Renegade 944 LS3 V8 Build

This 1983 944 LS3 V8 Renegade gets a top-to-bottom overview from Scott who covers the V8 conversion, suspension, brakes, transaxle, etc. For further information including pricing, please go to www.renegadehybrids.com or call 702-739-8011. Thank you!

[@roberthaviar8243]

Scott thank you for the great, detailed video! I have bought 1986, 944 with the damaged engine in February 2021 with the same purpose in mind. Giving it much mightier heart like the lovely LS3. I have been researching it ever since. So far this is the best video on this niche topic! Talk to you soon.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Looking forward to it!

[@GSXRI300]

keep us updated on progress

[@GeorgeKatzz]

I have an 83' 944 and was curious what it would cost (ball park) to replicate this build? This is my dream setup and always toy'd with the idea of doing an LS swap on it but never knew how much money would go into something of this stature.

[@pablopicaro7649]

probably $15k+

[@magiccheeto]

Could do it cheaply for 5-6k on top of the price of a car if you can source a junkyard 5.3 and don't do the nice things, like suspension/brakes upgrade, battery move, transmission upgrades, oiling system, or cooling system upgrades. 8-9k if you want a more reliable transmission.

[@automotiveingenuityinc.9275]

This Video is Great! Love what you guys did to the car. I have a 83 944 that I swapped a LM7 into with your renegade kit, put down 320 whp on the dyno with a self learn Fi-tech tune, sounds awesome too! Wish I would have seen this clip before I would've done many things different! Haha ... Thanks for the share & info!

[@lfcfan4557]

I called them up to help me decide which 944 will be best to do the conversion based on my intended use, and as I expected Scott was awesome in explaining things, giving me options of doing in house, or buying the kit to do it myself.Simply great people, very knowledgeable, but, the only downside is they're backed up in scheduleling, and it'll be about 15 months before they can take you in. That'll have to be because they are great at what they do. Thanks Scott.👍

[@RenegadeHybrids]

In house conversions are on a wait list of 12 to 15 months...yes. However, we are shipping kits in weeks all over the world. We'd love to build everyone's cars, but the kit coupled with some customers with pretty remarkable skills, turns out just as good! And, of course, we are always here to help. Thank you for your comment on our channel!

[@delfinward9908]

I gotta ask, which 944 would be the best conversation candidate? Please say '86 944 turbo....

[@MIKESGARAGE813]

Which 944 is best?

[@WA-eg7ft]

If I still had my 1986 turbo,😢. Just how much would it have cost to get a basic LS set up installed and ready to drive home.?

[@lfcfan4557]

@@WA-eg7ft $40K and a year wait, that's what I was told.

[@davidbutler8096]

LS is the choice because of performance parts availability? Quadruples the hp from stock? I'd love to see an old school Hemi in there. Airbags...or Ohlins would be awesome...but your system is awesome. Is that a 914-6 back there? The 944 was a sexy beast.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Lighter, stronger, faster, and it's supported by the aftermarket the best. It also fits. Thanks for your comment!

[@WA-eg7ft]

I wish I'd found you before I sold my 86 turbo.

[@greggburke7796]

I had a 1988 944 back in college and kept it for 10 years. I unfortunately wrecked it about 24 years ago, before swapping the engine for an LS1 or LS3 became popular. I would have loved to have done that because the only drawback was that it lacked power. The handling was so tight and precise, and the car was perfectly balanced. It's definitely my favorite car, and I have since owned a 2003 500sl with the AMG package, a Saab convertible, 3 Cadillacs, a mustangs, 2 Jeeps, and even an old Ferrari 308. But I don't miss any of them the way I miss the Porsche.

[@steveogee7458]

I've owned 2 944's. An 87 coupe and a 91 S2. They handle! The S2 16v was as close to being fast. I cannot imagine marrying that power and handling. WOW!

