944 LS-1 Conversion

For 25 years, Renegade Hybrids has offered Small Block Chevy conversion kits for many Porsches. Over 12 years ago, the 924S, 944, 951 and 968 models were also fitted with a GM performance boost. These kits offered a huge increase in power and reliability with only a slight weight bias change. Well, imagine the same (if not more) power increase and even greater reliability, BUT handling is not affected at all! Did we get your attention?

Almost all 944 owners agree that this platform is one of the most fantastic handling cars ever built and most normally aspirated and stock turbo 944 owners have dreamt of a big turbo engine upgrade to get that badly needed horse power. But, when they get estimates of the cost of the high performance turbo motor plus installation, and they consider the poor reliability and performance record of the built turbo motors, the dream almost never becomes a reality.

Introducing the new General Motors LS-1 all aluminum fuel injected V-8. With over 300 HP, and approaching 350 FPT stock, this abundant late model motor has become our new pick for the 944 conversions. The ideal motor of choice for this conversion is the '98 and later F body (Camaro-Firebird-TransAm) power plant because the serpentine accessory package fits perfectly in the 944 engine bay. It even fits under the stock hood! ( picture )

The best news is the weight savings. Compared to a Small Block Chevy with all the typical trimmings, the complete LS-1 package is over 140 lbs lighter. Even if the SBC had aluminum heads and an aluminum intake, the weight savings is still over 90 lbs.

Here is a better way to compare the weight. If you were to take a 944 turbo (951), and remove the Porsche engine and all the supporting systems like the intercooler and oil cooler, then install a stock LS-1 with AC, power steering, the works, your weight bias from front to rear would stay within 1% of stock! Yet, your HP and, especially your torque, would increase substantially. In addition no more costly timing belt repairs, clutch jobs, turbo fires, chronic exhaust issues, well, you get the point! ( picture )

Finally, the cost! We have had many customers come to us after spending 10's of thousands of dollars for that 'Big Turbo Motor' I referred to previously. Sure, the initial investment into the engine and turbo upgrades to exceed 300+ HP was a moderate $9,000.00, but the maintenance costs quickly sped past that figure after only a few years. Then with the issue of reliability leaving you stranded with the wife, or dead at the track, our customers couldn't wait to drop-kick the four cylinder in favor of the Chevy V-8.

NOTE: For all the 924 owners (excluding '87-'88 924S) looking to do a conversion, I'm sorry to say, we discontinued our 924 kits years ago. We found that the 924 platform could not properly support the cumbersome "U" shaped motor mount that is required. If this was not enough, to safely complete the conversion, you would need to change, the brakes, the torque tube, transaxle, "CV" axles, and the whole clutch pedal assembly, which adds greatly to the difficulty of the kit. If you attempted to retain the 924 drive train, not only was it too weak for even a mild V-6, the gear ratios were also completely wrong. Finally, with countless free 924's popping up all over, the $8000 cost (plus your motor) to do the conversion correctly seems far and way too expensive.

Basic Parts List

Here are the LS-1 kit prices as well as the options list. For further clarification or additional question, you are welcome to call us toll free at (866) 498-2421 or e-mail us at info@renegadehybrids.com. Thank you for your interest in our newest line of Porsche 944 to Chevy conversion kits.
--- Renegade custom adapter-bellhousing complete and pre assembled with hydraulic throw out bearing, custom hydraulic hose and fittings, and mounting hardware.
--- Custom 12 inch LS-1 clutch disc with Porsche center spline.
--- Renegade motor mount kit complete with uprights, billet block plates, rubber isolators, and hardware.
--- Renegade custom LS-1 road race oil pan and pick up.
--- LS-1 remote oil filter mount.
--- Renegade cross member and sway bar drop kit.
--- Custom 944 to LS-1 pilot bearing.
--- Renegade brake master cylinder mount and pushrod.
--- Custom ignition coil mount bracket.
$2,100 Complete LS-1 kit for 924S, 944, 951 and 968 Porsches, hardware and instructions. For design and application purposes, parts will not be sold separately.
Optional Parts

