasry not a problem..

Yes by f body I mean Camaro and firebird.

You don't need the turbo trans, not right away anyways. It really depends on how much power your making and how hard you drive it. The downside to the na trans is the final drive ratio, the turbo trans is a lot taller final drive (3.38 vs 3.87) and works better with the v8 torque. You can upgrade the strength of the na trans with a reinforcement plate.

I modified run the trans you have, at least to get the car on the road and go from there

Thanks everyone for the input. In case anyone was curious the motor comes right out through the top with minimal removing of accessories. Engine is out now going to clean up the bay then having the car painted..[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Curious if anyone can tell me I think the car is manual steering is everything in picture show that as well because there was no power steering pump on motor...........

Yes that looks like a factory manual rack, not a power steering rack that has been converted to manual. Pretty uncommon to find that on an '86. I did a factory manual rack conversion on my '87 Turbo and love it.

That is a manual rack, but I think I see a PS hose over on the passenger side just behind the headlight motor.....Looks like the reservior return line. Is there a PS cooler under the passenger headlight? It is a metal coil.

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I got the engine bay all cleaned up now time to do some minor body work and paint.........  And yes there is a hose on passenger side wondered what it was for so I'm guessing someone converted it to manual steering...........[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Great work there buddy

did you ever find out what all you needed to keep under the hood of the 944

OH I remember when I was just starting out :-) NOW after coutless hours of cussing, crying and band aids lol
The best way to get the new LS1 in is from the bottom! SO....that involves removing the crossmember etc.
Remove the radiator and get that out of the way as well....besides you should upgrade to a better aluminum radiator to keep that LS1 cool.

They'll be certain spots here and there that you'll need to trim/cut off to clear the LS1 with shorty headers.
It's a LOT of work and attention to detail BUT it will all be worth it when your done!!!!