Renegade 944 LS3 V8 Build
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- This 1983 944 LS3 V8 Renegade gets a top-to-bottom overview from Scott who covers the V8 conversion, suspension, brakes, transaxle, etc. For further information including pricing, please go to www.renegadehybrids.com or call 702-739-8011. Thank you!
I called them up to help me decide which 944 will be best to do the conversion based on my intended use, and as I expected Scott was awesome in explaining things, giving me options of doing in house, or buying the kit to do it myself.Simply great people, very knowledgeable, but, the only downside is they're backed up in scheduleling, and it'll be about 15 months before they can take you in. That'll have to be because they are great at what they do. Thanks Scott.👍
In house conversions are on a wait list of 12 to 15 months...yes. However, we are shipping kits in weeks all over the world. We'd love to build everyone's cars, but the kit coupled with some customers with pretty remarkable skills, turns out just as good! And, of course, we are always here to help. Thank you for your comment on our channel!
I gotta ask, which 944 would be the best conversation candidate? Please say '86 944 turbo....
Which 944 is best?
If I still had my 1986 turbo,😢. Just how much would it have cost to get a basic LS set up installed and ready to drive home.?
@@WA-eg7ft $40K and a year wait, that's what I was told.
I've owned 2 944's. An 87 coupe and a 91 S2. They handle! The S2 16v was as close to being fast. I cannot imagine marrying that power and handling. WOW!
I had a 1988 944 back in college and kept it for 10 years. I unfortunately wrecked it about 24 years ago, before swapping the engine for an LS1 or LS3 became popular. I would have loved to have done that because the only drawback was that it lacked power. The handling was so tight and precise, and the car was perfectly balanced. It's definitely my favorite car, and I have since owned a 2003 500sl with the AMG package, a Saab convertible, 3 Cadillacs, a mustangs, 2 Jeeps, and even an old Ferrari 308. But I don't miss any of them the way I miss the Porsche.
You can tell by the detailed explanation of everything that this is a guy who loves what he does. Awesome car and great video, no doubt you guys are backlogged. I already have an 89 944 turbo but after seeing this I almost feel the need for an LS swapped 944 too.
You'll never go back to the turbo!!
@@RenegadeHybrids The Turbo isn't stock 🤙
@@DeancentGarage But the turbo is still 100lbs heavier!
@@RenegadeHybrids Arguable, that answer seems to change depending on who you ask lol. I just finished an article on my site about weight reduction on the 944. Lots of places to shed weight. Also I noticed you removed the windshield washer fluid reservoir.. I don't think some states would allow it if you needed an inspection.
@@DeancentGarage 944 stock turbo engine with all accessories is 81lbs heavier than an equally prepared LS3. My guess is, you are brilliant and running an intercooler to support your upgraded turbo engine. I would also expect a very large oil cooler might be on your list to protect your 944 engine. Conservatively, I guesstimated a premium of 19lbs. to your thoughtful package. That's 100lbs. to the plus. I'd give that up in a heartbeat to increase handling even if the torque numbers were exactly the same across the entire RPM range...which they are probably not.
I love what you all do at Renegade, esp. due to your professionalism!
Some of our goofy videos might lack a little when referring to the word "professionalism," but there is no doubt we also really love what we do! You get MUCH better results from a company with employees and management that live-eat-breathe what they sell. It's apparent with every single business we solicit. If the owner behind the counter at your local favorite restaurant doesn't like his business, it effects EVERYTHING.
I wanted to do this myself long ago! These 944 were so cheap 10-15 years ago, they are are great specimen to swap!
Was real interested in this because someone was selling an 85 944. No motor, 800 bucks. The body is in great shape, they got what they needed out of it for their other 944 and just selling this one. It sold aready but I was very interested in it and doing an ls swap. great vid.
Scott thank you for the great, detailed video! I have bought 1986, 944 with the damaged engine in February 2021 with the same purpose in mind. Giving it much mightier heart like the lovely LS3. I have been researching it ever since. So far this is the best video on this niche topic! Talk to you soon.
Looking forward to it!
keep us updated on progress
I love 914s said not alot of people ever. I sat in one, in a ally as a child. Later at 19 my 7th car, I got a wide 73 914 set up for a v8, project for $390. The one that got away, now I want a 914 body to put on my 2000 zr2, 2dr blazer. Yes to a front engine ls3 and new front and rear ends. MONSTER OFF ROAD 914.. that's a thing.
My 83 needs a LS swap now! Such awesome build, I better start working more OT lol
She sounds great! What a killer set up!
