This 1983 Porsche 944 Got a Heart Transplant 💔: Meet the Audi-Powered Race Car Nightmare

There's something deeply satisfying about resurrecting classic cars, giving them new life and purpose while injecting them with modern performance. Motor Werks Racing, situated in the quiet town of Dawsonville, Georgia, does exactly that with their remarkable restomod projects. And their latest endeavor? An audacious transformation of a 1983 Porsche 944 that ditches its original heart for something far spicier – an Audi 1.8-liter turbocharged engine.

Motor Werks Racing resides just north of Atlanta and is a haven for Porsche enthusiasts who crave performance upgrades and maintenance for their beloved vehicles. This shop has touched almost every Porsche model imaginable, whether on the tarmac or in semi-professional racing circuits. Their expertise is showcased in their current marvel, a race-ready 1983 Porsche 944, which looks primed to compete in a model-exclusive pro-racing series.

The Bold Engine Swap

Originally, the 944 came with an assortment of four-cylinder engines, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated, ranging between 2.5 to 3 liters. While respectable for their time, they pale in comparison to the modern engineering marvel now residing under the hood. Motor Werks Racing opted for a 1.8-liter, 20-valve, four-cylinder turbocharged engine – a powerplant frequently found in early Audi TTs, as well as a variety of SEATs and Skodas from the '90s and 2000s.

This new engine, with its aluminum cylinder heads and five valves per cylinder, represents a quantum leap from the original options. In its most potent form, this turbocharged four-banger delivers approximately 237 horsepower. However, Motor Werks Racing took it a step further, infusing the engine with forged rods and pistons, a refined oiling system, and 630 ccs Deka injectors. The result? A jaw-dropping 315 horsepower, which is more than enough to transform this lightweight, rear-drive 944 into a track beast.

Transmission and Handling: Track-Worthy Upgrades

All that power is deftly transferred via an Audi 016 manual gearbox. But the enhancements don't stop there. A two-way limited-slip differential ensures optimal power distribution, complemented by a robust driveshaft leading to the rear wheels. To handle this newfound zest, Motor Werks Racing outfitted the 944 with Bilstein shocks and springs reminiscent of the 968 Club Sport, along with adjustable sway bars for precise cornering and Wilwood four-piston brakes for exceptional stopping power.

This isn't just an engine swap; it's an entirely reimagined vehicle. Motor Werks Racing crafted this machine to conquer racetracks, and you can witness its prowess at Road Atlanta and the Atlanta Motorsports Park. It's a clear reminder that restomodding isn't merely about tweaking old cars, but revitalizing them into something extraordinary.

Witness the Track Beast in Action

Everything about this rebuilt Porsche 944 screams performance. Whether it's the meticulous engine swap or the detailed handling modifications, each aspect has been fine-tuned to ensure it offers unparalleled performance on the track. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even see if you stand a chance against it in a head-to-head challenge at Atlanta Motorsports Park. Just remember, this car has been designed to win – and it absolutely will.

The spirit of classic automotive engineering meets modern ingenuity in this one-of-a-kind build. Motor Werks Racing has rewritten the legacy of the 1983 Porsche 944, combining the classic styling and lightweight frame of the original with the cutting-edge performance of a modern Audi powerplant. The result? A car that not only pays homage to its storied past but also sets new benchmarks for what a restomod can achieve.