Transaxle Greatness: Why the Porsche 944 Turbo is an '80s Icon

Retro pop-up headlights? Check. Cool box fender flares? Check. Turbocharged engine and a perfectly balanced chassis? Check!
In this video I familiarize myself with my brothers tuned 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo. It didn't disappoint!
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[@202One]

944 Turbo is one of the best looking Porsches ! ✌

[@teamces]

I've owned mine since 25 now 43. Will never sale it. Awesome video!

[@Retromod]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheJagjr4450]

I had a 951 in the early 90's when I was in college, it had a reflashed prom an adjustable waste gate and up graded camshaft... it boosted 2 bar and was wicked fast.

[@Nick_Henri]

That exhaust sounds amazing! Further fueling my desire to get a 944. Great video, thanks!

[@NoChrome]

I agree, they are a great drivers car. You have to drive one to understand how good they are. The boost will put a smile on anybody's face. Keep up the good work 👍

[@928pcar]

I feel the same about my 928’s. 5 speeds of course. You just can’t understand how good they are until you drive them. Best kept secret

[@Winterbiker333]

The most misunderstood Porsche on the road. I have an S2 and absolutely love it!

[@Retromod]

The S2 is a very fun car. In a way its better than a stock 944 Turbo thanks to the low end torque. Thanks for watching.

[@Porsche944Racing]

that front splitter looks great

[@evanfinch4987]

Man that car is just really fun to drive. :)

[@jvaubry]

I’m restoring a 1988 944 turbo. Stroking the engine with 3.0 liter crank. Engine build by Lindsey racing. Purchased a Stage 4 turbo package from Vitesse racing. Looking to repaint the exterior sometime in the coming year and finally put it all back together! Purchased in 2015 for 6500 and have only driven it 80 feet from the transport trailer into my garage where I disassembled it. Looking forward to driving one day after it is all back together

[@artmchugh5644]

Maybe this will inspire you to get it finished!!!😁😁😁🚘🚘🏁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZKsipmcrNRkeqs

[@captaincoyote1792]

Wow. I loved this video. When I made Navy O-6, and coincidentally turned 50, i bought a 1990 S2 Cabriolet. That was in 2006, and I still own it, love it. Retired, I now live in western Massachusetts, so she is stored in winter, but previous trips up and down the east coast, I have ‘thrown’ her up the Kancamangus in the Whites, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and through the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. But…..I’ve never had it out west. I lived in Alamogordo NM back in college, and as I have two daughters out in New Mexico that I am long overdue to see, Hmmmmm……maybe a road trip? Great insight, great discussion, and a great car, amigo! Bravo Zulu!

[@ivarkahrstrom7653]

"It's a rolling investment" Hehe, that's just what we all tell ourselves to motivate the purchase and upkeep of these cars. For anyone interested in buying a 944 (or any other Porsche from the same era), the golden rule of "a cheap Porsche will soon become an expensive one" is a wise one to follow. Doing the work yourself obviously spares a lot of expenses, but bringing a poorly maintained car back to tip top shape will be expensive, so unless you're buying it for the enjoyment of the restoration itself, spend the majority of your budget on the car from the get-go and don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if it isn't looking like it was loved and taken care of. Fantastic cars anyways, have an old 928S that I bought a few years ago, but found a really nice dark red 944 from -83 recently that's taking the place of the 928. Both of them nice cars, but the 944 is definitely the "sportier" feeling while the 928 is a proper GT car.

[@hoganapex11]

Loved my 86 Turbo when I had it. Great car, tons of room, super comfortable. SUPER underrated and fast as hell!

[@nathanchalcraft6919]

could you fit two people in the back?

[@liamflynn6929]

@@nathanchalcraft6919 no one over 5'4 will fit back there comfortably lol

[@petescarport]

Love my 84 NA. Wish I had a turbo but still love how mine drives.

[@Retromod]

Yup, I love my 88 924S.

[@mdscownz]

I have an 87 2.5 NA... it also seems to have "turbo" lag. Except it lasts for the entire powerband.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

I bought a souped up 951 and its spooky. Chipped, piped and modded, its fun..16 in Fuchs wheels alpine whiteand ready to rock.

[@glockmeister3579]

I have a 87 924s and I absolutely love it, Boxter wheels, 951 transaxle, super fun to drive

[@artmchugh5644]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4bJm6yGm7N0qdU

[@artmchugh5644]

Check out my wife's 924 !!!😎😎😎🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@IF309]

Looks like the road up to the top of Sandia peak. I used to blast up that in my 944 turbo in college. Great video and great little car!

