Porsche 944 - LS Swapped - Review | Everyday Driver

The Porsche 944 is beloved for its balance. The LS engine is beloved for its compact power and ability to go in nearly anything. Put them together and get this Porsche that is more than it appears.
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[@j.thomas7128]

The best thing about non-conventional engine swaps is that the car is guaranteed to be driven and not just put away Under Wraps

[@thetruthexperiment]

I feel the same way about guitars. A 64’ fender a few unoriginal things, maybe the paint stripper of or just very beat up. It has all the characteristics of a really great guitar but it’s much cheaper than a collectors piece and you’re going to play that guitar. Nothing sadder than stuff locked away in a storage space.

[@frankmoore6553]

Eiwiois9aiaiaiia. 99!$

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

If you're going to LS-swap a Porsche - which many believe is sacrilegious - this is how it's done (minus the bow tie exhaust tip)

[@chronicawareness9986]

you mean especially the exhaust tip

[@theangryitalian7922]

Oh no it has a bow tie exhaust tip (I haven seen it)

[@theangryitalian7922]

It’s kinda a funny troll

[@tintin6892]

and the daft bumpers...

[@vannjunkin8041]

Definitely minus the bowtie tips..

[@mugensamurai]

I am a huge Porsche fan and conservative when it comes to these cars but for all the people complaining. This thing is a huge improvement from the original.

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

This has been my 2nd favorite car since I was a youngster . I'm 44 .. I've always thought how awesome it would be to have one V8 swapped . I think it's great

[@mugensamurai]

@@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee You, have great taste.

[@heyitsCedrick]

your not wrong at all but it was also not made to be compared to the original.

[@thetruth1862]

I don't hate the engine because I grew up on Stingrays and 944 but that suspension needs to be sorted

[@an667rb3]

Yeah the original 944 was not really that impressive in terms of power

[@doug960]

On a long enough timeline, everything gets an LS. -Mr. Regular.

[@genatorbol]

Tee pom if you’re not kidding, make a video

[@hasanmichael4966]

I would have done a HEMI. Drop in a 6.4l Apache.

[@todds79jag]

Would love to do this to my 2003 350Z

[@armedrepublic]

Cheap, abundant, compact, great power output. Yes. Agreed.

[@louisbabycos106]

I have a Suzuki sx4 AWD with a blown engine . Is an LS4 swap possible ?

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Guys, this may very well be my favorite review you've done. Love the 944. Love the LS motor. Love that it ain't no garage queen and was meant to be driven.

[@jessechristman1471]

Agree 100%

[@seanriley1603]

I love Porsche’s and am not pissed off that they did this conversion. It sad that so many 944’s are rotting away because “it’s not worth fixing up the old cheap Porsche.”

[@theangryitalian7922]

#EVERYDAY

[@hendrahendra]

I hate the LS, everyone is swapping it to every imaginable car. But I can't deny the greatness of the LS, great aftermarket support, compact, generous CC, light and cheap, credit where credit is due.

[@philippday9195]

ah, now this is an LS swap that makes TOTAL sense to me... brilliantly executed, brilliant

[@ernestjones5113]

Why? I think my 2001 z06 weighed 300 pounds less, no swap needed, not to mention 1G in lateral with the massive rear tires.

[@philippday9195]

@@ernestjones5113 couple of reasons, it's old school cool styling, it's NOT a me too Corvette, and why would you not wanna have a sleeper? The Z06 is a beast but this has it's own kind of special

[@deltaeta625]

@@ernestjones5113 2001 z06 curb weight = 3116 lbs & 385hp, this car is 3044 lb & 430hp and can fit the same tires...once I save up for them. :)

[@bilbobaggins4710]

@@deltaeta625 bro why harp on the weight difference...You won't feel that ..It's minimal

[@deltaeta625]

@@bilbobaggins4710 You're right, there is a point at which on the street you won't feel much difference. But dif in weight plus dif in hp adds up. And quite frankly I was just pointing out that an 01 stock z06 actually weighs more (not less). He might've shaved weight on his car, but you can do the same with 944's if that's your goal. Just elaborating on the comparison.

[@TargaMiata]

I've driven this car. It's good. It's also still evolving - I'll bet Jeff has plans for suspension in the future. But in the meantime, it gets driven and run on the track. It's a real car.

[@bakedandsteaked]

Did you guys get your start working with the 944?

