🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

944 Turbo

Model Code:

944 S2 Turbo / Turbo S (951)

Production Years Covered:

1986-1991

Engine Code Range:

M44.51, M44.52

Chassis Code Range:

944 S2, 951

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Performance Coupe/Sports Car, premium segment, transaxle sports car evolution.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX Z31, Toyota Supra Mk2/Mk3, BMW E30 M3 (later years), Ford Mustang (higher trims).

Vehicle Highlights:

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, transaxle design for balanced weight distribution, turbocharged inline-four engine, advanced (for its time) ABS system, excellent handling dynamics.

Value For Owner:

Essential for DIY maintenance and repair, critical for understanding complex systems, cost-saving for specialized repairs, preserving originality and value.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Repair and Service

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

~1000-1500 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage across multiple volumes or extensive digital content)

Type:

Factory Authorized Repair & Service Manual / Technical Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF or similar)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (M44 series, 2.5L Turbo), fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, cooling, exhaust, turbocharging system, lubrication

Drivetrain:

Clutch, manual transmission (G30/31/32), transaxle, differential, driveshafts, half-shafts

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (transverse torsion bars), rear suspension (trailing arms, Koni shocks/springs), power steering system, steering rack, wheel bearings

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ABS M4.0), brake hydraulics, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers (Teves)

Electrical Electronics:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU), wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, comfort systems (power windows, locks, A/C)

Body Interior:

Body shell, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, turbocharger diagnosis and repair, suspension component replacement, brake system servicing, electrical component repair

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, and electrical systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Digital (Not Applicable for Print)

Paper Type:

Digital (Not Applicable for Print)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

2479 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

104 mm x 73 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (Turbo), 9.5:1 (Turbo S)

Valvetrain:

Belt-driven DOHC, two valves per cylinder, two valves per cylinder.

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic M M2.1 (early), M2.3 (later)

Horsepower:

217 hp @ 5500 rpm (Turbo), 247 hp @ 5500 rpm (Turbo S)

Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Turbo), 258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Turbo S)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection with turbocharger boost control (K-Jetronic early 951)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Turbocharger Model:

Garrett AiResearch T3

Boost Pressure:

0.7 bar (10.15 psi) (approx.)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

None (Manual only for Turbo models)

Design:

Rear-mounted transaxle for optimal weight distribution.

Transmission Fluid:

Pentosin ATF T4 or equivalent manual transmission fluid (check manual for exact spec, e.g., GL-4).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4215 mm (165.9 in)

Width:

1715 mm (67.5 in)

Height:

1275 mm (50.2 in)

Wheelbase:

2450 mm (96.5 in)

Front Track:

1470 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1440 mm (56.7 in)

Curb Weight:

1360 kg (2998 lbs) (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1770 kg (3902 lbs) (approx.)

Cargo Volume Rear:

330 liters (11.6 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Front:

60 liters (2.1 cu ft) (frunk)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

No specific ratings available for this era and model from NHTSA, but designed to high Porsche standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS M4.0), typically front and rear.

Traction Control:

Optional (on some later Turbo S models, or 'MSR' - Engine Speed Regulator, though less common than ABS).

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1987 onwards, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Construction:

Galvanized steel unibody construction with integrated roll-over protection in the windshield frame.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted sound system (often Blaupunkt or Grundig), typically AM/FM radio and cassette player. Upgrades common.

ABS:

Standard on Turbo models, a significant safety feature for its era.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on vehicle operation and comfort features like power accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Use high-quality synthetic oil.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 4-5 years. Critical due to interference engine design.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles. Use correct heat range and gap for turbo applications.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years to maintain performance and prevent corrosion.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts) with filter. Recommended: Porsche A40 or API SN/SM/SL, ACEA A3/B4 synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50.

Coolant Type:

Porsche approved G48 (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent. Capacity: 10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High Performance.

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (cam towers, rear main seal), fuel pressure regulator issues, vacuum line degradation, turbocharger wear, suspension bushings, ABS sensor failures, coolant tank leaks, clutch slave cylinder leaks, power steering pump wear.

Maintenance Items:

Regular inspection of rubber hoses and vacuum lines, especially around the turbocharger and intake manifold, is crucial due to age and heat. Ensure the timing belt system is maintained rigorously.

📚 Vehicle History

Porsche Legacy:

Porsche's reputation for performance engineering, motorsport success, and build quality.

944 Development:

Evolved from the 924, becoming a significantly more powerful and refined performance car with a near 50/50 weight distribution due to the rear transaxle.

Turbo Introduction:

The 944 Turbo (951) was introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year, significantly boosting performance with a turbocharged 2.5L engine.

Turbo S Introduction:

The Turbo S (951) was released for 1988, featuring a more potent engine, stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and updated interior.

Manufacturing Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany

Production Years Total:

Porsche 944 series produced from 1981-1991. Turbo models primarily 1986-1991.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, braking, and performance, often cited as one of the best handling cars of its generation.

Classic Car Status:

Considered a modern classic, sought after by enthusiasts for its driving dynamics and Porsche heritage.