Motor Werks Racing is a company located in Cumming, Georgia specializing in modified Porsche 924/944 vehicles. The company recently finished transforming a 1986 Porsche 944 into this Porsche 924 GTP John Player Special tribute race car.
Under the hood sits a MWR Stage 3 Audi 1.8 L Turbo 20v inline-four that produces 550 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine features IE forged connecting rods, AEB big valve head, IE camshafts, dual valve springs, titanium retainers, and BorgWarner EFR turbocharger.
Motor Werks Racing loves the engine so much they offer a 1.8 L swap kit for the Porsche 924/944. The 1.8 L 20v reduces overall weight. The factory Porsche 944 engine weighs 373 lb and produces 147 horsepower while the turbo version weighs 431 lb and produces 217 horsepower. The 1.8 L 20v weighs 226 lbs and produces 275-600+ horsepower.
The drivetrain features a Porsche 987 transmission with custom axles. It rides on a Porsche 996 rear subframe with RSS two-piece control arms, RSS rear adjustable toe links, MWR custom steering rack, MWR tubular adjustable sway bars, Bilstein 10-way adjustable shocks, and 996 Brembo brakes.
Source: Motor Werks Racing via Grassroots Motorsports and photos by J. Tony Serna
226 lbs is only 102.5kg , doesn’t quite make sense for iron block engine that dressed with turbocharger though …
I’m always surprised the 1.8 and 2.0 5-valve engines get used so little in swaps. They are so cheap to buy, came in tons of variants in dozens of cars, weight little, and even have race heritage through Formula 3 and WRC (in the Seat and Skoda cars). Maybe people will rediscover them when they (finally) run out of SR20s
Nice!! 944 In 1997 my nephew Jeff and I got Invited actually challenged to come race the 75th Annual ppihc.We werent there 5 minutes and WHO walks up to Check US OUT Al Unser!!!!! What is this Crazy Thing? It looked like a Midget but had Handlebars and footpegs with Mini Sprint Wings ! NO Roll Cage ! He told us we were CRAZY!! Yep still are.Well in our 1st attempt we ended up 2nd in the World in our Division! Not bad for some New York State guys .I taught Jeff to ride at three and a half .was riding my YZ 400 Fast at 11. Made national magazines One said if A.J.Foyt rode a ATV this would be it .Now Im on my 2nd Cayman it needs 500+ HP! My goal on 1st try 10 min Flat I Will Do IT! Also the Virginia City Hillclimb need some Extra HP but Im gonna do real well there! Ive got a 84 944 bought it just for the body.Id be Proud to put your name on the side what do You suggest?
Great story. Your nickname seems fitting.
MWERKSR I so want to get together with You Guys! Am shopping all the time, not sure what year 1.8T I need, had thought of putting a 5 speed right to the engine and dumping the 944 Trans. Well it’s gutted except for dash, engine has solid oil pressure, runs silky smooth 140k yet maintained. After those hurricanes Cayman transmission prices should drop ! I so Want MOTOR WEEKS RACING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Anybody need 78 FJ-40 from Colorado with $13,000 just in refreshing it , sure would make finishing the 944 easier Thanks JIMMY ✌
.MOTOR WERKS RACING. 🏁👊
Only one engine swap needed, 1.8 20vt. This one has 1300 hp.https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2f9JS-qWjL4
Thanks for the share…. that 1985 BMW 323 E30 2.5 Turbo M20 is now my new dream car