Porsche Spec 944 / SP1 Preparation

From Trackpedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

Overview

This page describes the parts and prodecures involved with a 944 SPEC car preparation. Right now it's VERY much under construction. So much so that the authors are using it as a scratchpad for their own builds and information.

Please offer any expertise by editing and adding it yourself, or suggesting changes over at the Discussion Forums.

Class Information

NASA SPEC 944

NASA has two 944 classes. The 944 spec and 944 challenge classes. The spec class is primarily what is detailed on this page. The rules and complete information about the class are available at the 944 spec website. A quick overview of the major points:

  • 83-88 944 or 87-88 924s (2.5L NA motors)
  • All parts must be available as original equipment with specific exceptions
  • Toyo RA1 spec tire on 15x7" stock wheels
  • Open spring rates
  • Open sways
  • Open brake pads/rotors as long as they stay stock size
  • Non-metallic bushings

The car must also meet standard NASA safety specifications with respect to roll cages, harnesses and other equipment. These specifications can also be found on the NASA website.

Porsche Club of America 944 SP1 Class

The PCA 944 SP1 class is modeled very closely after the NASA SPEC 944 class. The author is unaware of differences at this time, but effectively the rules are the same.

SCCA Club Racing

The SCCA Improved Touring Class is the closest matching ruleset. The 944and 924S run in ITS. The complete rules may be found here: IT Rules

Some of the deviations from NASA rules include:

  • any DOT type tire allowed, including slicks
  • 15/16 wheels allowed, 7 wide max
  • Right side net is not required
  • Brake Rotors must be stock type, eg: no holes or slots
  • ECU mods are acceptable if within the OEM enclosure and no harness mods
  • exhaust system is unrestricted (!) other than to meet sound level limits
  • weight w/driver is 2575 min.

A look at ITS action

Build Information

Turnkey cars

There are a few builders offering turnkey spec legal cars in these classes. The author currently isn't compiling a list, but specifics can be added (without resorting to advertising)

Major Build Components

The remainder of this document will be separated into information about the separate build and preparation considerations.

Interior Stripping

Roll Cage

Seats and Harnesses

Engine / Drivetrain

Suspension

Springs
Sway Bars
Springs
Shocks / Struts
Bushings

One popular suspension upgrade is bushings. The effectiveness of these in reducing lap times is controversial, but the upgrade is very popular despite these differing opinions. The bushings of note are listed below. Links to popular bushing manufacturer's and their specific parts are included. Many dealers carry these bushings including Pelican Parts, Paragon Products and Auto Atlanta.:

Front Control Arm Parts (Steel)
Front Control Arm Parts (Steel)


Rear Trailing Arm Parts
Rear Trailing Arm Parts