newbie help on a new car.

I'm hoping to do this whole project in three steps. Engine build, get running on the road, performance/interior. The 944 1983 I have right now....to be frank, looks like a pile. The interior is gone and exterior is a bit rusted and all but everything structurally else is fine. But I need help getting this thing moving on the road. What do I need to get this on the road. I'm setting up a ls6 that is cranking near 400 hp and I want to lay that all down to the road well.

Part one (engine):
What conversion parts do I need to get the ls6 in the engine bay? Especially as far as headers go? I've heard of using tubular cross members instead of getting a bunch of custom parts from RH.

Part two (drivetrain):
What do I need to do as far as a drive train to get this power onto the road, without killing the stock parts? I'd really like to build it to handle more power and have room to expand a bit.

Part three (suspension, track building):
I just need your advise...this is where I have no clue.


Please help, I'm pretty clueless about a bunch of this stuff. I'm sitting on about 4k for parts outside of the car, a stock 100k miles transmission, ls6 (clutch and all). Oh and I'm horrible with a welder...so either I learn, or take the hit to the check book.

To begin, you need to first assess the stock areas of the donor car and the physical states of it overall i.e. how is the transmission mount and CV's, the torque tube, brakes, et al.

Once these areas are determined to be physically fit for a V8's power, you can then start delegating money towards conversion parts. Basic parts include motor mount uprights, set-back plates and isolators, bellhousing and adapter plate, pilot bearing adapter, clutch slave cylinder and hydraulics, radiator and fan/wiring, hoses, harness/computer, oil pan and filter relocation bits, crossmember spacers, and miscellaneous bits.

Many of these parts can be sourced from varying companies but to save time and shipping, it may suit you well to buy them in "kit" form. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Headers are currently being produced by S&P à la 944V8s.com. A custom crossmember is being produced by texasperformance.com as well.

Your "Part Three" is very subjective. Tell us exactly what you plan to do with the car and we may be able to advise you a bit better. Is it a part time duty vehicle for 80% street and 20% track or vise versa? This makes a difference.

There should be no need to do any welding for this conversion. Just bolts and nuts....and maybe tape.

Thanks, You're about right. As of now it'll be about 80% street and 20% track. What are the big things I should look for on a donor car? What are the usual problems with 944 bodies and frames.

There's also a few ways at going at the clutch kit and bellhouse. I'd rather use a ls1 clutch since they tend to be cheaper with an adapted bellhouse. But can you fill me in on the options?

Don't forget the yellow zip ties!

It really depends on how much money you wish to spend. Nevertheless, theres a few different options for the bellhousing that I know of; 1.) 944V8s.com for the adapter plate and the bellhousing, 2.) acquire your own bellhousing from a wrecking yard or forum and buy the adapter plate, 3.) same as 2 with the exception of maching your own adapter plate, and 4.) QuickTimeinc.com.

*RH is not really an option that I include or advise. They will not sell just the adapter or bellhousing alone; meaning you have to buy the entire basic kit. What's more, RH has lost their way over the years and take customers and their wallets for granted. I dont think you want to get involved with them.

Clutch components are really a personal preference and since you mentioned that the hybrid will be mostly track driven, you may want a serious pressure plate and light flywheel setup.