[@TargaMiata]

@@bakedandsteaked Are you asking about Flyin' Miata? The company started off as a Porsche/Audi/VW shop in 1983 and continued doing that until 1996, so there were definitely a bunch of 944s that came through the shop. We haven't worked on them in over 20 years, though.

[@bakedandsteaked]

@@TargaMiata Ah ok, I thought for some reason the shop specialized in the 944. Very cool thanks

[@TargaMiata]

@@bakedandsteaked That's why I specified Flyin' Miata. I work there and a lot of people know that, but FM wasn't involved in this car at all. The work was done by another shop, I'll let Jeff give details if he'd like. They're not a 944 specialty shop. I got to drive the car because Jeff is a friend of mine and we did the before/after cornerweighting at my house. He puts up with all my Sixteen Candles jokes, so you know he's a good guy. Naturally, we went for a drive!

[@juliehober7301]

@@TargaMiata Is that the drive in which he had to call for a tow and his wife didn't answer the phone, so instead his mom in a bright yellow bug had to pick you two up?

[@TheRambest]

The 944 chasis has a lot of potential. The only problem back then was their lack of end power . Now it's fixed.xD

[@SGTJDerek]

Got to remember the times. Even if he kept it as a Turbo 4 banger, modern Engine management would still be miles away from the original. IMO unless you went with an Iron Block, which most 4s aren't anymore, it would have upset that beautiful chassis. I'd be willing to bet he never hits that Transaxle with the full torque from a stand still.

[@ERICtheLATE]

They could be happy with a VAG 1.8T, there are tons of aftermarket, and some have the most reliable vvt setup besides vtec, that can bump it from a solid 180 hp to 225, which can be tuned in three stages, stomp the throttle, get the boost peaked, then pop the timing for another hill on the powerband, and still not be on the fringe of a meltdown. After all this, still get 25+ mpg for commuting, instad of putting that great engine in a carpet computer p.o.s. the A4 will be by now, with the Porsche's heavy ass, it will not need QUATTRO.

[@ERICtheLATE]

@livey oone Yep, guaranteed to end up driving near 1 of 5 LS swapped Porsches on Earth.

[@ERICtheLATE]

@livey oone Ok, now I be jealous, but the real dog is an aftermarket dash for mk1 1.8T stuff. LS swap wins again.

[@MrSlash00r]

This gave me a massive smile. Long live engine swaps into cool cars.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Never clicked a video so fast in my life.

[@Road2RacingPA]

Same! Especially since I am currently LS1 swapping my red 944!

[@fhhfgj]

He should badge the car a 944LS

[@mikesteelheart]

How about 944 SS lol?

[@Jizden_Mipanz]

Needs to add a turbo and then badge it 944 turbo ls

[@stitch2k1]

Nah, it's a 948

[@dam4274]

stitch2k1 That’s good too.

[@slamdunkslamdunk9888]

fhhfgj 944 SLS or 944 S LS

[@Pantheroful]

6:14 - "But, as a toy? Just to smoke everyone? Just because?" Just because, indeed.

[@paulosicne5803]

I've always liked the 944's styling. WIth a big, torquey angry LS engine in it makes it very interesting. This guy can make a fortune selling these type of variants. These great older styling cars with a powerful new or low-mileage unmolested V8 under the hood. I would rather have this than a new Mustang or Camaro.

[@theangryitalian7922]

Paul Osicne facts

[@Game-The-System]

Totally with you, right up until the last sentence. I have an '18 SS, and pretty sure I wouldn't trade that for a 30+ year-old car with an LS engine, even if it is a Porsche. That said, it might be closer contest than I'd care to admit.

[@billk9628]

@@Game-The-System You would once you drove it! :-)

[@KevinSmith-tq3gm]

@@Game-The-System Your Camaro is a great sports car so when I say it's too heavy, I say it with respect.

[@ericwilliams7374]

I totally agree with you, even up to the last sentence.....but I would have put a little more work into it, maybe a decent paint job???

[@stephenallen4211]

I've said this countless times, it's time for Porsche to make an updated (new) version of the 944. It's simply a beautiful Porsche. I've had several 911's, Cayman S' and a Boxter S, however I would immediately purchase a NEW 944!

[@rdiamond655]

I drove this car last year on the Utah Adventure, it’s a total laugh and even more buttoned down now. It’s crazy, hilarious fun.

[@louie4316]

What is impressing me the most is that the transaxle is taking in all this extra power with no issues. Great chassis.

