Complete Porsche 944 LS Swap Parts List: What You Need for a Successful Build

Swapping a Chevy LS engine into a Porsche 944 is one of the most popular and rewarding modifications you can do. The 944’s chassis responds beautifully to the extra power, and the LS engine family offers reliable, affordable, and abundant horsepower. But to do it right, you need a solid parts list. This guide breaks down every major component you’ll need for a Porsche 944 LS swap, from the engine and transmission down to the little brackets and hoses. Whether you’re planning a budget build or a high-horsepower track car, this list will help you source the right parts the first time.

Engine Selection

The LS family includes many variations. For the 944, common choices are the LS1, LS2, LS3, and truck engines like the LQ4 or LQ9. The LS1 is a great all-around option with aluminum block and reasonable power. The LS3 offers more displacement and better flowing heads. Truck engines are iron block, heavier but cheaper and stronger. Decide based on your budget and power goals.

Key Engine Components

• Complete long block or short block with heads, intake, and accessories.
• Factory or aftermarket engine management – consider a standalone ECU like Holley Terminator X or GM Performance ECM.
• Fuel injectors – rated for your power level (typically 36-60 lb/hr for a mild build).
• Intake manifold – stock LS truck or car manifold works; aftermarket like Holley Hi-Ram for high RPM.
• Throttle body – 90mm or 92mm for LS1/2/3; stock is fine for moderate builds.
• Alternator and power steering pump – retain stock LS units or use compact aftermarket.
• AC compressor – optional, but can be retained with custom brackets.

Transmission Options

The 944’s stock transaxle can’t handle LS power for long. You need a stronger gearbox. Popular choices include:

• Porsche 944 Turbo (951) transmission – stronger than N/A but still limited to about 400 hp.
• Audi 01E 6-speed – common swap, tough, but requires adapter plate and custom mounts.
• T56 Magnum 6-speed – strongest option, requires custom shifter and trans tunnel modifications.
• Chevy TH400 or 4L80E automatic – for drag or street use, simpler but requires electronic control.

Transmission Parts

• Adapter plate – connects trans to LS bellhousing (e.g., Supercars Unlimited, Performance Design).
• Pilot bearing – match to crank and input shaft.
• Clutch kit – rated for torque; use hydraulic throwout bearing for easier install.
• Flywheel – LS specific, 153-tooth or 168-tooth depending on starter.
• Shifter – most swaps use a cable shifter (e.g., from a Subaru or aftermarket).

Engine Mounts and Brackets

Custom mounts reposition the LS engine in the 944 bay. Kits are available from several vendors.

• Engine mount brackets – bolt to LS block and frame rails (e.g., from Gen 3 or 4 LS).
• Engine mounts – polyurethane or metal (use stock LS mounts with adapters).
• Transmission mount – custom crossmember to support gearbox.
• Adapter kits – complete bolt-in kits (e.g., from Vast Performance, 944Online, or DIY).

Cooling System

The 944’s stock cooling system is marginal even with the original engine. With an LS, you need a larger radiator and efficient airflow.

• Aluminum radiator – aftermarket dual-pass or crossflow, sized for a 944 (e.g., from CSF or Mishimoto).
• Electric fans – two 12" fans or one 16" high-CFM fan with shroud.
• Hoses – custom silicone hoses or hose lengths to connect engine to radiator.
• Coolant temp sensor – for ECU and gauge.
• Overflow tank – use a small aluminum tank or stock 944 expansion tank if possible.

Exhaust System

Headers are engine-specific. The 944 chassis is tight, so clearance can be an issue.

• LS swap headers – buy prefab headers for the 944/LS (e.g., from Stott Technologies or custom built).
• Dual or single exhaust – 2.5" to 3" depending on power. Single 3" is common.
• Catalytic converter – if street legal, use a high-flow cat.
• Muffler – choose a quiet or aggressive sound; Borla or MagnaFlow are popular.
• O2 sensors – weld in bungs for wideband sensors.

Fuel System

The stock 944 fuel system may not supply enough flow for an LS. Upgrade the pump, lines, and regulator.

• Fuel pump – in-tank or external, flow 340 lph or more (e.g., Walbro 450).
• Fuel lines -6AN or -8AN stainless braided Teflon hose.
• Fuel pressure regulator – adjustable, return style.
• Fuel rail adapters – if using stock LS manifold with aftermarket rails.
• Injectors – sized for power (ex: 60 lb/hr for ~500 hp).

Wiring and Electronics

LS engines need a standalone harness or extensive rewire. Many options exist.

• Standalone engine harness – e.g., from Painless Performance, Holley, or GM performance.
• ECU – factory LS PCM with custom tune, or aftermarket ECU (Holley Terminator X, Haltech, etc.).
• Gauges – retain stock 944 gauges with adapters, or install aftermarket (Dakota Digital, AutoMeter).
• OBD2 port – if using factory PCM, keep for diagnostics.
• Battery relocation – move to trunk for better weight distribution.

Driveshaft and Axles

You’ll need a custom driveshaft to connect the transmission to the 944’s torque tube or directly to the differential.

• Custom driveshaft – measure and have one made (e.g., from Denny’s Driveshaft).
• Torque tube – many LS swaps delete the torque tube and use a standard driveshaft to a transaxle.
• Axles – stock 944 axles may be okay for mild power, but upgrade to stronger units (e.g., from a 951 or aftermarket).

Miscellaneous Parts

Don’t forget the small items that make the swap work.

• Oil pan – LS oil pans vary; use a shallow pan for clearance (e.g., from Gen4 Vette).
• Dipstick – need a LS dipstick that clears headers and chassis.
• Intake air duct – connect cold air intake from front bumper to throttle body.
• Pulleys and belts – a/c, alternator, power steering – re-route as needed.
• Coolant hoses – heater core hoses from LS to 944 heater core.
• Power steering lines – custom high-pressure and return lines.
• Throttle cable – either stock LS cable modified or new cable from pedal to throttle body.
• Brake booster clearance – some LS intakes hit the brake booster; use a small booster or relocate.

Recommended Build Approach

Start with a solid LS engine (preferably an aluminum block LS1 or LS3) and pair it with a T56 Magnum transmission for durability. Buy a complete swap kit from a reputable vendor to reduce fabrication. For cooling, a high-quality aluminum radiator and dual fans are non-negotiable. Use a standalone ECU for easier tuning and troubleshooting. Budget for a professional dyno tune to ensure reliability.

If you’re on a tighter budget, consider a 5.3L truck LM7 with an aftermarket cam and a close-ratio Tremec TKO. The truck engine is heavy but cheap, and with proper mounts, it fits well. Upgrade the clutch and cooling system regardless.

Final Recommendation

Your Porsche 944 LS swap will be only as good as the parts you choose. Invest in the critical areas: engine mounts, cooling, clutch, and wiring. Avoid cheap knockoff parts for safety items like brakes and steering. Join online forums for specific advice, and don’t cut corners on the tune—a well-tuned LS 944 is a joy to drive and reliable. With this parts list, you have a clear roadmap to a successful build.