$899 RENEGADE 944 TO LS-1 COMPLETE COOLING SYSTEM: Including high efficiency custom radiator, HP puller fan and mounts, thermostatic control switch, 30 amp relay, and pre-wired harness, assembled and ready for installation in the stock 944 radiator location.
$749 RENEGADE CUSTOM BUILT LS-1 HIGH FLOW HEADERS: With 1 ¾-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors. ( picture )
$200 CERAMIC HEADER COATING: High temperature polished coating inside and out.
$145 CUSTOM REMOTE FILTER OIL LINES: One pair with all needed fittings.
$25 COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT: With correct VDO output. Please specify your gauge value when ordering.
$45 OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT: With correct VDO output. Please specify your gauge value when ordering.
$35 CUSTOM OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT ADAPTER
$355 KEVLAR HIGH PERFORMANCE CLUTCH DISC UPGRADE: $100 added to upgrade stock disc included with basic conversion kit.
$440 STOCK 12" GENUINE GM FLYWHEEL AND PRESSURE PLATE
$335 HIGH PERFORMANCE STAGE-TWO YELLOW PRESSURE PLATE
$245 LS-1 CUSTOM FUEL REGULATOR/FILTER/RETURN COMPLETE KIT: With correct fittings for your Porsche stock fuel lines.
$200 CUSTOM FUEL RAIL RETURN MODIFICATION (Customer's core needed.)
$140 / pr. ENERGY SUSPENSION MOTOR MOUNT UPGRADE: Plus mount modification. $90 added to upgrade stock mounts included with basic conversion kit.
$145 SWIVEL 180-DEGREE THERMOSTAT AND HOUSING: For added frame rail clearance over stock LS-1 thermostat.
$75 / pr. CUSTOM BUILT POWER STEERING LINES: Cores required.
$240 STOCK GENUINE GM LS-1 CAMARO STARTER: New
From $390 LS-1 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: Available with complete emissions all the way to full race.
From $450 LS-1 TO 944 COMPLETE CUSTOM MODIFIED FUEL INJECTION HARNESS: With emissions.
From $425 LS-1 TO 944 COMPLETE CUSTOM FUEL INJECTION HARNESS: Without emissions.
$285 LS-1/LT-1 CUSTOM CV/TRANSAXLE MOUNTED SPEED SENSOR KIT: With reluctor ring and GM plug.
$140 LS-1 COMPUTER: Programming required, core charge $250
$29 LS-1/LT-1 RIGHT ANGLE THROTTLE BODY INTAKE BOOT: 4 inch to 3.5 inch.
$29 LS-1/LT-1 RIGHT ANGLE INTAKE BOOT: 3.5 inch to 3.5 inch.
$20 ft. LS-1/LT-1 ALUMINUM 3.5" INTAKE TUBING
$85 LS-1 TO 944 CUSTOM THROTTLE CABLE
$29 HEATER CONTROL H VALVE: The LS-1 heater return loop must remain intact for the required bypass system designed into the motor. If you plan to run a heater, this type of H valve is required.
$125 LS-1/LT-1 OPTIMA BILLET BATTERY TRAY: For cell relocation.
$2,550 944 "BIG RED" BRAKE UPGRADE KIT: Complete with 993 twin turbo four piston calipers and new pads, caliper adapters, 993 turbo rotors, custom brake lines, used late model turbo struts and hubs, 928 proportioning valve, and hardware.
$215 944 STOCK REPLACEMENT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER: New
$95 944 STOCK REPLACEMENT CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER: New
$180 LS-1 POWER STEERING DELETE KIT: For manual rack application.
Tech Article

To read a Tech Article about the California Smog Legal LS-1 Kit, click here.

Ordering Terms