[@johnliley]

I had a 1986 944 turbo. Man this is awesome gets rid of everything i didn't like. I'm smiling while watching

[@macstone9719]

I once owned a 1984 944. 1120 kg everything was liteweight, card board doorpanels. no electric windows etc. Yes, it was underpowered with only 164 HP but man, did it handle well. You could steer it with your butt, as we say in Germany. Great Video, and it reminds me of the fact that you should never sell a good old Porsche or any other good car for that matter. Put it somewhere in a storage and just wait....

[@andreasundesser1154]

Lightweight and short translated gears are OP. In april on the german autobahn, a Porsche Cayenne v6 250hp had his problems keeping up in acceleration with me. Best part was that starring from the passenger at my car when I switched to the right lane to let them pass :-D

[@soisaidtogod4248]

@William Crawford Just waiting to let go of my 77 911S TWB

[@tomkruze8560]

I owned an 86 951(944 Turbo) it was fast to start. Couldn’t imagine this

[@mskehan19]

Tom Kruze ha I guess you and I have different ideas of fast, my buddy had one and he couldn't beat anyone. Just looked it up 8+ sec 0-60 and 16+ sec 1/4 mile times...whew neck snapping

[@K1LLJ0Y101]

M S , Those stats you listed are of a 944 N/A Car, not a Turbo. The 944 (951) Turbo and Turbo S, were very quick and fast cars, even by today’s standards. And have been banned from many competitions. 0-60 try mid to low 5 seconds and a 1/4 mile in 13+ seconds. They are very proven track cars, N/A or Turbos.

[@msk3905]

@@K1LLJ0Y101 my apologies you are a right the turbo S 0-60 was low 5 with Turbo in the 6s (according to 944Turbo.net). Funny fact the Turbo has similar 0-60 times as the Saab 4 door 9000 turbo.

[@RobJaskula]

Loved my '86 951!

[@braupe]

And its finally up! I am really glad you guys shot this 944. It was awesome to see on track.

[@amac9245]

As an 86 owner that grew up in the 80's and 90's...... I get this.........I really want to drive that car. Love the show, you lucky SOB's

[@jaygorman4282]

You guys do such great reviews. I really enjoy watching these. Please keep them coming!

[@edmundhayes1840]

Wow, Paul's comment at the end! Congrats, man. Awesome car!

[@patricksteele4594]

In addition ,that platform can also fit 275 tires upfront and 315 rear.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Got that set up on my old vette... Perfect

[@BasinMotorsports]

What wheels allow for a 275/315 set-up?

[@gsthree9534]

Damn I knew I should not have sold the 968. What a car ! Great job boys.

[@comickebs748]

Another 944 styling fan here. Such insanity from an LS in the 944 chassis? Yes please!

[@Kraigmire]

I always wanted to do a LS swap (LS1 back then) on my 944 and I was looking at Wilwood brakes as well. This video brings up so many memories!

[@lenwoodcruze3594]

That exhaust tip is incredibly clever! So subtle but means soo much.

[@thagreen72]

badazz...i totally hate LS swaps in mustangs but anything else, especially this is too cool💯

[@jontucker7494]

Man, that Corvette sound coming from a small Porsche is just... wonderfully alien. Something that should not be but I'm grateful that is.

[@genericdenizen1]

Excellent! Love the 460 HP LS V8 in my 2019 Corvette Grand Sport with its MANUAL TRANSMISSION! Buy one.

[@holycow512]

Fantastic review guys. Loved seeing Todd's reactions to the sheer insanity.

[@TDS981]

I shouldn't like this, I should be writing that what they've done is sacrilegious but instead, i'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face, want, want, want!

[@robk7196]

What a monster! Nice review guys!

[@Jenuin]

I love everything but the exhaust tip. Well done. Amazing. Now everyone will want one.

[@DansDrives]

Great video! Nice work guys.

[@stoneimage666]

Awesome!!! Great build and looks like a lot of fun to drive!

[@xQuadroGamingx]

Had a friend with a 944, first sorta fast car I’ve ever been in and since then I’ve been in love

[@dionoliveira4058]

My first sports car and Porsche a 944 1985 in Guards Red ...I loved this car soooo, now I wish I could have it back. Thanks for this awesome video

[@Mr.EricMBlack]

When you absolutely have to Porsche your LS.

[@chicolittle5409]

Always loved the styling of the 944 with it's wide fenders. But a 944 with enough horse power to match the aggressive looks is so bad ass! Awesome build.

