400 BHP Restomod 1989 944 RS Turbo

The 944 Potential

Porsche collector and PCA member Steve Bastian is about as pure of a Porsche enthusiast as they come. While many dismiss models like the 944 as lacking a real Porsche spirit, Bastian sees the front-engine sports car a worthy candidate for a mighty restomod project. And that's exactly what he has achieved, with over $200K into the build. 

Photos: Youtube / PCA

Money is Money

There's freedom for Bastian in knowing he won't be able to get the monetary value of the build back if he decides to sell it. "Money’s money. But the great thing about it is I know I won’t get the money out of it. I don’t ever plan on selling it. It’ll be something I give to one of my sons." That has given him the possibility to go all-in with his 944 RS creation.

>>Join the conversation about this 944 RS Turbo right here in Rennlist.com.

Power Gains

The car's factory 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged power plant is capable of 220 horsepower. The 944 Turbo's previous owner had already began modifying the Porsche for added performance, having the engine bored to 2.7-liters. The turbo was later replaced with a more potent Lindsey Racing Series 61 unit, bringing the total power output to more than 400 horses.

>>Join the conversation about this 944 RS Turbo right here in Rennlist.com.

N2O

In pursuit of even more grunt, the previous owner also opted to introduce a nitrous oxide system. Through the process of Bastian's restoration of the vehicle, the nitrous tank was moved underneath the rear hatch to be on display underneath the rear windshield. It happens to be "a great conversation starter," as Bastian remarks.

>>Join the conversation about this 944 RS Turbo right here in Rennlist.com.

Putting the Power Down

The added power is supported with thoroughly upgraded underpinnings. A 968 transmission takes care of putting the power down to the wheels. 993 Turbo brakes are at work at all four corners. And the car now rides on a racing suspension system with coilovers. The 944 still maintains a decent level of ride quality for daily use, though.

>>Join the conversation about this 944 RS Turbo right here in Rennlist.com.

Nut and Bolt

No expense was spared in the restoration process, and no stone was left unturned. The car was taken down to bare metal before the new paint was applied, with color-coded Porsche stripes, and a painted-on Turbo logo at the back. The sheer quality of the work done is evident in this PCA video feature.

>>Join the conversation about this 944 RS Turbo right here in Rennlist.com.

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