[@fila6243]

I have an 83 with an ls1 swap 325 HP and otherwise all stock. Brakes are great hauls major ass. Cost less than a Corvette to do and is worth about 20k now.

[@raykunik4702]

I have same color 89T w mO30 - Amazing car and heritage!

[@vulpine2592]

Great well put together video. I really enjoyed it and I am honestly quite surprised that your channel isn't more popular. Maybe perhaps just relax a bit more and slow down your presentation, but other than that it was perfect, keep it up!

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

I’ve always loved these. I need to find one.

[@drunvert]

I have an 83 na. I don't mind the lower power , i live where its twisty roads. But you got me thinking

[@mattdowney6540]

Fantastic car! My “shopping list” just got a little bit longer.

[@BasinMotorsports]

Love those rolling shots. I have an N/A 944 to build this year and compare it to two 80s Mustangs I have.

[@karlhurn]

Great video with brilliant tracking and drive by shots 👍 Good luck with getting to 1k subs 👍

[@Retromod]

Thanks 👍

[@peteramann2561]

I'm a new sub, really enjoying the channel, keep it up and it'll grow, thanks.

[@Retromod]

Thanks for subbing! New content on the way.

[@matthewlange8616]

Makes me miss my old 944 S2

[@Retromod]

S2s are very fun!

[@Dr.Dark78]

Looks exactly like my 87 951 except for the wheels. I have phone dials but i might want to change now lol

[@jasonkoh]

Great video! I'm on the hunt for one now - thanks for the review of this car, it definitely solidifies my desire to have one in my driveway. I live on roads similar to the ones you are driving in and I can't see myself in anything else but this!

[@artmchugh5644]

Did you find a car ? 😁😁😁🚘🚘

[@jasonkoh]

@@artmchugh5644 I did! A 1993 968 coupe 6spd :)

[@artmchugh5644]

@@jasonkoh well done !!!! 🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@artmchugh5644]

If you are interested, here is a video I made about our new unit!!!! 😁😁🚘🚘🚘🍺🍺 enjoy!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnSrhYt5gKyZbbc

[@pokerclown7922]

What a beautiful example

[@paulmcadam6825]

Just subscribed! Great video..

[@Retromod]

Thanks for the sub!

[@GreenTekHaus]

Nice Vid! I have an '87 951 with the same interior color scheme, and it's a great car! Mince is in the classic Guards/India Red, though; -which I love! The blue on that 951 was nice though!

[@Retromod]

Very cool!

[@kennethrichardson1654]

Great video. Neat car. Is this car still local to ABQ?

[@bobwalther1154]

I had an 84 NA it always felt under powered but the handling was fantastic.

[@Retromod]

Thanks for watching.

[@Luke-ph9xf]

Fantastic review I own a 944 turbo sport modedd with an Chevy lt1. The handling is still exceptional with at least an extra 100bhp. This car corners like nothing else.

[@locophoto6881]

Was it a hard swap to drop in an LT1? Mind if I ask what's needed and roughly the cost? Might be picking up a 944 Turbo in black as well, but if I do would love to put in a different engine before long once I learn the ropes.

[@jockellis]

I needed to replace the sway bar grommet on my NA ‘88. We couldn’t get the replacement on and found out it had a M030 sway bar in the front. The rear, though, is stock.

[@modspell]

Looks outrageously good, esp with that front splitter. What’s with the stereo faceplate and knob-delete?

[@Retromod]

The interior is next up for some improvement. He's planning on installing different seats, installing the knobs that came off, etc. Thanks for watching.

[@jrfro9385]

What was the source for the front splitter mentioned at 8:35 in the video?

[@Retromod]

I believe its this part: www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-01-05-Porsche-996-911-Turbo-Carrera-4-4S-PU-Front-Bumper-Lip-Bodykit/181403893898?fits=Submodel%3ATurbo%7CMake%3APorsche&epid=3031896108&hash=item2a3c83c08a:g:KMkAAOSwN45fI1yV

[@TheJagjr4450]

WOW mine with adjustable wastegate would boost over 2 bar. AND it was ridiculous in the 1992-1995 time frame.

[@artecreativaperte]

Super!

[@GuyaneseRasTa]

@retromod What is the digital gauge next to the shifter?

[@Retromod]

Air/fuel gauge.

[@bernardhuther5275]

You informations from preiss for 944 y interresse for this porche

[@bernardhuther5275]

This cars for my preiss internet

[@theflyingguineapigfpv5812]

Should I get one

[@greatclantoni]

Great looking 951. Why not 9.5 inch rims on the back?

