1987 Porsche 944 Reviews

Brilliant management, torquey and processed engines, quick overall performance (fast inside turbos)

Lots of low priced, tatty versions nonetheless around, will need time to be really appreciated, 944S 16V experienced fragile valve gear and complicated gear and chain-drive for camshafts.

Introduction

Despite it appearing like a tuned 924, the 944 had been quite crucial for Porsche. A 2.5-litre slant-four engine that has been created from 928’s V8 shown exactly what was had a need to supply the front-engined design a real boost. The 944 shared the 924’s profile, appearing like a smoothed-out 924 Carrera GT - and therefore ended up being enough to give the brand-new vehicle real roadway existence.

Handling and grip were sensational, and deservedly the 944 went on to outsell the 924 - maintaining Porsche afloat throughout the hard several years of early 1980s. Internal changes in 1985 provided it a swooping dashboard maybe not dissimilar toward Citroen SM, as well as modified door panels. For 1988-'89 - the last year of eight-valve 944 manufacturing – the motor ability rose to 2.7-litres (making it one of many largest four-pots you can get), increasing throttle response even more.

In 1987, Porsche visited city on multi-valve cylinder heads. The 928S became the 32-valve 928S4, in addition to 944, became the 16-valve 944S. The 16-valve twin-cam mind was developed for 1981 924 GTP Le Mans racer, as well as on the roadgoing 944, upped power to almost 190bhp.

For 1989 the product range had been simplified once the 944 S2 replaced both eight- and 16-valve 944s. A new aluminium engine block paid down fat up-front, while an expansion to 3.0-litres led to the power going up by 21bhp throughout the. The S2 followed the smoother nostrils and tail panels from the 944 Turbo, and top rate when it comes to naturally aspirated automobile approached 150mph. The Turbo’s stopping system has also been fitted as standard. The final couple of years of manufacturing a cabriolet variation had been supplied, proving very popular in the UK.

But the ultimate 944 had been the Turbo. It absolutely was established in 1985, and suggested the front-engined Porsche ended up being knocking regarding the home associated with the 911 in overall performance terms. Its 2.5-litre motor was boosted by almost 60bhp, which went in tandom with an uprated clutch and gearbox. The Turbo looked the part, with new-front and rear styling, assisting justify the purchase price increase within the standard car.

In 1988, the Turbo SE had been introduced, upping power to 250bhp thanks to the fitment of a larger turbo. The transmission was more beefed up, a limited-slip diff was standard, brakes were uprated and Koni dampers had been fitted. This switched the wonderful 944 into a near-brilliant low rider. Between 1989 and '91, the SE specification had been used for typical 944 Turbo.