LS6-Powered 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo

Description

First introduced in 1982, the Porsche 944 marked the continued evolution of Porsche’s front‑engine, water‑cooled transaxle program that began with the 924 and 928. Its wide‑arched design drew inspiration from the 924 GTP Le Mans prototype, while its balanced chassis and practical hatchback layout helped establish the model as one of Porsche’s most usable and well‑engineered road cars. Over time, the 944 Turbo became the high‑performance expression of this architecture, and the platform’s inherent balance, robust engineering, and spacious engine bay turned it into a canvas for enthusiasts looking to expand the car’s performance envelope.

This 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo embraces that spirit of mechanical creativity, refinished in metallic blue around 15 years ago and enhanced with Porsche 968 mirrors, a custom front splitter, and European‑spec tail lamps. It rides on Turbo Twist wheels, with the largely original interior reportedly in driver‑quality condition. The odometer shows approximately 139,150 miles, while the shoehorned LS6 engine has reportedly only logged approximately 1,000 miles since the swap.

Following a 2022 failure of the original 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the seller commissioned a built LS6 V8 from Grimes Automotive Machine of Alpharetta, Georgia, with installation performed by HOTRODZ Dallas using Texas Performance Concepts components. The conversion is supported by an accompanying build sheet, parts documentation, and dyno results revealing 350 rear-wheel horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque. The car now cheekily wears a custom “948” badge as a nod to the V8 lurking under the hood. Enjoyed for over a decade by its current owner, the seller notes this modified 944 has seen road trips and club events but no track use, and benefits from recent servicing.

This LS6‑powered 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo is now offered with a CARFAX history report, build documentation, installation invoices, dyno results, and a Mississippi title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Powered by an LS6 V8 engine built by Grimes Automotive Machine and installed by HOTRODZ Dallas, dyno tested at 350 horsepower and 345 lb-ft. of torque

• 5-speed 951 Turbo-spec manual transaxle with limited slip differential, rear-wheel drive

• Metallic blue paint over largely original black leather interior

• Air conditioning and heat remain operational

• Engine rebuild and swap installation documentation

Factory Equipment

• Front engine/transaxle configuration for optimal balance

• Air conditioning and heating system

• Power windows/mirrors

• Pop‑up headlamps

• Power steering

Modifications

• Powertrain:

  • Built LS6 engine swap using Texas Performance Concepts components

  • Custom performance exhaust system

• Drivetrain:

  • Lowered suspension with new front shocks and recent alignment

  • Hydroboost brake conversion kit

• Exterior:

  • Custom blue metallic paint applied around 2009-2010

  • European-spec rear taillight lenses

  • Porsche Turbo Twist wheels

  • Porsche 968 aero mirrors

  • Custom front splitter

• Interior:

  • Aftermarket Kenwood stereo (non-functional)

Servicing and Documentation

• February 2023:

  • Engine Conversion and Mechanical Overhaul (HOTRODZ Dallas):

    • Installed LS6 V8 engine and standalone harness

    • Installed 0411 ECU (used) with base tune and HP Tuners software license

    • Installed new harmonic balancer and bolt, flywheel bolts, pressure plate bolts

    • Installed throttle body, MAP sensor, engine coolant temp sensor

    • Installed valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket set, throttle body gasket

    • Installed alternator and alternator bracket

    • Installed power‑steering pump and bracket, A/C fittings and miscellaneous A/C components

    • Installed coolant crossover pipe, thermostat housing, water pump, engine cooling fan switch

    • Installed oxygen sensors, ignition knock sensors, spark plug wire kit, plug wire boots

    • Installed fuel‑injection adapters, hose fittings, PCV hose, brake switch, heater hoses

    • Installed various AN fittings, hose barbs, silicone couplers, elbow tubing, compression fittings

    • Installed computer mounting bracket and throttle cable bracket

  • Exhaust System:

    • Fabricated full custom exhaust using bends, flex couplers, V‑band clamp, flanges, collector gasket, exhaust tubing, and manifold gasket

  • Front-End and Structural Work:

    • Reinstalled headlight system and front wiring

    • Installed miscellaneous hardware including bolts, nuts, brackets

• February 2023:

  • LS6 Long‑Block Build (Colten Crowder Engine Build Sheets):

