2.5L or 2.7L

[dschapin]

which porsche 944 engine is more reliable, some tell me the 2.5 engine is better than the larger 2.7 liter, any thoughts? this would be on a turbo (1989 vs 1987 or 88)

[magcuda]

I don't remember the displacement going up until the S2 came out. either way the engines are very relaible as long as you keep the timing belt changed. if using for a track car run synthetic oil or you will take out #2 rod bearing, could never get an answer from engine gurus but the one time I didn't sure enough I toasted #2.

[dschapin]

thanks, im looking at an 89 turbo. i am assuming all 89 turbos are turbo s with the 2.7 liter engine.

[magcuda]

actually the turbo s came out in late 88, 89 had all the turbo s features. big wheels big brakes etc. best model to get

[Izzy]

Macquda,

I lost my engine today, an 86 NA track car. First turn on track, runnin perfectly, and after 4 laps or so lost all oil pressure, then saw the white smoke. Turn engine off and pulled over. Anyway, there is a a hole in the oil pan and a crack on it too. I did not hit anything, and a Porsche mechanic looked at the car lifted and mentioned the #2 rod bearing.

Anyway, so far I have not had a great experience with the 944 on track. I may put on a motor with 64K miles next week and run again next weekend. Car is at the shop now, being sorted out as to what happened.

[EZ Aire]

If I remember correctly, the #2 bearing problem has something to do with the desigh of the oil pan and the way the oil pump sits that allows the pump to cavitate in hard turns. Try going to www.924board.org to get the full explanation. If you hang out there long enough, those guys will have you tearing the engine down and rebuilding it yourself. Good Luck.

[Izzy]

Thank you. I have capitulated to our local Porsche Dealer. Know the guy running the show and I have trusted them for years. He is a 944 racer, we go to the track together a bit.

[jmancool]

I don't remember the displacement going up until the S2 came out. either way the engines are very relaible as long as you keep the timing belt changed. if using for a track car run synthetic oil or you will take out #2 rod bearing, could never get an answer from engine gurus but the one time I didn't sure enough I toasted #2.

There was an 1989 2.7 just before the S2 :)

[magcuda]

I don't know how I missed this a few months ago. when I raced firehawk series I was told by Jerry Woods to run mobil 1 synthetic only (I know but it was the only thing in 86) or the #2 rod bearing would fail, he learned the hard way!

so there I am at Sebring running a 6 hour on conventional oil. we made it to end but when I tore down the motor #2 was shot. Jerry also told me not to put a oil temp gauge in the car because it would scare me!