That is insane yet, it totally makes sense. if i come across a 944 with a blown engine, ill taking it to you to do an LS swap in it for sure.
Awesome video. It triggered sweet memories of my 1986 944S2 that I drove for decade until I had to switch to a family car.... The 944 was underpowered and to see it run with an LS swap is amazing. However, we live in 2022 with gas prices soaring not only in the US but here in Europe even more. I am looking into getting involved with a 944S2 project that gets electrified with a Tesla system. A UA-camr in the UK did one. I am smitten.
Yo sure it was a 86 ?
I didn’t think the s2 appeared until 89
@@Carrera-gp9od Correct. Maybe a 944S.
LOVE this. Porsche loves to sell 'subtle' and 'delicate'. Sometimes, your just need more POWWAAR.
Gorgeous ride! Great exhaust note...the muffler looks like a Flowmaster 50 series
I've always wanted to throw an S65 from a M3 into a 944. Keeping it Euro while also getting amazing power and an amazing exhaust note.
An 07K swap would also be cool, keep it German but it’ll sound like a proper rally car 😁
@@Roomsaver yeah the 07k would be badass, but id prefer to have the Corrado with the 07k swap over a 944 :)
I’m currently in the works of swapping an s85 into a 924
@@dantes2572 Yeah I thought about it but I really want an E31with the s85 and then i could have the 944 with an S65. The S85 is also 100lbs more or something so was not sure about the weight ratio there either. Sounds good though! Hope it goes well for you man I know its gonna be a lot of work, but if you can pull it off im sure it will be hella fun!
14:41 best part of the video!!! 😍
Nice job
Cool little new tidbits
I shared this on FB 944 swap group
Thanks for the video and all your help!
That’s something else. Way to go great job!
Awesome. incredible work quality. I just subscribe really like the way Jr garage 911 sound.
Great job!!!!….I just bought 911 Turbo can’t get smile off my face!!
Im sold ! Im now looking for a 944 !can't make my mind up why not both !
Absolutely beautiful build 👍🏻
Currently trying to find a turbo transaxle for my 944 ls swap
i like the 944 very mutch
THIS IS SO BADASS! I am planning to build a 944 to the same sort of spec, with a 1990 S2 with a 6.0L Ly6 swap. A few quesitons: is the s2 tranny a good idea to hold 425-475 horses? I am also wondering if you guys used the Texas Performance 944 LS swap kit. Once again, fantastic build!
Thank you! So, we are the original conversion company that developed the V8 conversion kits for 944's as well as many others. We've seen multiple companies come and go over our 40 years, but the best never dies. That said, we use our own kit...and it's, by far, much better than anything else that may be floating around out there! Your transaxle is well suited for the conversion. You should be fine! Why not come visit us and see for yourself our facility and meet our crew. It's a lot of fun in Las Vegas! Thanks for reaching out!
Nice work! Awesome car!
Well done! Beautiful car!!!
Hey Scott, love the car and love what you do. Debating swapping my 944, I'm in NorCal. Can I swing by on a roadtrip sometime to see a swapped car?
Sure. Have lot's of cars in production. However, no 944's at this very minute.
16:20 that sounds like pretty aggressive cam at idle. Is it cams or the exhaust setup?
Y’all have detailed videos of the process ?
Hi Scott. What was the cost of this particular 1983 944 conversion?
Give us a buzz so we can chat about the features and costs of you 944 conversion! Thank you!
Hmm 🤔 I have an 83’ 944. This was truly interesting…😮 you guys are in Vegas too? I live over in Henderson.
Come say hello!
I definitely will. I want to see that shop. Your videos are awesome 👏
how much will this conversion will cost if I provide the car?
Give us a call so we can discuss. Thanks for asking.
Is that power assist steering?
I actually liked the power assist in my Fiero. It wasn't ideal on long trips, but the short fun trips it felt heavy, but very poised on interstate ramps.
Manual steering on the 1983 944.
The Pontiac Fiero was available only with manual steering. You'll be hard pressed to find a car of that era (even high-end ones) that were rear or mid engined with power steering. The Ferrari 308, 328, 348, and Testarossa models all had manual steering, as did all Porsche 911 variants before the 964. I had an 83 944 and it had excellent steering, also manual. I believe that power steering was an option on the 83 944. Later, it became standard, at least on US cars. Amazing LS conversion!
Love it. Want it.
I'm very curious about the balance of this car. What does the weight distribution look like?
Almost the same as stock. Less than 1% difference on this car.