[@GregZentTrumpetMan]

These are cool. If Chevy hadn’t done such a horrible job with the Corvette interiors from the same era, those would be great cars to swap LS engines into

[@sirsendit9770]

Currently trying to find a turbo transaxle for my 944 ls swap

[@DeancentGarage]

You can tell by the detailed explanation of everything that this is a guy who loves what he does. Awesome car and great video, no doubt you guys are backlogged. I already have an 89 944 turbo but after seeing this I almost feel the need for an LS swapped 944 too.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

You'll never go back to the turbo!!

[@DeancentGarage]

@@RenegadeHybrids The Turbo isn't stock 🤙

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@@DeancentGarage But the turbo is still 100lbs heavier!

[@DeancentGarage]

@@RenegadeHybrids Arguable, that answer seems to change depending on who you ask lol. I just finished an article on my site about weight reduction on the 944. Lots of places to shed weight. Also I noticed you removed the windshield washer fluid reservoir.. I don't think some states would allow it if you needed an inspection.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@@DeancentGarage 944 stock turbo engine with all accessories is 81lbs heavier than an equally prepared LS3. My guess is, you are brilliant and running an intercooler to support your upgraded turbo engine. I would also expect a very large oil cooler might be on your list to protect your 944 engine. Conservatively, I guesstimated a premium of 19lbs. to your thoughtful package. That's 100lbs. to the plus. I'd give that up in a heartbeat to increase handling even if the torque numbers were exactly the same across the entire RPM range...which they are probably not.

[@flogmarp82]

im buying a 944 when i get back fromm vacation

[@RedRoofGarage]

My 83 needs a LS swap now! Such awesome build, I better start working more OT lol

[@andrewtaylor3170]

Have my kit on order, can’t wait to drive the car!

[@centuryfreud]

That is how Porsche should have built that car in the first place. Amazing.

[@frankgrant5399]

you are having to much fun lol

[@Mriutubeboy]

I have a doubt, if i wanna do this in mexico, you sell all the kits to do everithing for a 986 boxter? And the cost of the kits, and if i go whit thw car how much will cost every since the ls3 to the end?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Give the boys in the shop a call. They would be happy to discuss this with you! Thanks for asking!!

[@carlosmartoral6268]

Hi Scott. What was the cost of this particular 1983 944 conversion?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Give us a buzz so we can chat about the features and costs of you 944 conversion! Thank you!

[@Firstconsultsolar]

i have a 944 1983 that my uncle gave me before he passed and im starting to restore it. Im in south africa , i have no clue where to start with getting these components though can anyone assist with part numbers

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Absolutely! Best to email [e-mail] to start the process. Thanks for asking!

[@randylneisen4824]

I love what you all do at Renegade, esp. due to your professionalism!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Some of our goofy videos might lack a little when referring to the word "professionalism," but there is no doubt we also really love what we do! You get MUCH better results from a company with employees and management that live-eat-breathe what they sell. It's apparent with every single business we solicit. If the owner behind the counter at your local favorite restaurant doesn't like his business, it effects EVERYTHING.

[@75novaguy73]

Was real interested in this because someone was selling an 85 944. No motor, 800 bucks. The body is in great shape, they got what they needed out of it for their other 944 and just selling this one. It sold aready but I was very interested in it and doing an ls swap. great vid.

[@Coyote9smilespergallon]

I wanted to do this myself long ago! These 944 were so cheap 10-15 years ago, they are are great specimen to swap!

[@salmiano2094]

THIS IS SO BADASS! I am planning to build a 944 to the same sort of spec, with a 1990 S2 with a 6.0L Ly6 swap. A few quesitons: is the s2 tranny a good idea to hold 425-475 horses? I am also wondering if you guys used the Texas Performance 944 LS swap kit. Once again, fantastic build!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thank you! So, we are the original conversion company that developed the V8 conversion kits for 944's as well as many others. We've seen multiple companies come and go over our 40 years, but the best never dies. That said, we use our own kit...and it's, by far, much better than anything else that may be floating around out there! Your transaxle is well suited for the conversion. You should be fine! Why not come visit us and see for yourself our facility and meet our crew. It's a lot of fun in Las Vegas! Thanks for reaching out!

