Porsche 944 Parts, Information and Advice
The 944 was the second generation Porsche 924 that was designed by Volkswagen. Porsche purchased the design to replace the 912 and the 914 series. The 944 was introduced in 1993 and was rather modest considering its acceleration and speed for a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. The car had an almost equal weight distribution of 50/50 with the transaxle in the rear of the car.
The 944 was difficult to set up the suspension under racing conditions as, with the driver in the car, the weigh distribution was 65% on the LR tire. This and many other factors including a very weak transaxle, and the aluminum lined cylinder walls proved to be to much to overcome in many efforts to race the 944 in IMSA and SCCA. In 1995 Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, and then later the 944S and the 944 S2 with the 3.0 Litre 4 cyl engine. Since the Porsche brand was renowned for racing and performance, Porsche gave up on the design in 1990.
Maintenance Items on the 944
Water Pump – If you need to replace the water pump on a non turbo model, we recommend upgrading to the Turbo Style pump. This provides better cooling and water pump life. You will need a few extra parts; however it is well worth the money. The OEM Turbo Pump PN# 951.106.021.10, (W0133-1610670) updated guard rail and roller kit 944.106.021.KT, ( W0133-1617249) block off kit 951.106.021KT (W0133-1635260).
Timing and Balance Shaft Belt – Please replace the 944 timing belt every 60,000 miles or you will be replacing bent valves and possibly even a broken camshaft. Replacing the Balance shaft and rollers at the same time is highly recommended.
Clutch Assembly – The stock rubber center disc easily deteriorates over time. If there is a clunk when you let off and on the gas, the center part of the disc is GONE! Sachs makes an OEM replacement spring center clutch that will solve the problem and provide much better engagement and durability. Sachs PN# 944.116.911.00 (W0133-1597372).
Struts and Shocks – It has been our experience that when replacing the shocks and struts to use Bilstein HD’s or the Koni Sports on the 944.
Tune Up – The Porsche 944 needs a good tune up about every 30,000 miles. Make sure you use only OE, or Bosch products, anything else can really cause issues with drivability and misfiring. We also recommend NOT using platinum spark plugs on the 944 as this has a tendency to easily foul and misfire. Use a Bosch Sliver or copper core plug.
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