Go to the Images of this Car!!
I purchased this car in late November of '98 and immediately began the process of resurrection. Many thanks to my good friend Dennis for his help, patience, humor and garage space! Also, thanks to my bro, Scott for his long distance assistance!
Completed: 1) Replaced exhaust pipe/muffler In retrospect, I should have used an OEM muffler. The Ansa system I settled for is already accumulating rust on the tip. In the near future I will replace it with an OEM muffler/tip.
2) Bled brake system and added stainless steel brake lines. The brake fluid was replaced with ATE Super Blue Racing Fluid. (higher boiling point, higher density, cool color!)
3) Replaced the brake pads (rear) The fronts must have been changed prior to the purchase, as it is uncommon for the rears to wear out first. (Jurid pads)
4) Added Weltmeister Throttle Cam
Hey, something that actually increases response time!
5) Added K&N Cone Filter
Supposedly adds 8hp, although I am skeptical. Nice exhaust note, but rather crude mounting gear for the price. If you decide to add this system, you will need to fashion a mounting bracket for the filter. Otherwise, the filter rests on the alternator. (Leads to premature filter wear)You'll be sucking in filter mesh in less than a month without the fix!
6) Replaced Stone Guards. What a @#$%&*~!ing job! Be prepared to scrape with a heat gun and putty knife for the duration of the day! However, the work was well worth the end result!
7) Replaced front springs. After 13+ years I think the springs have served their purpose. I replaced them with 250lb autocross springs from Weltmeister The car sat ~1" lower in the front end and consequently had the rear eccentrics turned down to restore balanced ride height.
8) Replaced front and rear shocks/struts. My 944 came from the factory with the Koni package, and this is what I stayed with. Red's in the rear and Yellow's (dial adjustable) on the front.
9) Upgraded wheel/tire package: C2 Turbo Rims and P255/40 ZR-17 Rear P225/45 ZR-17 Front (Bridgestone RE-71 Potenza's)
10) Upgraded to Turbo motor mounts. One of the most rewarding jobs. Eliminated all vibration through the drive train.
11) Replaced the failing steering rack, tie rods/ends/boots. Very necessary. It got tiring turning those huge tires manually! Very smooth now.
12) Added killer stereo: ALpine CD with 5 channel 120 watt amp and 12 Band EQ. Also added 10" Sub and another 120 watt amp!
13) Added 944 Turbo side rocker extensions. Easy installation! I wasn't aware that my 944 had the mounting pins to do this, but I was pleasantly surprised. Something about the rocker panels that really enhances the agressive look. Installation consisted of simply bolting on the extensions and "pop-riveting" the front fender extensions to the fenderwell.
14) Added Turbo Rear spoiler. Installation was easy (location underneath has provisions for the spoiler!) Simply drilled 4 holes through the lower rear quarters and bolted it on!
Finnaly hitting 1G sideways! Time for some autocrossing?
Got some info from an email regarding sway bars and intake system. Suggested using a 968 Sport bar up front and a 928 airbox flapper. Anyone else know of these mods?
Automotion Zim's Autotechnik Vertex
