🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Porsche Model: 944 Variant: 944, 944 S2, 944 Turbo S (951) Product Name: Porsche 944 944 S2 944 Turbo S 951 Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Codes Chassis Codes: 944, 951 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Porsche 944 represented a significant evolution for Porsche, moving towards a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive transaxle layout. It aimed to blend sporty performance with everyday usability and a more accessible price point than the 911, particularly in the S2 and Turbo S variants. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other sports coupes and GT cars of its era, including the Chevrolet Camaro/Firebird, Ford Mustang, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series (E30/E36), and sometimes entries from Mazda RX-7 and Mitsubishi Starion. Key Features Performance Focus: Excellent handling, balanced chassis, powerful engines (especially Turbo S), and a refined driving experience characteristic of Porsche. Practicality: Four-seat configuration, usable cargo space (with rear seats folded), and a degree of daily drivability uncommon in many pure sports cars of the period. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Complete A-Z Service and Repair Procedures Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 1000+ pages (typical for complete workshop manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, lubrication system, cooling system. Fuel System: Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic for Turbo/S2), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank, throttle body, air intake system. Ignition System: Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, control module. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors. Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox assembly, gears, synchromesh, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts, transaxle maintenance and repair. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transaxle (Tiptronic optional on some later models), torque converter, valve body, hydraulic system, control module. Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar, springs, shock absorbers, wheel bearings. Suspension Rear: Semi-trailing arm suspension, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arm bushings, wheel alignment. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel. Brakes: Front and rear brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnosis. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system, horn. Engine Control Unit ECU: Bosch Motronic system (M3.6 for Turbo/S2), sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, crank, cam), actuators, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting codes. Climate Control: Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, climate control unit. Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, bumpers, structural components, rust prevention and repair. Interior: Seats, dashboard, instruments, door panels, carpeting, headliner, interior trim. Procedures Included Scheduled Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacements. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly of all major systems. Overhaul Procedures: Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Adjustment Procedures: Wheel alignment, headlight aim, idle speed adjustment, fuel mixture adjustment (where applicable). Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems. Specification Charts: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Quality: High-quality, printable pages, searchable text (typical for professional PDF manuals). Print Quality Printable: Yes, individual pages or entire chapters can be printed. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Software Requirements Required Software: Adobe Reader (free and widely available) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 944 Engine Type: Inline-4, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2479 cc) Horsepower: 143 hp (105 kW) at 5500 rpm (early models) Torque: 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) at 3000 rpm (early models) Fuel System: Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection Primary Engine S2 Engine Type: Inline-4, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2990 cc) Horsepower: 208 hp (153 kW) at 5800 rpm Torque: 207 lb-ft (281 Nm) at 4000 rpm Fuel System: Bosch Motronic (M 2.7) Primary Engine Turbo S 951 Engine Type: Inline-4, Turbocharged, Front-engine, Transaxle Layout Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2479 cc) Horsepower: 247 hp (184 kW) at 6000 rpm (approx. for Turbo S) Torque: 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) at 4000 rpm (approx. for Turbo S) Fuel System: Bosch Motronic (M 3.6) Performance Turbo Intercooling: Air-to-air intercooler (Turbo and Turbo S) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transaxle Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (often referred to as Tiptronic on later models, though not a true manual-auto selection by the driver in the early sense) Features Transaxle Layout: Rear transaxle incorporating gearbox and differential Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or...
Porsche 944 944 S2 944 Turbo S 951 Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Codes
Chassis Codes:
944, 951
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
The Porsche 944 represented a significant evolution for Porsche, moving towards a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive transaxle layout. It aimed to blend sporty performance with everyday usability and a more accessible price point than the 911, particularly in the S2 and Turbo S variants.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other sports coupes and GT cars of its era, including the Chevrolet Camaro/Firebird, Ford Mustang, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, BMW 3 Series (E30/E36), and sometimes entries from Mazda RX-7 and Mitsubishi Starion.
Key Features
Performance Focus:
Excellent handling, balanced chassis, powerful engines (especially Turbo S), and a refined driving experience characteristic of Porsche.
Practicality:
Four-seat configuration, usable cargo space (with rear seats folded), and a degree of daily drivability uncommon in many pure sports cars of the period.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Complete A-Z Service and Repair Procedures
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 1000+ pages (typical for complete workshop manuals)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Digital Format:
Downloadable PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic for Turbo/S2), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank, throttle body, air intake system.
Factory optional premium audio systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, then later Porsche branded units) with cassette players and AM/FM radio. Manual will cover removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a significant technology feature, especially on S2 and Turbo models, improving safety and stability during braking.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Ports:
Early diagnostic connectors existed for engine management and ABS systems. The manual will likely detail their locations and basic functions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually. Manual will specify precise intervals and conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical maintenance item. Intervals are typically 30,000 miles or 3 years for older belts, or 60,000 miles/5 years for newer belts. Failure is catastrophic. Manual will detail the procedure and tensioning.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Generally every 20,000-30,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50, or 10W-50 depending on climate and preference. Porsche A40 approval is ideal. Manual will specify approved weights.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Porsche recommends G48 (blue) or equivalent. Manual will provide capacity and type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (DOT 5 silicone fluid is not recommended for ABS systems). Manual will specify Porsche ATE type 200 or equivalent.
Known Issues
Transaxle Seal Leaks:
Rear main seal and transaxle output shaft seals can be prone to leaks.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings and semi-trailing arm bushings can affect handling and cause noise.
Fuel Line Corrosion:
Older fuel lines (especially those in contact with heat) can degrade.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can sometimes lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Omega Piston Ring Wear:
Early 2.5L engines could experience oil consumption due to piston ring design, though this was improved in later variants and S2/Turbo models.
Turbo Lines And Hoses:
Vacuum hoses and oil lines for the turbocharger system can degrade over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany
Model Evolution
Introduction 944:
Introduced in 1981 as a 1982 model year, replacing the 924 as Porsche's more affordable sports car.
Introduction S2:
Launched in 1985 (as a 1986 model), featuring the larger 3.0L engine and updated styling including the integrated bumper covers.
Introduction Turbo S 951:
Introduced in 1985 (as a 1986 model), the 951 (Turbo) and the more potent Turbo S (1988 model year exclusively in the US) offered significantly enhanced performance.
Production
Production Years:
1982 - 1991
Manufacturing Plant:
Neckarsulm, Germany (shared with Audi at the time)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, balance, and performance, particularly the Turbo models which were considered excellent value for Porsche performance compared to the 911.
Historical Significance:
Recognized as a highly capable and enduring sports car that helped Porsche navigate a challenging period in its history, proving the viability of the front-engine transaxle concept.