[@daveayerstdavies]

The RHD Euro 944 had the battery mounted behind the wheel well of the left rear, under the rear deck carpet.

[@Ferraridude13]

16:20 that sounds like pretty aggressive cam at idle. Is it cams or the exhaust setup?

[@mitchparks71]

Gorgeous ride! Great exhaust note...the muffler looks like a Flowmaster 50 series

[@ceansilorcaso5820]

how much will this conversion will cost if I provide the car?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Give us a call so we can discuss. Thanks for asking.

[@XiaoPP1]

Damn, car sound mean.

[@alk3myst]

You may have to wait, but I don't believe in spare tires anymore especially with highway patrol and even tow trucks getting pounded into with their strobes on. Get out of the car and get as far away from the highway as possible.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Sadly, you are absolutely correct. We lost a friend, a customer, and a brilliant soul; Sergeant Michael Abbate, a few months back. He and Scott were building a V8 911 G-body racecar just before he was killed while assisting another Nevada Highway Patrol officer with a traffic stop. Stop DUI should be paramount in people's minds because a simple tire change, can change many lives forever.

[@alk3myst]

@@RenegadeHybrids It's not even drunks always. People totally sober just follow the lights for some reason. Get to the shoulder, get out of your car and stay away while you wait for a tow truck. A couple hours waiting is not worth you/your family's life. My last flat was "in mexico" at 115 mph, there were landscape rocks scattered onthe road. Not only did I have a blow out, but my rear wheel was cracked. Towing took about 2 hours to get to me, then 2 hours to get to the only shop that could work on a 295/25/20 tire, then 2 hours to get a rental car and finally make it to Daytona for a wedding the next day. My condolences to your friend. Good luck with your channel.

[@grabir01]

The way all 944's should have come from the factory.

[@briandrake9467]

I love 914s said not alot of people ever. I sat in one, in a ally as a child. Later at 19 my 7th car, I got a wide 73 914 set up for a v8, project for $390. The one that got away, now I want a 914 body to put on my 2000 zr2, 2dr blazer. Yes to a front engine ls3 and new front and rear ends. MONSTER OFF ROAD 914.. that's a thing.

[@thomasj.kappjr.929]

Awesome. incredible work quality. I just subscribe really like the way Jr garage 911 sound.

[@vasantos-re4hb]

LOVE this. Porsche loves to sell 'subtle' and 'delicate'. Sometimes, your just need more POWWAAR.

[@RIB0S0ME]

14:41 best part of the video!!! 😍

[@streetpilot775]

I had an '84 944 back in the day that I used to take to track events and was an all-around great car. I sure do miss it. It's just amazing to me that the factory transaxle can tolerate that much horsepower that the LS puts out when the original NA motor in my car was only pushing about 150 HP. Talk about overbuilt!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

The torque shaft inside the torque tube acts as a giant torsion bar. It reduces the shock loading quite a bit. That helps the longevity of the transaxle!

[@Only1Science]

My Neighbor has a red 944. I want to knock on their door now. LOL

[@GM-fh5jp]

Mmm...very nice restomod. Next time you do a 944 why not put the front hood vents from the 924 Carrera GT and the hood scoop as well...that would look cool. Lots of trick bits underneath...impressive workmanship there, Scott...especially the cooling system for the transaxle. I'm officially impressed and just hit the subscribe button.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thanks you for your interest! Dig the 924 idea!!!

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

That is insane yet, it totally makes sense. if i come across a 944 with a blown engine, ill taking it to you to do an LS swap in it for sure.

[@kondor99999]

This is the only time I’ve regretted having a mint 1986 944 with only 28k miles 😂

[@frankensteincreations4740]

Drive it like you stole it! Exactly how I drive my customer’s cars… If it’s going to break or fail it’s going to be with me behind the wheel. If it passes my torture test, it’s never going to fail on my customer… Love it man. 914 ls swap is probably the sickest one… Love it brother! 👍🤘👏

[@narrowhwy114]

That LS looks great in there, like it always belonged in there! Nice job! Excellent!