[@fhhfgj]

944 was always a great platform just woefully underpowered. I could really see me making one of these one day.

[@andrewwalker3055]

I’m finishing my 85 ls swap 944Right now. It is red and looks identical to this one. I can’t wait to drive it!

[@justaddafan]

That would be a great car. The 944 has fantastic steering feel, especially the manual rack.

[@user-rc1ke1ef3t]

I had an 88 944S, I loved it, what a motor. 👍

[@paulking54]

Great resto mod. Really like 944 and originality but that corvette engine sounded glorious.

[@El_Chompo]

The LS engine series is the best thing to come out of the big bank and corporate bailouts of the 08 recession. Worldwide renown for their inexpensive price, small physical size, light weight, high durability, and of course high power and torque output. And the irony isn't lost on me, all the decades of the dual overhead cams and a 4 or 5 valves per cylinder running circles around american engine technology until the turbo arrived which turned out to be particularly well suited for pushrod engines and effectively snubbed half a century of complex head development. With efficient boost generation via a turbo supercharger making use of wasted energy from the exhaust gas extra valves and cams become more of a reliability liability and expense and unneeded complexity than an advantage. Don't get me wrong a K24 can make 500HP with stock internals which is impressive for a 4 cylinder, but those things are so tall the overall engine size is about the same as an LS just a different shape that actually makes them more difficult to fit into some cars since it's especially long on one dimension, which is why they used to slant engines when they used to make more inline ones. And if you're going to be taking up the same amount of space in the engine bay, might as well get an engine that has more power and way more torque. And Honda is really just an exception, their reliability is insane which is how they can be boosted so high with stock internals or just pistons and rods. No other 4 cylinder manufacturer makes engines that strong and reliable that you can just do that. It's nice to see you guys enjoying the car it looks really fun to drive. 944 is one of the best looking cars of all time and its size and weight are about as perfect as it gets along with RX7s. But when does a 2 door sports car not look good ya know. They always look good as long as they were designed half decent.

[@HugeCockAndBalls]

You know the LS1 came out in 1997 right?

[@PointShiftDrive]

This was such a great looking car back then but I think its aged very well too. Porsche is on the money with almost all their designs.

[@alorrick7546]

This was my 1st car and moment i had the money senior in high school i did exactly this. 450bhp LS under the hood of my 1986 and boy it was a monster when stripped to just a chassis and engine. The new hellcat came out and 2 friends bought one and the new corvette supercharged and both where in the dust 20mph roll-140 they barely seen taillights. I believe before the car was stolen it weighed in at 2,000lbs with my tiny butt in it half tank "12gallons" but there was nothing but a wheel, gear lever and motor it was all racecar. Later i found a 87 with 40k miles no motor and she became my baby 3klbs with 606bhp still smoking anything bought. Because she is built

[@alorrick7546]

@Anita Ayon comming soon to youtube later this summer

[@FairladyS130]

Not a Porker fan but love this, particularly the 50/50 weight distribution and of course the low maintenance power.

[@B_rett_B]

This has been my dream since I was 16, 944 with the ls engine. Looks like alot of fun.

[@MrAtaripitbull]

WOW ! what a fantastic idea !! Gotta send this video to a buddy who has a 944.

[@uscfroadie]

Time for you guys to review the LS ND Miata from Flyin Miata.

[@lashlarue7924]

I second this motion ^^^

[@jacobwatson5484]

Just picked up a 944 to ls swap next year. Can't wait to drive it for the first time

[@finallyitsed2191]

I wanted to do this very thing and found one of these at an old Volkswagen Beetle repair shop. The guy wouldn't sell it but let it there to rot. What a shame. I ended up putting a fuel injected 427 SBC in a E Type Jag (I suppose another sacrilegious thing) and I love it. The guy who put that 944 together did a really nice job and should be proud of his achievement. Now I'm thinking back about that 944 dang it.

[@richardvancleaf469]

I love this car. Perhaps my favorite. Great video.

[@wowsers5846]

Paul. Your announcement made me so happy!

[@MarkCalica]

Great review guys. But I noticed one of your cam is pixelating. Hope you guys can remedy that and keep up the great work

[@shanebep3135]

That was a great ending and a fantastic car. I've always thought about doing this and have spent many nights looking online at 944's for sale. Maybe one day...

[@Ferraridude13]

Very rare to see something so tasteful. I love it.

[@asparceproton1]

Been waiting for this one since it was filmed! Gonna have to convince Jeff to let me have a go at the next one ;)

[@desertduck4177]

Been thinking about selling my ‘83-944. Now I’m thinking this is its destiny...