@@RenegadeHybrids That is awesome, thanks for the quick reply!
man put a lil boogie in this machine
12:10 Does that original 944 transaxle hold up to the LS3s torque output? I'm having doubts...And you never mentioned what you did for a clutch
The transaxle is the 944 turbo! It does quite well. The clutch disc is included in the kit with copious disc and pressure plate upgrades available. Thanks for asking!
i have a 944 1983 that my uncle gave me before he passed and im starting to restore it. Im in south africa , i have no clue where to start with getting these components though
can anyone assist with part numbers
Absolutely! Best to email info@renegadehybrids.com to start the process. Thanks for asking!
Do the kits include the wiring/electronics for the 987 platform. In your videos you talk about integrating the PCM with the swap related electronics so that instruments and dash lights all work normally. But the website copy is a little vague.
That would be a question for the guys in the shop primarily because the year of the car matters. Give them a buzz...and thanks for asking!
Scott would please add a link to the components you mentioned in this vid. Pretty please?
The oil sump and cooling system mods are spectacular.
I’m just digging into my build an 87 S. And I am thinking it’s time to do away with the spare tire well. The 944 spare tires are junk anyhow.
Thanks for asking, but we are a little more personable with our approach. Just give us a call and we can provide you with all the parts that we installed on this car.
The way all 944's should have come from the factory.
Awesome video. Is it worth paying the extra for the turbo model if your intentions are to do the swap? I really like the turbo front bumper but. Not sure of it's worth the premium. Thanks!
Not really as long as you keep an eye out for a turbo transaxle. I happen to have two of those! Call the shop for more details! Thanks for asking!!!
The suspension components and chassis are the same otherwise?
@@roshj9371
Turbo had upgraded brakes, torsion bar and transaxle. With this swap you probably will be replacing them anyways. Many thought the 944NA handled better then the turbo though? They do sell turbo look fronts for the NA. If you tuck those big azz bumper pads in flush I think it looks much better, not quite turbo but for one hours work looks much better.
....at the carousel at Road America 👍
Roger that
I've got an 84 944 I'm wanting to do this exact build to. What should I expect cost wise.
Please give the shop a call to discuss. We appreciate your interest.
What did you use for the LED fog lights. Also, what model Subaru for over flow tank? I mights just use that for the washer tank since it’s fits so perfectly.
I think my original tank is leaking so I did some searching - moroso 63781
What do you recommend on doing for the rear end once you start getting up to around the 500hp mark.
951 (944 turbo transaxle) will handle that!
Hey got a question on the 944 the transaxle is a five speed how would you convert it to a six speed gear box? I'm asking because I'm 5hinkg of buy this 944 I found for cheap and wanted some feed back how to attack this when I do the swap
The 968 manual transaxle is a direct swap to the 944, and it's a 6 speed!
I'm sure everybody would buy a Singer resto-mod if they won the Powerball, but there's something uniquely "skunkworks" about what these guys are doing that is really appealing.
I dig this comment! Thank you!!!
Would love to have seen the build cost total.
White this conversion in mind, what year 944 would you recommend to begin a project like this?
Honestly, any year is good. There are still enough parts around to make whatever changes you'd like depending upon your application. Just get a clean, rust free complete car, minus the engine if possible.
@@RenegadeHybrids outstanding! Thanks for the reply.
Beautiful car. Such a nice build. What light did you use for the fogs?
Believe it or not, it was an Amazon product here: Nilight 40001S-B Bar Super Slim 2PCS 7 Inch 30W Spot Driving Fog 3600LM Single Row Off Road LED Lights for Jeep-2 Style Mounting Brackets, 2 Years Warranty www.amazon.com/dp/B0197ZQLBA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_B9FKTME0ZXZQXSMPZDGK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You guys are wizards
Hell yes.
do you also swap the 911 to an LS?
Like all of these in this video? (Old video of many cars we have done including 911's)
ua-cam.com/video/FfAzElz-iS0/v-deo.html
HI Scott,,,magnificent build,,,,watched video 3 times,,,thinking about doing this to my 83 944,,but I take pause at the lack of power brakes?,,,Am I correct?,,any thoughts? Thanks...Joe
Our BIG brake upgrade more than compensates for the stopping power. We use the four piston 996 brakes and make a change to the geometry at the pedal to the master. This brake upgrade was developed years ago, and we've used it on street and race cars. No booster needed when you have a massive brake upgrade!