[@Coyote9smilespergallon]

She sounds great! What a killer set up!

[@steel15172]

Why no screens on the radiator or oil coolers? You build some amazing vehicles and I love watching what you do.

[@nutsackmania]

Not necessary, many factory vehicles particularly from the period had exposed condensers/radiators/oil coolers

[@speedymanwcc1819]

I noticed that also and cringed. If it's possibly going to see a long distance road tour, easily removable and field serviced, stainless mesh screens would be ideal. To keep road debris and insects from causing issues.

[@dougzimbelman7641]

Yes please

[@downlowperformanceinc4860]

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD IT!!! I WAS LOOKING FOR A MOTOR SOLUTION FOR 968.

[@PowerSports]

Thanks for the video and all your help!

[@bobward7027]

Nice job Cool little new tidbits I shared this on FB 944 swap group

[@peterhatch1583]

Im sold ! Im now looking for a 944 !can't make my mind up why not both !

[@auto3garage522]

Y’all have detailed videos of the process ?

[@peterhatch1583]

Im hooked i have a 928 porsche 5 speed manual and have a Ls you need to see me the conversion kit !!

[@solarflare1008]

Great project

[@adriancrozier7929]

Wow that is fucken radical man alive that's pure bitchen phenomenal...that would make you laugh and cry all day...I have one in my drive waiting for paint work what does that conversion cost

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thanks for your enthusiasm! We have all the kit prices and options listed on our web site at www.renegadehybrids.com if you'd like to take a look. Thanks again for asking!!!

[@TheBeddoeFamily]

"lemme show you how this car goes...."

[@nathanhollett5797]

Hey Scott, love the car and love what you do. Debating swapping my 944, I'm in NorCal. Can I swing by on a roadtrip sometime to see a swapped car?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Sure. Have lot's of cars in production. However, no 944's at this very minute.

[@HypocriticYT]

Thanks but I want a full size spare on A matching wheel 😊

[@JohnnoDordrecht]

i like the 944 very mutch

[@ocker2000]

Awesome video. It triggered sweet memories of my 1986 944S2 that I drove for decade until I had to switch to a family car.... The 944 was underpowered and to see it run with an LS swap is amazing. However, we live in 2022 with gas prices soaring not only in the US but here in Europe even more. I am looking into getting involved with a 944S2 project that gets electrified with a Tesla system. A KZbinr in the UK did one. I am smitten.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Yo sure it was a 86 ? I didn’t think the s2 appeared until 89

[@johnultimate1161]

@@Carrera-gp9od Correct. Maybe a 944S.

[@rayrodrigo3999]

what a DETAILED video 👍👍👍

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thank you! I'm trying to do more of these. Stay tuned...and again, thank you!!

[@rayrodrigo3999]

@@RenegadeHybrids is the 928 as upgradeable as the 944 as far as the big brake upgrade, coil overs, sway bars etc etc

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@@rayrodrigo3999 The 928 does have plenty of upgradable choices, but not quite as many as the 944.

[@zekelucente9702]

That’s something else. Way to go great job!

[@r.garcia9051]

man put a lil boogie in this machine

[@RegionalRadioShackManager]

I’m glad you guys are in Vegas. My 944 still going strong but when it’s time to swap I know who to call

[@firstfix1870]

Same!!!

[@BH-po6wu]

Now you have a rad 944

[@Mavericktaylormusic]

I've got an 84 944 I'm wanting to do this exact build to. What should I expect cost wise.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Please give the shop a call to discuss. We appreciate your interest.

[@fks-pv8il]

Love it. Want it.

[@joshmoore6165]

12:10 Does that original 944 transaxle hold up to the LS3s torque output? I'm having doubts...And you never mentioned what you did for a clutch

[@RenegadeHybrids]

The transaxle is the 944 turbo! It does quite well. The clutch disc is included in the kit with copious disc and pressure plate upgrades available. Thanks for asking!

