Here's How To Do An LS Engine Swap On a Porsche 944

Performing an LS engine swap on a Porsche 944 is a relatively straightforward process

The LS engine swap is easy to perform on most vehicles, including a Porsche 944. The V-8 engine’s pushrod design and 90-degree bank angle mean it has a lower profile than the inline-four you would normally find in the 944’s engine bay. However, the American V-8 is also wider, meaning it is a bit of a tight squeeze under the hood. The 944’s sloping front end doesn’t make things easy either, but there are many kits readily available if you want to do an LS engine swap on a Porsche 944.

All the support mods will set you back as little as $2,850, but if you are a vivid DIY-er you can probably fabricate much of the parts yourself. The aforementioned price is for a full kit including an LS-style flywheel. As for the LS engine itself, GM will sell you a wide variety of brand-new crate engines for as little as $5,660. That said, plenty of used LS V-8s are lying around if you know where to look and want to save money.

What parts do you need for a Porsche 944 LS engine swap?

LS-swapping a Porsche 944 is certainly easier and more affordable than installing an LS engine in a Porsche 911. While an LS engine can fit in many engine bays, LS-swapped 944s are fairly common and shops like Renegade Hybrids are doing great work at making it look like the 944 came with a V-8 from the factory. Still, there are a variety of parts that would make the American V-8 engine feel at home in the German sports car. Your typical LS swap kit for a Porsche 944 includes the following parts:

• Bellhousing Adapter Plate and Hardware

• GM Throwout Bearing/Slave Cylinder

• Remote Clutch Bleeder

• Custom Oil Pan/Pickup (remote oil filter required, not included)

• Correct Spline Clutch Disc

• Motor Mounts and Hardware

• VSS Sensor Adapter

• Front Crossmember/Subframe Spacers and bolts

• 944 Power Steering Pump Bracket

• Tee fitting for 944 Oil Pressure Sensor

Additional modifications

More comprehensive Porsche 944 LS swap kits also include headers and full exhaust for the LS engine. The great thing about all LS engines is not just the sheer availability, but also the vast aftermarket support. Your budget is the only limitation when it comes to GM’s fabled, pushrod V-8. There are certain limitations when it comes to putting an LS engine in a Porsche 944. Here are some additional parts you need:

• You need to use the transmission bell housing out of a C5 Corvette as it will not require any modifications to the 944’s transmission tunnel. A GM-style radiator is a must to keep things cool, but it may require modification to fit properly.

• A water pump from an F-Body Camaro (and some Corvettes) will also do the job, but it is important that the spout for the radiator hose points forward not upwards (modification may be required, depending on what water pump you use). The cooling system is critical for preventing overheating, especially in a high-performance application like an LS-swapped 944.

• You also need spacers to ensure proper clearance for all the accessories.

• If you have a newer GM V-8, a good idea would be a DOD-delete kit. This disables the Displacement on Demand system, which is great for fuel economy but has been known to go bad.

• K-member spacers are the most important part of the LS engine swap. This allows the engine to sit lower in the engine bay. While not absolutely necessary, it is much more aesthetically pleasing than cutting the hood or fabricating a power bulge to make the engine fit.

• Modifications to the oil sump. This is in case you decide to drop the engine lower in the engine bay.

• Complete engine servicing. I would advise anyone buying a used engine (especially without any service history) to perform a full service. This includes changing the timing chain, water pump, oil pump, spark plugs, and any gaskets that may be leaking. The same goes for, pretty much, any used vehicle unless valid service records are presented.

• Even the lesser LS engines make over 300 horsepower with plenty of torque. With most 944s weighing between 2,600 and 3,000 pounds, you won’t pay much in terms of a weight penalty ( 30 pounds more) with an LS-Swap, but upgrading the stock brakes and suspension should also help the 944 handle the massive power upgrade and stop better. In fact, I’d argue that the bigger V8 mill upfront should help provide even better traction over the front axle when compared to the stock inline four-cylinder and not mess too much with the 944’s already sorted driving dynamics.

Overall, an LS engine swap in a Porsche 944 may feel like a challenging project, but it can be done with careful planning and execution. The cost of the project will vary depending on the specific components used, the level of customization you seek, and the amount of labor involved. It is also important to budget carefully and be prepared for unexpected costs.