Porsche 944
944
A front-engine, water-cooled coupe with a rear transaxle and balanced handling. The 944 is a maintenance-driven car: timing and balance-shaft belts, cooling system condition and service records matter far more than mileage. Values have stayed accessible, which means project cars are common and deferred maintenance is the norm.
- Resources
- 16
- Engines documented
- Water-cooled four-cylinder engines in 2.5, 2.7 and 3.0 litre forms, including turbocharged and 16-valve variants.
- Body styles
- 2-door coupe
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Production 1982–1991
A front-engine, water-cooled coupe with a rear transaxle and balanced handling. The 944 is a maintenance-driven car: timing and balance-shaft belts, cooling system condition and service records matter far more than mileage. Values have stayed accessible, which means project cars are common and deferred maintenance is the norm.
Model years, engines and body details changed through the run, including the addition of turbocharged and multi-valve variants. Verify parts against the specific year and engine code.
Engine & drivetrain configurations
| Engine | Displacement | Induction | Output | Transmissions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L four-cylinderM44/413.0-litre 16-valve; the largest-displacement production four-cylinder of its time. | 3.0 L | Naturally aspirated, 16-valve | 211 PS (208 hp)280 Nm (207 lb-ft) @ 4,100 rpm | — | |
| 2.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder951Intercooled KKK turbocharger; the 1988 Turbo S was rated 250 PS and 350 Nm. | 2.5 L | Turbocharged | 220 PS (217 hp in the US) | — | |
| 2.5 L four-cylinder, 16-valveDOHC 16-valve version of the 2.5-litre engine, 6,800 rpm redline. | 2.5 L | Naturally aspirated, 16-valve | 190 PS (about 188 hp) | — | |
| 2.5 L four-cylinderM44/402,479 cc single-overhead-cam eight-valve with twin balance shafts. | 2.5 L | Naturally aspirated, 8-valve | 163 PS; US 1982–85: 143 hp; US 1985–87: 147 hp | — |
Restoration
Restoration guides
Body, paint, teardown and reassembly material specific to this generation.
This page provides a collection of community-authored repair guides for the Porsche 944. It covers various maintenance and restoration tasks for the vehicle.
Porsche 944 Restoration
VerifiedThis playlist features a multi-part video series documenting the restoration process of a Porsche 944. It provides visual guidance on various stages of the restoration project.
944 project-car buyer checklist
VerifiedThe order to inspect a 944 in, from paperwork to the transaxle, before you commit to a project.
Repair
Common repairs & known problems
Documented failure points and repair procedures. Unverified claims are labelled.
Parts
Parts & supplier directory
Suppliers are listed for editorial reasons only. Affiliate links, if any, are marked separately and never change what is included.
Porsche 944 Parts – 944Store
944Store specializes in OEM, refurbished, and performance components specifically for the Porsche 944. The site includes a catalog structured by system and generation with verified fitment data.
LINDSEY RACING - Your Porsche Performance Parts Center
Lindsey Racing offers a wide range of performance and replacement parts for water-cooled, front-engine Porsche models. Their inventory includes specific mechanical components for the 944 series.
944 (06.1981-07.1991) - Model
This supplier offers a broad selection of spare parts for the Porsche 944, ranging from engine components to body parts. It also provides access to diagrams for identifying OEM part numbers.
Classic Porsche Parts & Accessories | Heritage Parts Centre US
Heritage Parts Centre supplies both OEM and aftermarket parts for various classic Porsche models, including the 944. They provide support for restoration and maintenance projects through their online catalog.
Pelican Parts — Porsche 944 maintenance catalog
Supplier reference for 944 service parts, belts, cooling components and technical write-ups.
Modifications
Engine & transmission modifications
Documented swaps, rebuilds and drivetrain upgrades for this generation.
No modification resources yet
No resources are available in this category yet. We're expanding the Garage Atlas library.
Suggest a resourceChassis
Brake & suspension upgrades
No brake or suspension resources yet
No resources are available in this category yet. We're expanding the Garage Atlas library.
Suggest a resourceWiring
Electrical & wiring resources
No electrical documentation yet
No resources are available in this category yet. We're expanding the Garage Atlas library.
Suggest a resourceWatch
Restoration & build videos
Reference
Technical reference
Community
Forums & community knowledge
Owner communities and message boards where this generation is actively discussed.
This technical Q&A section contains archived questions and answers from Porsche experts regarding the 1983-1985 Porsche 944. It covers common maintenance issues, part identification, and troubleshooting for the base model.
Applies to Coupe
Pelican Parts Porsche forums
VerifiedOwner forum with an active 944 section, including maintenance and troubleshooting threads.
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