Basic information and history

The Porsche 944 was introduced in the early 1980s as a further development of the 924 and quickly became known for its transaxle layout with the gearbox at the rear, giving close to fifty–fifty weight distribution and a predictable chassis. The 1983 cars are among the early examples with the classic wider fenders and a removable roof panel, a layout appreciated by drivers who want a well-balanced, analog sports coupé.

This example is a Swedish-delivered 1983 944 1.8 TFSI Targa and has been extensively converted with a turbocharged 1.8-litre Audi four-cylinder engine from 1998. The work has, according to the seller, been professionally carried out by Damotor.se and adapted to the original gearbox via an adapter plate. All original instruments function together with the new drivetrain via signal converters. The car is, according to the seller, registered with the engine that is installed and inspected with the equipment as fitted, including a side-exit exhaust system that was approved at inspection without remarks.

Odometer reading: stated to be 0 kilometers. The trip meter is stopped according to the seller. 

According to the seller, the build is inspired by Motorwerksracing in the USA. Everything was fabricated in Sweden at a workshop, and templates remain with the executing workshop for similar future builds.

Equipment and options

• Audi 1.8 turbo inline-four from 1998, installed and adapted by Damotor.se
• Adapter plate to the original gearbox, allowing a return to the original engine if desired
• Uprated clutch from Sachs and new flywheel
• Newly built exhaust system from the manifold with side exit behind the door ahead of the rear wheel, inspected without remarks
• Electric seats from a 968, wired and functioning
• Luisi sports steering wheel 
• Signal converters to drive the original instruments
• Aftermarket alarm system with locking function, installed autumn 2025
• 17-inch Cup wheels
• Window tint on rear window and rear side windows, installed by Inwrap in Stora Höga (the darkest film)
• Maxxis Victra Sport 245/40 R17, new in summer 2025

Modifications and components in the engine build according to the seller: engine mounts and engine mount bushing, oil pan, valve cover gasket, serpentine belt 5PK1013, thermostat with housing, materials and components for the intake, gaskets for the manifold, turbocharger, oil return, intake and throttle body, oil feed line to the turbo, and hose components from DO88. Note that some service items, for example the oil filter, are not original to the engine in order to fit the chassis. See photos of the conversion under "Other".

Condition

Body and paint: adequate condition with retained gloss. The right rear quarter panel has been previously repainted and has cracking visible up close. There are rust bubbles around the sills and on some edges around the wheel arches. Under the rear license plate there is a previously filled crack. Glass is in good condition without major stone chips or cracks. Trim, lamp lenses and emblems show signs of age but no obvious damage.

Interior: adequate condition. The dashboard has drying cracks. The driver’s seat shows wear around the electric switches and an approximately five-centimetre-long tear on the left part of the backrest. Missing speaker grille on the driver’s door. Headliner and all pillars in leather are in very good condition. Steering wheel, controls and gear lever in good condition; the numbers on the gear knob are partially worn. The seats from the 968 are electric and function.

Tyres and wheels: 17-inch Cup wheels in good condition with minor usage marks. Maxxis Victra Sport 245/40 R17 mounted in summer 2025, stated approximately 6 millimetres of tread depth on all tyres. Wheel alignment performed in connection with the tyre change.

Mechanics and function: the engine is described as in very good condition, gone through during the build and serviced before each season thereafter. All original instruments function via signal converters. Gearbox and drivetrain have been gone through, the clutch from Sachs bites well even at high temperatures. Handbrake, horn and headlight aim were adjusted in connection with the latest service. The car was inspected on 28 April 2026 according to the seller. The trip meter does not count.

Service history

Latest service performed on 27 April 2026 at Damotor.se in Vallhamn with oil and filter, as well as inspection corrections to the handbrake, horn and headlight aim. The car was inspected on 28 April 2026 according to the seller.

Previous service receipts from the original engine are available. Receipts from the engine build and for the latest service are included. Documentation in the form of photos from the build is published on Damotor.se’s Facebook page on 17 December 2023, where the scope of the work is shown.

Summary

An early 944 with a professionally executed 1.8-litre turbo conversion, adapted to the original gearbox and with an uprated clutch. Details such as the side-exit exhaust, 968 seats, Cup wheels and functioning original instruments via signal converters point to a well-thought-out build. Body and interior are in used condition with documented paint and rust notes as well as cracks in the dashboard. The mechanics are described as thoroughly gone through with up-to-date servicing and supporting invoices, and the car is, according to the seller, registered with the current engine.

For anyone seeking a fun-to-drive Porsche 944 with a pro-built engine conversion, this represents an exciting alternative with documented build history.