[@MA-vr8gp]

Great job!!!!….I just bought 911 Turbo can’t get smile off my face!!

[@timreynolds4061]

Nice work! Awesome car!

[@ScottO84]

Such an entertaining build. This thing looks like it would RIP around a track.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

It does!!

[@WayneStcroix]

Hey got a question on the 944 the transaxle is a five speed how would you convert it to a six speed gear box? I'm asking because I'm 5hinkg of buy this 944 I found for cheap and wanted some feed back how to attack this when I do the swap

[@RenegadeHybrids]

The 968 manual transaxle is a direct swap to the 944, and it's a 6 speed!

[@aaabbbccc543]

friend had 944,,, souped up the stock engine to 370 hp... was ridiculously fast

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@aaabbbccc543 Imagine more torque and HP, and much greater reliability with the LS!!

[@tomoday4450]

Absolutely beautiful build 👍🏻

[@P1983sche]

Hmm 🤔 I have an 83’ 944. This was truly interesting…😮 you guys are in Vegas too? I live over in Henderson.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Come say hello!

[@P1983sche]

I definitely will. I want to see that shop. Your videos are awesome 👏

[@Trapper50cal]

Needs Fuchs or Phone Dials...

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

One good hard dump of the clutch and it would be new transaxle time.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Not really. I don't encourage abuse, but you missed a Porsche design element that helps protect the transaxle. The torque shaft is like a giant torsion bar. It reduces shock loading considerably and saves transaxles. Furthermore, since shock loading also breaks the contact patch loose, it helps with traction.

[@nicholasgreer6072]

I've always wanted to throw an S65 from a M3 into a 944. Keeping it Euro while also getting amazing power and an amazing exhaust note.

[@Roomsaver]

An 07K swap would also be cool, keep it German but it’ll sound like a proper rally car 😁

[@nicholasgreer6072]

@@Roomsaver yeah the 07k would be badass, but id prefer to have the Corrado with the 07k swap over a 944 :)

[@dantes2572]

I’m currently in the works of swapping an s85 into a 924

[@nicholasgreer6072]

@@dantes2572 Yeah I thought about it but I really want an E31with the s85 and then i could have the 944 with an S65. The S85 is also 100lbs more or something so was not sure about the weight ratio there either. Sounds good though! Hope it goes well for you man I know its gonna be a lot of work, but if you can pull it off im sure it will be hella fun!

[@ChaosAttractor13]

Pop up up and down headlights!!!

[@mrbondohrama]

I'm very curious about the balance of this car. What does the weight distribution look like?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Almost the same as stock. Less than 1% difference on this car.

[@mrbondohrama]

@@RenegadeHybrids That is awesome, thanks for the quick reply!

[@jl8628]

This is excellent. Now that you have done the engineering are you open to doing more cars?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

We've been building and selling 944 kits since 1995. We've built a bunch of these and sold hundreds of 944 kits. This is a very popular conversion!

[@bellwethertrucking3650]

Is that power assist steering? I actually liked the power assist in my Fiero. It wasn't ideal on long trips, but the short fun trips it felt heavy, but very poised on interstate ramps.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Manual steering on the 1983 944.

[@mickeymichaels1298]

The Pontiac Fiero was available only with manual steering. You'll be hard pressed to find a car of that era (even high-end ones) that were rear or mid engined with power steering. The Ferrari 308, 328, 348, and Testarossa models all had manual steering, as did all Porsche 911 variants before the 964. I had an 83 944 and it had excellent steering, also manual. I believe that power steering was an option on the 83 944. Later, it became standard, at least on US cars. Amazing LS conversion!

[@nasty9489]

What do you recommend on doing for the rear end once you start getting up to around the 500hp mark.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

951 (944 turbo transaxle) will handle that!

[@stevewellman3154]

Well done! Beautiful car!!!

