Selecting an 07k variant/donor?

wolfestone · Mar 30, 2017

Hello all,

I will soon be starting the search for an 07k engine to swap into a Porsche 944. I've looked at several other engine swap options (including the AAN and 1.8t) and while it's going to be more work, the 07k sounds like the best option to me.

My goals are around 450whp, turbocharged, and I'd prefer port fuel injection vs. DI if possible. Probably standalone engine management. Planning on a refresh/re-seal at the very least, with some internal upgrades being a possibility.

From what I understand, there's two major variants, VW's NA 07k and Audi's turbocharged 07k3. I also understand that the timing chain assembly got an update at some point during production. I believe that the TTRS has direct injection, and that aside from the TTRS it's a gamble on whether you get a forged or cast crank.

With all of that in mind, please could I ask for some advice on which cars/engines I should be looking at for a donor engine? (models, year ranges, turbo/na etc.).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Marko · Mar 30, 2017

TTRS is only in... TT RS, and is rare and expensive because of that.

2.5L rabbits had the NA one. I'd imagine jettas too? 2007+ I think. there was a change a couple years in. Forget what the differences are... one has ME7 ecu, later one has me17, for example, the engine codes are different.

CoupeMaster · Mar 30, 2017

go to the project pad and search basic facts 07k

ur best bet is money is limited, is to find an early jetta/rabbit (05/06) most likely has forged crank with old timing gear

after that vw updated the timing gear but has cast crank that can be replaced with a forged TTrS crank

also read the first page of this thread. they answered a little bit 07K questions
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=204234&view=unread" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

alxdgr8 · Mar 30, 2017

Have you seen my thread on Rennlist? http://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-an ... hread.html
Close to having a bellhousing solution, but it's not finalized yet.

wolfestone · Apr 1, 2017

Thank you guys. Was the ttrs the only version with direct injection?

I would be ok with sourcing a TTRS crank separately if needed. Just want to make sure the rest of the engine is up to date and can handle the boost.

Alex - I have been following your thread with great interest. For the bellhousing are you working with a guy named Issam in Canda by any chance? I've emailed back and forth with him a little and sounds like he has some cad drawings but I don't believe he has built any yet. Any info you have on that front - bellhousing, motor mounts, oil pan would be much appreciated. thank you.

alxdgr8 · Apr 3, 2017

Correct, TTRS was the only one with DI. It also has variable cam timing on both cams instead of just one like the non-turbo engine.

Issam has been leading one of the fronts on the bellhousing. Last I talked to him he had an adapter plate drawn up that would use a 944 bellhousing.
There's another guy on Rennlist working on a 1.8T 944 swap, he was been in discussion with Quicktime to make a bellhousing that would work with the 1.8T He had a 944 and a 1.8t bellhousing 3D scanned. Haven't heard any updates from him in quite a while.
http://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-944- ... -swap.html

Worst case, I'm pretty sure you could make an existing Quicktime bellhousing work. IIRC, the RM-4082 bellhousing is very close to being the right depth, so you would just need to make a simple torque tube adapter.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Quick-Time-Bellho ... 2/10002/-1
You'd still have the starter issues like anyone using an 01E would have, but the fix is documented or you can get a modified starter from Iroz.

Motor mount arms are going to be custom of course. Should be pretty similar to the longitudinal stuff Iroz makes for Audis.
Oil pan is most likely going to be a large hurdle like the bellhousing. I don't believe the stock pan is going to work, even with the engine tilted but I haven't been able to mock it up without a bellhousing yet. It also looks like the oil pump might end up sitting right over the crossmember, which wouldn't be good since that part isn't moveable like the pickup is. Hank said he'd be willing to help make a custom pan when it does get to that time. Another option would be to space the crossmember down and then line bore new control arm mounts higher up. A few V8 swap guys have done this before. Or, there's also the custom tubular crossmember route too. A V8 guy once made a few of these, but I haven't been able to source pictures. I don't think it would take too much spacing out to get the stock pan to work. I also plan on going manual steering rack (with electric assist on the column) to give me a little more clearance on the crossmember.

wolfestone · Apr 8, 2017

Thanks Alex, this is a huge help. I had no idea that QuickTime bellhousing existed.

Very interested in the electric power steering idea, I'd love to be able to ditch the pump, reservoir, cooling loop, and all the associated plumbing. Any ideas what type of assist/column might work please? I'm also wondering if any kind of aftermarket rack with a higher ratio could be adapted...

Thanks again for all the help and advice, I really appreciate it.

Selecting an 07k variant/donor?

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