944 turbo/S2 body panels for Lux

[idwoodvale]

I'm currently having my 1986 2.5 8v 944 Lux restored. So far have had the engine very nicely done at dp motorsport Warrington. I'm now looking to convert the front end to the Turbo S2 look and fit a bridge spoiler at the back. Can anyone recommend a supplier/body shop please? So far I've only found Essential Styling. They don't look bad but I would appreciate some advice.

Those of you who have the Turbo. Check out the following web page if you fancy.

http://www.dpmotorsport.com/dpprojects/944turbose.htm

All help appreciated.

 

[Fen]

Personally I would only do it with original panels - the S2/Turbo "style" nosecone I've seen was awful.

If you decide to go ahead then you need the badge panel, the PU nosecone and both front wings as the Lux has a square front, bottom (ooo-er) to the wing and the S2/Turbo has a rounded profile. I've also heard the headlight covers are different, but I don't think that's right. Note that your badge panel will be welded on and the S2/Turbo one is bolted on...

 

[John Sims]

Why change it Ian? The Lux is a great car, it seems a shame to pretend that it is something else.

You could also de-value the car by changing it rather than add value by restoring it.

 

[idwoodvale]

Thanks for the advice. Gonna think about it - certainly don't have the cash at the moment after sorting the engine out.

 

[idwoodvale]

A good point. I at least need a new front scoop/spoiler for as it's quite cracked underneath and a full re-spray - keeps the job more affordable too.
Anyone know a reliable paint shop local to me?

 

[944Turbo]

If you want something different, these people do a new front valance for the lux here. I think its the nicest mod they do to a 944, but then the rest doesn't set a very high standard []
Tony

 

[Chris Preston]

If you're interested there was a front valance for an 86 Lux for sale in the advance copy of 911 and PW a week or so ago for £45 I think. E mail me for details

TO Fen. My badge panel unscrews and was not welded on .....have I got a wrong'un???

 

[Fen]

Nope, must have been a change related to model year rather than model type I guess. I only picked this up because I was considering a 924 turbo badge panel for my 944 Turbo at one point.

 

[idwoodvale]

Chris,
Thanks for that, hope the e-mail got through.

Tony,
Cheers. Not mad keen on that but thanks anyway.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Fen

Personally I would only do it with original panels - the S2/Turbo "style" nosecone I've seen was awful.

If you decide to go ahead then you need the badge panel, the PU nosecone and both front wings as the Lux has a square front, bottom (ooo-er) to the wing and the S2/Turbo has a rounded profile. I've also heard the headlight covers are different, but I don't think that's right. Note that your badge panel will be welded on and the S2/Turbo one is bolted on...

Fen is right, the reproduction or "copy" 951/S2 noses are dreadful. Stick with OEM. I'd call a local breaker and source the header panel, light covers, bumper cover, bumper support bracket (and shocks), and lights.

Your 86 DOES NOT have a welded on header panel, so that will unbolt with 8 screws/bolts. Everything should be a direct bolt up if you get the correct parts. The fenders that you have can be used, if you have a good bodyshop that can cut them and bend to fit in the front.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help.....................from far away.......[]

Jeremy

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: John Sims

Why change it Ian? The Lux is a great car, it seems a shame to pretend that it is something else.

You could also de-value the car by changing it rather than add value by restoring it.

I don't think it is pretending. It's modernizing. Quite frankly, the front end of the 944/Lux cars was outdated-looking by the mid-80's already. Porsche should have updated those cars to the 951/S2 body panels, and might have had the model stuck around longer. I'd only call him a "pretender" if he stuck a turbo or S2 badge on it.

As far as devaluing it, I doubt it.

 

[TTM]

ORIGINAL: Fen
I've also heard the headlight covers are different, but I don't think that's right.

They are different, the turbo/S2 ones are bigger :

http://scandela.nerim.net/perso/calandres/calandres.html

On the third picture it's a turbo with a NA front panel : it doesn't fit well and the headlight covers appear to be bigger.

 

[TTM]

At last, here is the page I was looking for :

http://scandela.nerim.net/perso/calandres/calandres.html

On the third picture it's a turbo with a NA front panel : it doesn't fit well and the headlight covers indeed appear bigger.

 

[idwoodvale]

Some good advice. Think I might go ahead in the end but gonna do it as the last job of all. Engine's just about sorted - big expense on recondition. Gonna settle for a nice set of Cup alloys for now - not cheap either.

The shocks and springs have nearly 119,000 on them and seem a bit spongy. Have managed to bottom out once or twice. Anyone have suggestions on replacements?

 

[GDA]

I have a damaged front on my 944 and was looking to do the same conversion - does anybody have more details on the modifications required to make the original wings fit?

Gareth

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: GDA

I have a damaged front on my 944 and was looking to do the same conversion - does anybody have more details on the modifications required to make the original wings fit?

Gareth

In person, look at the wings on a 944Lux verses a 944Turbo. You will see that the only difference is that the Lux wings are "sharper" at the front where they touch the end of the bumper, while the Turbo wings are "softer". What this amounts to is a small bit of sheet metal needs to be removed from the Lux wing, in the shape of a triangle. I made a template of the front of a Turbo wing from thin flexible cardboard, then traced the shape in black marker onto the Lux wing. I then removed that extra small bit, with a dremel, leaving about .5cm of extra material to bend down to form a more factory "lip".

Of course, this may be best left to your body shop if you are faint of heart. Keep in mind that 16-19 year old paint does crack when you bend the metal for the lip, so to do it properly a respray of the wings will be in order.

Hope that helps!