Just as a side note, we developed this upgrade 7 years ago. We've sold dozens of these kits and have NEVER needed a booster. Matter of fact, the brake booster kits that are floating around for the 944's have been failing catastrophicly. We have a few in our wall-of-shame pile that customers had us remove. They are unsafe and unreliable. When you convert a 944, you MUST increase the brake caliper and rotor size significantly, not just the assist pressure from the booster. It's stupid how other peeps think that more pressure means more brakes. Instead, it means more heat, which leads to rapid failure and it gets worse from there. So, here is proof that many years ago, we did testing at Road America (highest braking requirements in US) with a V8 944 and two NASA OLOA drivers:
ua-cam.com/video/YZEyj2DKJe0/v-deo.html
@@RenegadeHybrids Thank you Scott,,,I guess it's important to install the master cylinder bracket,etc ,and,,Yes,,,996 calipers a must,,Jason is a lucky guy,,amazing car..Well done!
few questions, how much was installation cost and how long did it take start to finish
Give Renegade a call! Thanks for asking!!!
I just picked up a 1987 944S for free with a title bad motor I love code enforcement
How? 😂
My friend had a BMW E30 sitting for 25 years in his driveway and the Porsche on the side of the house code enforcement showed up said he had to get rid of them or face fines. I bought the BMW for $500 flipped it for a 1000. It was toast rusted real bad. He said I could have the Porsche if I took the motor out he had it sold to a friend didn't want the car so I took it off his hands for him now I got to find a V8
Very informative 👍🏻
Thanks but I want a full size spare on
A matching wheel 😊
So I was curious about the brake kit you did and where you purchased the parts for the switch
We build/machine our own caliper adapters. This is our stuff...not someone elses.
@@RenegadeHybrids ah alright thank you if I wanted to upgrade my brake what do you recommend for this type of application
@@elijahsmith6055 Naturally what we sell is what we recommend as you see in this video. Give us a call. Let's chat. Thank you!
you are having to much fun lol
I want one!!
Wow!
Have you “converted” a s2 Cabriolet, yet?
It's the same car...no difference. Yes, we have a few customers that have done conversions to S2's. Not sure if they were cabs, but maybe.
THIS ISS SOOOOO COOLLLLL
best year or years for a 944 project car. Best models?
Honestly, any of them. The turbo transaxle is better, but the NA 944 will take a turbo tranny. Just get a clean one...
Is this the same car I see in North Carolina
It's in Utah.
Wow that is fucken radical man alive that's pure bitchen phenomenal...that would make you laugh and cry all day...I have one in my drive waiting for paint work what does that conversion cost
Thanks for your enthusiasm! We have all the kit prices and options listed on our web site at www.renegadehybrids.com if you'd like to take a look. Thanks again for asking!!!
Single 3" exahust seems kinds small for that engine?
With so little restriction (back pressure) and pretty decently tuned headers feeding equal length primaries to a nicely balanced Y pipe, I'm pretty sure we are loosing very little. No matter, the customer did not want severe resonance inside the cabin of the car, yet he did want to preserve the most amount of HP possible. This was our solution to satisfy all needs...and it worked perfectly!
@@RenegadeHybrids I give you the limited space in the tunnel, oval 3.5" would still probably fit? . The maximum flow capacity of a single 3" "without" restricting the output is about 350ish hp. That is a basic math equation. I have no doubt that at that weight and engine output it is a rocket. A simple pressure tap will tell the true story of the actual back pressure/thus restriction and exactly where in the rpm range it occurs. The further away from the engine it gets the volume exhaust cools and thus decreases. Even a stock 6.2 powered SUV exhaust no longer uses a single 3" due the output of the stock engine. That ain't because it is cheaper. Customer is Happy and that is all that matters.
@@derrelcarter9401 This 944 dyno was 401HP and 410FPT on a Mustang which is always pessimistic.
sick!
This not happened to be the lemon race car? Is it?
You are kidding, right?
15:24... baller
"lemme show you how this car goes...."
cooool sportscar :-)
What do ls swapped 944’s sell for?
I've seen anywhere from 15k to 45k.
Needs a nice procharger added for more smiles.
Why? That's just more weight that would effect the superb handling, not fit without heavy modifications, and decrease the reliability. It's not a straight line car only. It's a phenomenal road car that benefits from light weight and linear torque. The NA LS is perfect for this application.
@@RenegadeHybrids what’s the difference when twin turbos are installed and that’s done quit often. A single procharger is lighter than twin turbos. The added power is beneficial coming out of turns and in straight away runs. Only helping to decrease the overall lap time. Pro chargers for an LS weigh about 45-55 pounds including the intercooler, piping and brackets if I remember correctly.
Don’t get me wrong, y’all have done an absolutely beautiful job with the build as well as some of the other builds y’all have done. I enjoy the fact that y’all are proving the LS swapped Porsche is a much better car than the purists and even Porsche themselves want to admit.
