🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

944

Variant:

944, 944 S2, 944 Turbo S (951)

Product Name:

Porsche 944 944 S2 944 Turbo S 951 Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Chassis Codes:

944, 951

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Porsche 944 represented a significant evolution for Porsche, moving towards a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive transaxle layout. It aimed to blend sporty performance with everyday usability and a more accessible price point than the 911, particularly in the S2 and Turbo S variants.

Competitors:

Competed with other sports coupes and GT cars of its era, including the Chevrolet Camaro/Firebird, Ford Mustang, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series (E30/E36), and sometimes entries from Mazda RX-7 and Mitsubishi Starion.

Performance Focus:

Excellent handling, balanced chassis, powerful engines (especially Turbo S), and a refined driving experience characteristic of Porsche.

Practicality:

Four-seat configuration, usable cargo space (with rear seats folded), and a degree of daily drivability uncommon in many pure sports cars of the period.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete A-Z Service and Repair Procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for complete workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, lubrication system, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic for Turbo/S2), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank, throttle body, air intake system.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, control module.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox assembly, gears, synchromesh, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts, transaxle maintenance and repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transaxle (Tiptronic optional on some later models), torque converter, valve body, hydraulic system, control module.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar, springs, shock absorbers, wheel bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arm suspension, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arm bushings, wheel alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnosis.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system, horn.

Engine Control Unit ECU:

Bosch Motronic system (M3.6 for Turbo/S2), sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, crank, cam), actuators, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting codes.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, climate control unit.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, bumpers, structural components, rust prevention and repair.

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, instruments, door panels, carpeting, headliner, interior trim.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacements.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly of all major systems.

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Adjustment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, headlight aim, idle speed adjustment, fuel mixture adjustment (where applicable).

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Specification Charts:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-quality, printable pages, searchable text (typical for professional PDF manuals).

Printable:

Yes, individual pages or entire chapters can be printed.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Required Software:

Adobe Reader (free and widely available)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2479 cc)

Horsepower:

143 hp (105 kW) at 5500 rpm (early models)

Torque:

181 lb-ft (245 Nm) at 3000 rpm (early models)

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Engine Type:

Inline-4, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2990 cc)

Horsepower:

208 hp (153 kW) at 5800 rpm

Torque:

207 lb-ft (281 Nm) at 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic (M 2.7)

Engine Type:

Inline-4, Turbocharged, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2479 cc)

Horsepower:

247 hp (184 kW) at 6000 rpm (approx. for Turbo S)

Torque:

258 lb-ft (350 Nm) at 4000 rpm (approx. for Turbo S)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic (M 3.6)

Turbo Intercooling:

Air-to-air intercooler (Turbo and Turbo S)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (often referred to as Tiptronic on later models, though not a true manual-auto selection by the driver in the early sense)

Transaxle Layout:

Rear transaxle incorporating gearbox and differential

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Consult manual for specific Porsche approval)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (Consult manual for specific Porsche approval)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.5 inches (2500 mm)

Length:

Approx. 167.3 inches (4250 mm)

Width:

Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

Approx. 50.4 inches (1280 mm)

Curb Weight 944:

Approx. 2800 - 2900 lbs (1270 - 1315 kg)

Curb Weight S2:

Approx. 3100 - 3200 lbs (1400 - 1450 kg)

Curb Weight Turbo S 951:

Approx. 3100 - 3200 lbs (1400 - 1450 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Standard on S2 and Turbo S, optional on some later 944 models. The manual will detail its operation and troubleshooting.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1987 onwards; passenger airbag optional/standard on later models. The manual will cover their systems.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory optional premium audio systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, then later Porsche branded units) with cassette players and AM/FM radio. Manual will cover removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a significant technology feature, especially on S2 and Turbo models, improving safety and stability during braking.

Diagnostic Ports:

Early diagnostic connectors existed for engine management and ABS systems. The manual will likely detail their locations and basic functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually. Manual will specify precise intervals and conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical maintenance item. Intervals are typically 30,000 miles or 3 years for older belts, or 60,000 miles/5 years for newer belts. Failure is catastrophic. Manual will detail the procedure and tensioning.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Generally every 20,000-30,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50, or 10W-50 depending on climate and preference. Porsche A40 approval is ideal. Manual will specify approved weights.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Porsche recommends G48 (blue) or equivalent. Manual will provide capacity and type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (DOT 5 silicone fluid is not recommended for ABS systems). Manual will specify Porsche ATE type 200 or equivalent.

Transaxle Seal Leaks:

Rear main seal and transaxle output shaft seals can be prone to leaks.

Suspension Bushings:

Worn control arm bushings and semi-trailing arm bushings can affect handling and cause noise.

Fuel Line Corrosion:

Older fuel lines (especially those in contact with heat) can degrade.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can sometimes lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Omega Piston Ring Wear:

Early 2.5L engines could experience oil consumption due to piston ring design, though this was improved in later variants and S2/Turbo models.

Turbo Lines And Hoses:

Vacuum hoses and oil lines for the turbocharger system can degrade over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany

Introduction 944:

Introduced in 1981 as a 1982 model year, replacing the 924 as Porsche's more affordable sports car.

Introduction S2:

Launched in 1985 (as a 1986 model), featuring the larger 3.0L engine and updated styling including the integrated bumper covers.

Introduction Turbo S 951:

Introduced in 1985 (as a 1986 model), the 951 (Turbo) and the more potent Turbo S (1988 model year exclusively in the US) offered significantly enhanced performance.

Production Years:

1982 - 1991

Manufacturing Plant:

Neckarsulm, Germany (shared with Audi at the time)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, balance, and performance, particularly the Turbo models which were considered excellent value for Porsche performance compared to the 911.

Historical Significance:

Recognized as a highly capable and enduring sports car that helped Porsche navigate a challenging period in its history, proving the viability of the front-engine transaxle concept.