[@michaelbreault4508]

Owned a 85 86 split year in my younger days. Had to sell for a work truck and man do I miss that car. I NEED THIS! lol

[@duckman5642]

Greatest car on KZbin, ever! Cheers

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

"I kinda have to, don't I?" lolol Todd I freaking love you

[@transce]

It's beautiful. I'm jealous. I hope to own a resto-mod some day.

[@lashlarue7924]

Cool factor is off the charts. 😎 I am struggling to imagine anything that could possibly be any cooler, and I am failing at this.

[@tuteyflutey]

Wonderful review

[@paulmcadam6825]

Excellent video and machine!

[@jeremymtc]

My idealized "cheap, fast and fun" sports car is a 924S (basically a narrow-body 944) with Carrera GTS bodywork and flares and an LS engine. Solid chassis, great handling, excellent looks, and goes like hell.

[@theangryitalian7922]

Awesome build

[@camberwellcarrot420]

I loved the front engined Porsches of that era.

[@brew62]

Work of art

[@mg_streetkandi]

Great review..a guy here near Richmond VA has that same swap..👍

[@althejazzman]

It's easy to roast LS swaps as they seem to be everywhere and lack imagination, but you can't deny the improvements it makes to this car, and I'm a 924 and 944 owner and enthusiast! I'm not afraid of modifications though.

[@sergeantscumbag2116]

When I did my first ls swap I was blown away by how light the aluminum v8 really is its just crazy

[@charlesz25]

I love that he kept the popups

[@moonlighter6]

Honestly, beats putting the LS motor in a 60's Chevelle like a colleague did. REALLY!

[@andrewnichols1023]

They were great handling cars, so extra power would be a great thing.

[@daltonv5206]

944's are great cars. Miss mine

[@ocker2000]

I used to drive a 944 S2 but always felt it was underpowered. Also the shift was heavy work. Recently I watched a video of someone who had put an LS in a DeLorean... I sat in a DeLorean and felt the lack of comfortable headroom. My 944 S2 was very comfortable for me. If I had an LS in it today I would have kept it.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

Wow! That was great!

[@rcrhinehart66]

If I had the money that would definitely be my ride. Perfection.

[@scarbourgeoisie]

Car has major character. Amazing.

[@bdyt]

Thanks thought I was done wanting a 944

[@jeffsheppard_actor]

always been a fan of the 944, recently been considering doing an LS swap into an RX7 FC, lots of support and kits for that because it's kinda popular. Any kits or info available to do the swap in a 944 like this?

[@grabir01]

Fantastic!! I want it!! NOW!!

[@fxuz7906]

the exhaust tip is brilliant

[@Shane-Singleton]

There are custom shops over in Europe that do similar things. One outfit puts an LS in the Jensen Interceptor. I believe there is one doing the same to TVR's, and a few other complete custom shops that basically take LS's and put them into smaller compact sports cars to create glorious monsters. Carroll Shelby found that magic mix decades ago. I'm surprised it hasn't been done more often than it is. Especially with LS swaps being SO popular these days. Outside of Mazda Miatas and RX7's i've not seen it done in as many one-offs as should be. Love that this was done in a 944. I'd REALLY like to see it done in a 928.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

The license plate should read "SYNERGY"....this thing is truly bad-ass !

[@IhateYoutube]

Now this is a 944 that looks fun! Though I think I would be a bit wary of a hard launch from a dig, not sure how much that trans axle can take. Great swap it fits like it was meant to be there.

[@gregwarner3753]

I have a 2010 C-6 that I just drove 25,000 miles in the last two summers. Sounds like the 944 LS3 is even quicker. Great fun. Ps - wife and I really enjoy your show.

[@smokejblow66]

“Yikes and hallelujah all at the same time! Is that a thing?” LOL

[@mtnmann72]

If you are going to improve perfection, this is a great way to do it.

[@artysmotorsports]

This is just lovely 👍

[@airgliderz]

Great idea, huge improvement the 944.

[@ladraode9dedos409]

Nice project!

[@sebastianm.8383]

it is so cool, this understatement car with the LS engine.....

[@gedwardjones]

Chris Porter, Detroit Speed's PM, has an LS swapped, 944 race car that he calls the "Poorvette." It is goals. This only reinforces my desire to build one of these.

[@leobuckey]

Kudos for doing something the rest of us talk about 👍