[@Retromod]

He is running a square setup for autocross purposes.

[@77magnuss]

What exhaust does that thing have? It actually sounds good!

[@Retromod]

I believe its stock, but with a high flow catalytic convertor.

[@gazonmotoheadz1557]

I have one Luv it but hearing ur take makes me appreciate it even more mine is sacrilegious has a v8 in it but I don't care

[@Retromod]

They do take well to a V8 swap thanks to the great chassis.

[@pablopicaro7649]

Bought a 86 951 in 90, and a 87 951 in 2005. Terrific handling for the era, and now still quite good. Interior design and ergonomics of switches is poor. The DME & KLR & old Turbo design don't give the engine justice.

[@HeyhitmeBAM]

Interior design and switches aren’t bad

[@Chevdriver]

@@HeyhitmeBAM i love the inetrior design and build quality of it(solid af), but can agree some switches suck indeed^^

[@Yaktaco]

I had a 87 turbo. Black on black. Sold it in 2003. For nothing. It kept breaking belt tension rod. I was young and broke. I wish I had kept it.

[@motorosso3349]

What is that crashing noise from the back?

[@Retromod]

I believe you're referring to a cattle guard I drove over? Plus the mic did pick up a little of the suspension harshness.

[@motorosso3349]

@@Retromod It just seemed like the rear suspension may have been a bit stiff for street driving with those larger rear torsion bars; probably good for track use though.

[@Retromod]

@@motorosso3349 Yes, it is a little too stiff for street driving. He's aware and wants to soften it up. It is great on track though.

[@8359s]

S2 or Turbo for backroads carving?

[@Retromod]

Personally I'd take the Turbo. That power delivery makes it so fun. Although the last S2 I drove was extremely fun as well.

[@iceblade019]

Is it just me or the 944 and the FC RX7 have really similar side profile

[@Retromod]

Yes they do. Very '80s...

[@liamflynn6929]

The FC was based on the 924/944

[@tonychow8229]

If my 944's engine is beyond repair, does it means I have to scrap the whole car?

[@Ki-yg1ds]

not exactly you could engine swap it im no expert but people like ls swapping them when they break

[@tonychow8229]

@@Ki-yg1ds Thx

[@twofortytwo]

Another option is the VW 2.5 inline 5 cylinder. Search for Boost Brothers Garage here on KZbin.

[@Ki-yg1ds]

@@twofortytwo oh yeah I forgot about that. that sounds like it would fit better too

[@jamescrump8482]

love the car just the mags are not my choice

[@dustinr1146]

Is he a janitor? If not remove all those spare keys so the ignition cylinder doesn’t die!

[@Retromod]

Lol, those were my keys that I put on my key chain. Hopefully no ignition switches were harmed in the making of this video.

[@luisaguilar37]

is the video playing at 1.25x? you're talking so fast

[@Retromod]

I agree, I did talk fast in this video for some reason. Still working on the video presentation...

[@artmchugh5644]

If we are talking 951 , maybe you will like mine !!!! Link to video above !!😎😎😎🇺🇸🇩🇪🍺

[@ehtikhet]

Needs more keys.

[@ehtikhet]

What the fuck is going on with the window?!

[@mrbigolnuts3041]

You can do some awesome things with those cars, the suspension set ups stock are horrid, full shocks change over required.

[@famus801]

You talk fast asf

[@Retromod]

You're not the first person to point that out. Must have had too much Redbull during the filming....

[@realdata1378]

This missed the 928. the 911 and definitely the 944 is the poor man's 928. the 928 won "Car" of the year - no other sports car has ever won "Car" of the year. the 928 has two production car land speed records(1986 and 2020). the 928 is the biggest bang for the buck in exotic cars as well as the entire Porsche line up.

[@fastmover1841]

And is ridiculously expensive to maintain!!

[@ziggyc4474]

Transaxles always bust on these

[@pablopicaro7649]

only the 968 6sp was known for a weakness (pinion bearing?)

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

the ventilator 944 has a higher top speed than the turbo and acceloration...care when owning the turbo radiator has a tendancy to leak and get water into motor

[@artmchugh5644]

The radiator can't leak into the engine, other than cooling it !!!

[@johnemery8840]

Not true, 16 Ventiler 0 - 100kph(62mph) 6,5 seconds, top speed 242 kph (144mph) Turbo s 0 - 100 kph (62mph) 5,5 seconds, top speed 261 kph (162mph) ...as tested by Car and Driver in 1988