Porsche 944 Turbo S
Vehicle Data
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The 1988 944 Turbo S was a special, limited edition model based on the
Turbo Cup racing version of the 944 Turbo. The features which distinguish
this special model from other 944 Turbos and define its performance characteristics
are described below.
Corrections and comments are encouraged. Please send to [email protected].
1.
Overview
The 944 Turbo S production details are described elsewhere in more detail.
The characteristics described here were at or near the pinnacle of production
sports car performance at the time of production, and today are still very
impressive. These performance characteristics are hilighted here:
-
Engine power output of 247 SAE-HP
-
M030 Sport suspension package.
-
Improved front disc brakes, similar to the 928 S4.
-
Improved clutch and transmission to complement the additional power output.
-
Silver Rose paint and burgandy plaid interior designated the initial "Limited
Edition" run. Intentions were initially for 1000 vehicles in this
series, although plans changed as described here.
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Optional Equipment
The Turbo S cars were fitted with standard options that appears to
have varied from market to market. The following list is reported
in WKD 495 021 to be the standard options in the US vehicles. While
not specifically mentioned in the document, it is assumed that this information
applies specifically to the Silver Rose vehicles, since at the time of
publication, these were all that were planned. A useful resource
for interpreting option codes is the Porsche
Option Decoder.
Standard Options on US
944 Turbo S
| M030 |
Sport chassis |
|
M490 |
Hi-fi sound package |
| M220 |
Limited slip differential |
|
M526 |
Cloth door panels |
| M288 |
Headlight washers |
|
M593 |
Antilock Brack System |
| M418 |
Protective side mouldings |
|
M650 |
Removeable/tilting sunroof |
| M425 |
Rear window wiper |
|
M685 |
Split rear seat |
| M437 |
8-way power seat, left |
|
M990 |
Cloth seats |
| M438 |
8-way power seat, right |
|
|
|
| M454 |
Cruise control |
|
|
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The paint of the initial special edition cars
was "Silver Rose Metallic", aka "Silberossa". The paint number is
P 823, with color code F1-F1. More comonly identification is made
through the LM3Z paint code identification. The signifiance of these
two reported paint codes is not clear. Later "S" cars were produced
with the full range of available colors and interiors. |
Information being compiled in the Turbo S registry
indicates that in general, these standard options do not hold for the European
market (at the least). Additional discussion is found in the Production
information.
2.
Engine
The major focus of the performance features of the Turbo S is the M
44/52 engine. It was produced with and without a catalytic converter
(without, available only in certain markets). The engine characteristics
are summarized below.
| Model |
Displ.
cc |
Stroke
mm |
Bore
mm |
Compr.
Ratio |
SAE Power
(@rpm) |
Torque
(@rpm) |
Max
rpm |
Max
boost |
|
| 944 Turbo |
2479 |
78.9 |
100 |
8.0:1 |
217 HP |
243 ft-lb (3500) |
6500 |
|
|
| 944 Turbo S |
2479 |
78.9 |
100 |
8.0:1 |
247 HP (6000) |
250 ft-lb (4000) |
6500±20 |
1.82 bar |
|
Other detailed changes include:
-
New turbocharger. Modified turbine vanes.
-
Modified DME mapping of fuel and ignition curves and handling of knock
sensor and oxygen sensor input.
-
Cooling system changes to accomodate surrounding body side member reinforements.
-
Slightly larger exhaust valves, still sodium (natrium) cooled. Permits
better running behavior at full load.
3.
Transmission
Clutch
The clutch was modified with a "wide angle torsion damper". This
is a spring-centered design with two stages of springs, providing compliance
in the circumferential (torsion), direction. This enables a more
smooth application of the additional power produced by the M 44/52 engine.
Transmission
In order to accomodate the additional power of the M 44/52 engine,
the transmission was modified. This transmission is identified with the
additional stamping of "AOR" after the stamped manufacturing date on the
case. This "AOR" stamp is the only way to identify the Turbo S transmission
externally. Changes include hardening of 1st and 2nd gears, and the
transmission oil is externally cooled. Gearing remained the
same as the conventional 944 Turbo.
Transmission Gearing
| 1st Gear |
3.500 : 1 |
| 2nd Gear |
2.059 : 1 |
| 3rd Gear |
1.400 : 1 |
| 4th Gear |
1.034 : 1 |
| 5th Gear |
0.829 : 1 |
| Reverse Gear |
3.500 : 1 |
| Axle ratio |
3.375 : 1 |
Limited Slip Differential
Differential strength was improved by thickening the inner plates by
0.5mm at the expense of the thrust ring thickness. Additionally,
the shafts are molybdenum coated and ground.
4.
Brakes
Larger, 12" front disc brakes, similar to the 928 S4, were included.
These ffeatured:
-
Vented rotors
-
aluinum calipers
-
ABS
-
vibration damper
-
4 piston arrangement
5.
Suspension
The suspension of the Turbo S was modelled on the Turbo Cup race cars
via the M030 option package. It is focused towards a more performance
feel than riding comfort. The suspension arrangement includes front
McPherson struts, with rear trailing arms.
| Front Suspension |
Adjustable rebound Koni shock absorbers
Harder rubber mounts for strut mount and control arms.
Height-adjustable spring retainers
Stiffer and narrower springs (for clearance).
Modified axels to fit new front brakes
Front stabilizer |
| Rear Suspension |
Adjustable rebound Koni shock absorbers
Harder rubber mounts for trailing arms
Thicker torsion bar |
As set up, the front track width was 58.2", and the rear was 56.8".
The curb weight was 2998 lbs (2976 w/o catalytic converter), with gross
vehicle weight of 3626 (3681) lbs.
6.
Wheels & Tires
The 944 Turbo S was fitted with the Club Sport wheel rims. These
are a flat, forged design with an anodized surface and seven spokes, permitting
enhanced brake cooling. Originally equipped with Goodyear Eagle NO,
V rated tires, most sport Z rated tires these days.
Wheel Sizes
| Front |
7J x 16
65mm offset |
| Rear |
9J x 16
60mm offset |
|
Tire Sizes
| Front |
225/50 VR 16 |
| Rear |
245/45 VR 16 |
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7.
Body
Aside from the paint schemes (described above), structural and body
changes were liited to added reinforcement plates between the side members
as well as the wheel housings. These changes induced modifications
to theexpansion tank hose, turbo cooling hose, and the ignition coil mount.
8.
Interior
The interior options desribed above were complemented by dual airbags
and power windows.
9.
Performance
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