Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers and DIY owners seeking an affordable, rear-drive performance coupe with everyday usability
Market Segment:
Entry-to-mid-level sports coupe
Key Advantage:
Near 50/50 weight distribution thanks to transaxle layout; normally aspirated S2 offers naturally responsive power, Turbo offers potent turbocharged performance
Rivals of the Era:
BMW 635CSi, Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX
Drivetrain:
Front-mounted engine with rear transaxle for balanced weight distribution
Braking:
Power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels
Manual Type:
Complete factory-style service and repair manual
Coverage:
Full coverage of repair, maintenance, rebuild, refurbishment and restoration procedures
Page Count:
N/A - large multi-section manual; count not specified
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download after payment completion
Printing:
All pages printable for workshop use
Engine:
Complete mechanical coverage including teardown, inspection and rebuild
Fuel System:
Bosch fuel injection, fuel delivery and tank
Ignition System:
Distributor, coils, spark control components
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses and fans
Lubrication:
Oil pump, cooler and lubrication circuits
Transmission and Clutch:
Manual gearbox, clutch, release mechanism and transaxle
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, control arms, struts, springs
Steering:
Power steering rack and related components
Brakes:
Disc brakes, calipers, master cylinder, ABS (where fitted)
Electrical System:
Wiring schematics, starting and charging systems, accessories
Heating and Air Conditioning:
HVAC components and controls
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, windows, locks and seating
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts and fault-finding procedures
Step-by-Step Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for all repair jobs
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams and wiring schematics
Torque Values:
Specifications tables including torque settings throughout
Maintenance:
Scheduled service and tune-up procedures
Level:
Professional technician level; suitable for full rebuilds and restorations
Parts Information:
Part identification and exploded views within procedures
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Displacement:
3.0L (2,990 cc) inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC 16-valve
Power:
Approximately 211 hp
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Aspiration:
Naturally aspirated
Engine Code:
M44/51 (951)
Displacement:
2.5L (2,479 cc) inline 4-cylinder
Aspiration:
Turbocharged with air-to-air intercooler
Power (1989):
Approximately 250 hp
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transaxle (rear-mounted)
Optional Transmission:
N/A - manual only for most markets; verify for specific vehicle
Features:
Transaxle layout provides near 50/50 weight distribution
Clutch:
Single-plate dry clutch with hydraulic actuation
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,470 mm (97.2 in)
Length:
Approximately 4,290 mm (168.9 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,275 mm (50.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,250-1,340 kg depending on variant and equipment
Anti-Lock Brakes:
ABS available/fitted on most models
Braking:
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes front and rear
Restraints:
Three-point seat belts; driver and passenger airbags on later US-spec models
Crash Structure:
Front and rear crumple zones with rigid passenger cell
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - formal ratings not published for this era by modern protocols
Oil and Filter:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal service
Valve Adjustment:
Periodic hydraulic-lash-free valvetrain; check per schedule in manual
Belt Service:
Timing/cam and balance shaft belts at scheduled mileage intervals - critical for interference engines
Engine Oil:
High-quality multigrade per viscosity chart in manual
Coolant:
Phosphate-free antifreeze mix per factory specification
Gearbox Oil:
Hypoid gear oil per factory specification
Brake Fluid:
DOT-rated brake fluid per manual specification
Known Issues / Common Wear
Belts and Rollers:
Cam and balance shaft belts, tensioners and rollers are prime wear items
Cooling System:
Aging hoses, water pump seals and thermostat housings
Fuel System:
Dampener, fuel lines and injector seals on high-mileage cars
Clutch:
Clutch wear and master/slave cylinder seals
Manufacturer:
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany
Heritage:
944 evolved from the 924 program as Porsche's front-engine/rear-transaxle sports coupe line
Evolution:
Introduced 1982 as 8-valve 944; 944 S (16v, 1987) added four-valve head; S2 (1989) enlarged to 3.0L; Turbo (951) offered turbocharged 2.5L power throughout
End of Production:
944 range concluded in 1991, succeeded by the 968
Assembly:
Neckarsulm, Germany (built by NSU/VAG facilities for Porsche)