[@jayok7609]

Dream car with dream setup

[@joelikeskawasaki5215]

I just picked up a 1987 944S for free with a title bad motor I love code enforcement

[@Everydaycali]

How? 😂

[@joelikeskawasaki5215]

My friend had a BMW E30 sitting for 25 years in his driveway and the Porsche on the side of the house code enforcement showed up said he had to get rid of them or face fines. I bought the BMW for $500 flipped it for a 1000. It was toast rusted real bad. He said I could have the Porsche if I took the motor out he had it sold to a friend didn't want the car so I took it off his hands for him now I got to find a V8

[@adamjames90]

White this conversion in mind, what year 944 would you recommend to begin a project like this?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Honestly, any year is good. There are still enough parts around to make whatever changes you'd like depending upon your application. Just get a clean, rust free complete car, minus the engine if possible.

[@adamjames90]

@@RenegadeHybrids outstanding! Thanks for the reply.

[@KJW742]

This is my current dream car

[@natewhite2112]

I would need a spare tire if I owned it. I wouldn't drive car without a spare tire

[@RenegadeHybrids]

No problem.

[@christianaesthetics_]

THIS ISS SOOOOO COOLLLLL

[@gdsstudio974]

Good exhaust note!

[@resellpanda88]

Awesome video. Is it worth paying the extra for the turbo model if your intentions are to do the swap? I really like the turbo front bumper but. Not sure of it's worth the premium. Thanks!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Not really as long as you keep an eye out for a turbo transaxle. I happen to have two of those! Call the shop for more details! Thanks for asking!!!

[@roshj9371]

The suspension components and chassis are the same otherwise?

[@c1d2e]

@@roshj9371 Turbo had upgraded brakes, torsion bar and transaxle. With this swap you probably will be replacing them anyways. Many thought the 944NA handled better then the turbo though? They do sell turbo look fronts for the NA. If you tuck those big azz bumper pads in flush I think it looks much better, not quite turbo but for one hours work looks much better.

[@hugor151]

Any plans on making a gen 5 LT1 conversion kit?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Eventually, sure!

[@perjrgensen3291]

cooool sportscar :-)

[@TheTrueAnswer]

Do y'all keep the original transaxle, swap a corvette transaxle, or an upside-down G50?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thanks for asking. In the 944's you can use the NA 944 transaxle that came with your 944, or move up to the 944 Turbo. In this video, you will see the 944 turbo transaxle, and we did some additional gearing that helped the top speed in 5th gear.

[@TheTrueAnswer]

@RenegadeHybrids realistically, how reliable have you seen the N/A transaxles hold 350+ hp? From what I understand, they were barely strong enough to hold factory hp. I understand the 944s and Turbo had taller gears and that the ring and pinion were different than the N/A, but I've also heard they still have difficulties taking harder shifts during track days with ~400 ft-lbs. and were best used as a gently driven daily.

[@louisnguyen6038]

amazing video,

[@3n3ly7m9]

15:24... baller

[@motorcopT2]

Very Very nice job. Only wish it had Borla on it. ❤

[@RenegadeHybrids]

We considered it. I love the Borla line of products. Just needed a little nastier sound at WOT. Otherwise, I would agree. Keep in mind, when we tested this car at the track, it was BY FAR everyone's favorite sounding car that day. We didn't miss with the sound...not at all.

[@motorcopT2]

@@RenegadeHybrids understood.

[@timbot80]

My dream car!!!

[@thomasbrasse3145]

Hell yes.

[@77magnuss]

What did you use for the LED fog lights. Also, what model Subaru for over flow tank? I mights just use that for the washer tank since it’s fits so perfectly.

[@WhatStream]

I think my original tank is leaking so I did some searching - moroso 63781

[@GregZentTrumpetMan]

Looks expensive

[@msPaulaA1]

Scott would please add a link to the components you mentioned in this vid. Pretty please? The oil sump and cooling system mods are spectacular. I’m just digging into my build an 87 S. And I am thinking it’s time to do away with the spare tire well. The 944 spare tires are junk anyhow.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thanks for asking, but we are a little more personable with our approach. Just give us a call and we can provide you with all the parts that we installed on this car.