The 1980s were an odd time for performance cars, as electronic fuel injection replaced carburetors and turbochargers were brought in to facilitate smaller engines. The Porsche 944 used a 2.5 liter turbo engine to churn out a respectable 250 horsepower back at its peak in the mid-80s, but three decades later these cars remain mostly unloved by collectors.
Hot rodders, on the other hand, are finding plenty of fun things to do with the 944. GM Authority came across this 1987 Porsche 944S for sale on Craigslist, though the 2.5 turbo has since been replaced by a 4.8-liter V8 snagged from a 2003 Chevy Silverado. Modified with LSA cam, LS6 valve springs, 36 lb injectors, and a LS1 intake, this modern V8 has been tuned to produce about 300 horsepower at the rear wheels. That’s 50 wheel horsepower more than the 944 was generously rated at the crank back when it was new.
Or course stuffing a V8 under the hood of a Porsche is no small task, and it requires plenty of custom parts. Texas Performance Concepts was responsible for much of the work, including custom motor mounts, CNC machined torque tube adaptor plate (to retain the 5-speed Porsche transaxle), custom oil pan and headers. Gone is the power steering as well, replaced by a manual steering unit courtesy of the Martin Willis Machine Shop. The brakes are also configured to work without power assist, though the owner swears the car turns and stops with “relative” ease.
So how’s it drive? According to the Craigslist ad, the LSx-powered 944 “…can be violent, loud and raw when you want it to be but if you back off it actually cruises very well. That being said, it is not a daily driver, it is a serious, purpose built car – don’t expect a cream puff. It handles like a Porsche but goes like a muscle car.”
Sound like your kind of ride? You can pick it up today for $10,500 OBO.