How much was this build ?
Give us a buzz. We will discuss. Thanks for asking!
Cost?
It's not for sale...sorry.
@@RenegadeHybrids I mean cost to do
@@Coloradoaudits Give us a call. We'd love to chat with you about all the options and variables associated with the 944 LS conversion.
@@RenegadeHybrids Will do I think I’m gonna build an LS miata first but I’ll keep you guys in mind plus I would love to go to Vegas
I’ll make sure to have the car the engine etc. and just bring it all to you guys see what I’m worried about doing is the wiring and the welding ect and when it’s done you guys can even brand your shop name on my car
That's a nice beautiful job how much is the costs for everything you do?
I have a 1986 944 non turbo and I like to do sometime like that.
Give us a call. We can discuss further! Thank you...
I would need a spare tire if I owned it. I wouldn't drive car without a spare tire
No problem.
Needs Fuchs or Phone Dials...
That's a shame.
What's a shame?
Too much weight. Too tight an engine compartment.
80lbs. less than a turbo 951 engine, roughly the same weight as the stock NA. More room around the engine to service everything. You can see the ground on both sides. What else ya got?
I have an 83' 944 and was curious what it would cost (ball park) to replicate this build? This is my dream setup and always toy'd with the idea of doing an LS swap on it but never knew how much money would go into something of this stature.
probably $15k+
Could do it cheaply for 5-6k on top of the price of a car if you can source a junkyard 5.3 and don't do the nice things, like suspension/brakes upgrade, battery move, transmission upgrades, oiling system, or cooling system upgrades. 8-9k if you want a more reliable transmission.
This Video is Great! Love what you guys did to the car. I have a 83 944 that I swapped a LM7 into with your renegade kit, put down 320 whp on the dyno with a self learn Fi-tech tune, sounds awesome too! Wish I would have seen this clip before I would've done many things different! Haha ... Thanks for the share & info!
I wish I'd found you before I sold my 86 turbo.
LS is the choice because of performance parts availability? Quadruples the hp from stock?
I'd love to see an old school Hemi in there.
Airbags...or Ohlins would be awesome...but your system is awesome.
Is that a 914-6 back there? The 944 was a sexy beast.
Lighter, stronger, faster, and it's supported by the aftermarket the best. It also fits. Thanks for your comment!
Have my kit on order, can’t wait to drive the car!
These are cool.
If Chevy hadn’t done such a horrible job with the Corvette interiors from the same era, those would be great cars to swap LS engines into
That is how Porsche should have built that car in the first place. Amazing.
im buying a 944 when i get back fromm vacation
The RHD Euro 944 had the battery mounted behind the wheel well of the left rear, under the rear deck carpet.
I have a doubt, if i wanna do this in mexico, you sell all the kits to do everithing for a 986 boxter? And the cost of the kits, and if i go whit thw car how much will cost every since the ls3 to the end?
Give the boys in the shop a call. They would be happy to discuss this with you! Thanks for asking!!
Why no screens on the radiator or oil coolers? You build some amazing vehicles and I love watching what you do.
Not necessary, many factory vehicles particularly from the period had exposed condensers/radiators/oil coolers
I noticed that also and cringed. If it's possibly going to see a long distance road tour, easily removable and field serviced, stainless mesh screens would be ideal. To keep road debris and insects from causing issues.
Yes please
Damn, car sound mean.
You may have to wait, but I don't believe in spare tires anymore especially with highway patrol and even tow trucks getting pounded into with their strobes on. Get out of the car and get as far away from the highway as possible.
Sadly, you are absolutely correct. We lost a friend, a customer, and a brilliant soul; Sergeant Michael Abbate, a few months back. He and Scott were building a V8 911 G-body racecar just before he was killed while assisting another Nevada Highway Patrol officer with a traffic stop. Stop DUI should be paramount in people's minds because a simple tire change, can change many lives forever.
@@RenegadeHybrids It's not even drunks always. People totally sober just follow the lights for some reason. Get to the shoulder, get out of your car and stay away while you wait for a tow truck. A couple hours waiting is not worth you/your family's life. My last flat was "in mexico" at 115 mph, there were landscape rocks scattered onthe road. Not only did I have a blow out, but my rear wheel was cracked. Towing took about 2 hours to get to me, then 2 hours to get to the only shop that could work on a 295/25/20 tire, then 2 hours to get a rental car and finally make it to Daytona for a wedding the next day. My condolences to your friend. Good luck with your channel.