    • Complete disassembly, cleaning, Magnaflux inspection of block, crank, and rods

    • ARP main studs and rod bolts installed

    • Crank micro-polished; mains align-honed; deck trued to 9.220"

    • New pistons, rings file‑fit; rods rebuilt and clearanced; pistons pin‑fit

    • Engine balanced, bearings installed, rotating assembly assembled

    • CNC‑ported 243 heads; multi-angle valve job; heads surfaced

    • New timing chain, tensioner, cam plate, front cover, gaskets, seals

    • Comp camshaft degreed at 110° intake centerline

    • Melling oil pump, windage tray, oil pickup tube, oil pan installed

    • Engine assembled, primed, and smoke‑tested

    • Prepared for dyno verification

• August 2021:

  • Brake Assist System (Texas Performance Concepts):

    • Installed Hydroboost brake conversion kit (HB944 Kit) including:

    • Adapter block for 944 master cylinder

    • Modified Hydroboost unit

    • Pressure/return manifold

    • Hoses and fittings

    • Firewall plate

• 2015–2024:

  • Routine Maintenance (Owner Log):

    • Oil and filter change at 130,065 miles; replaced level sensor

    • Oil and filter change at 134,600 miles

    • Oil and filter change at 137,081 miles

    • Oil and filter change at 133,600 miles

    • Oil and filter change at 138,233 miles

    • Transmission fluid change at 138,225 miles

  • Air Conditioning:

    • A/C compressor replaced (clutch failure)

  • Brakes:

    • Brake master cylinder and slave cylinder replaced

    • Front brake job and two new front rotors

    • Brake pads replaced

    • Brake fluid flushed

  • Starter / Electrical:

    • Starter replaced

Known Imperfections

From the seller: “There is a red indicator light that remains illuminated. This warning light is associated with several potential issues, including the handbrake, low brake fluid, the airbag system, and low engine oil, among other possibilities. I previously verified that the oil‑level float was functioning correctly before the Porsche engine issue occurred; however, the current engine no longer provides an oil‑level indication.

I have owned three 944s and one 968, and all four vehicles have exhibited this same problem. I have confirmed that the engine oil level is satisfactory and that the brake fluid level is within specification. The handbrake is fully released, though a faulty switch remains a possibility.”

• The included CARFAX history report lists the following (see report for full details):

  • July 2007: SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED

  • July 2008: REBUILT TITLE ISSUED

• Prior history of rear-end accident before 2010, repaired by previous owner (body shop owner)

• Some rock chips and scratches primarily on front fascia

• Cruise control works intermittently (reset by cycling ignition)

• Electric side mirror functions inoperable

• Windshield washer system inoperable

• Warning light on as detailed above

• Slight vibration at 80–85 mph

• Stereo system inoperable

Ownership History

The seller purchased the vehicle in 2010, aware of a prior rear‑end collision. Over the next 13 years, they added approximately 20,000 miles—only an estimated 1,000 miles of which were driven since powertrain conversion. In 2022, after the original engine failed, the seller commissioned a professionally built LS6 from Grimes Engines with a documented installation by HOTRODZ Dallas. The seller states that he has never raced, tracked, or autocrossed the car, and roughly 1,000 miles have been driven since the conversion.

Included Items

• Engine conversion documentation from HOTRODZ Dallas

• LS6 engine build sheet from Grimes Automotive Machine

• Folder of receipts and records from long-term ownership

• Parts list from Texas Performance Concepts

• Spare records and documentation binder

• Dyno results

Additional Information

From the seller: “This car has been a joy to own for over a decade. It has taken me on two trips to Amelia Island, multiple drives through The Tail of the Dragon, and has been shown at many local events. The LS6 conversion was done professionally and has been flawless since installation. I’ve put about 1,000 miles on the new engine, and the car has never been raced or tracked. I’m happy to answer any questions—just ask. Thank you.”

DISCLAIMER: While the included CARFAX history report does not specify the reason for the prior salvage and rebuilt titles, the previous owner informed the current long‑term owner that the vehicle was involved in a rear‑end collision. The NMVTIS report indicates that the prior Alabama title was branded salvage/rebuilt, which was not carried over when the vehicle was titled in Mississippi.