[stevekat]

I am looking at a 944S2 LSD Transaxle as I'd rather have a 5 speed for DE and want the shorter final drive. I was looking at the PET and it does not look like the transaxle mounting flange casting on the torque tube is the same for the 944S2 and the 968. Does anyone know if the 944S2 transaxle can be put in the 968 and what is involved. I'd prefer not to have to change the torque tube and everything that goes along with this up to the engine re: 944S2 vs. 968. IF the torque tube were changed to a 944S2, if it is possible, does one loose the more simple clutch replacement capability?

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[PorscheG96]

[quote name='stevekat' post='46698' date='Jan 31 2008, 09:00 PM']I am looking at a 944S2 LSD Transaxle as I'd rather have a 5 speed for DE and want the shorter final drive. I was looking at the PET and it does not look like the transaxle mounting flange casting on the torque tube is the same for the 944S2 and the 968. Does anyone know if the 944S2 transaxle can be put in the 968 and what is involved. I'd prefer not to have to change the torque tube and everything that goes along with this up to the engine re: 944S2 vs. 968. IF the torque tube were changed to a 944S2, if it is possible, does one loose the more simple clutch replacement capability?[/quote]

S2 trans will bolt up fine w/ existing drive shaft. You'll need to swap shifter linkage because one of them is shorter [forget which one] and shifter rod as well because the pin placement is different. Beautiful car btw.

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[stevekat]

Thanks! [quote name='PorscheG96' post='46704' date='Jan 31 2008, 11:15 PM']Beautiful car btw.[/quote]

I've done some more checking of the PET and of some images on ebay and other sources. The 968 transaxle housing looks so much different than the 944 transaxle housing (see photos) - just wanted to bring this up as a further pressure check of your confidence in the compatibility :-)



The 944 transaxle has a section that rises at the top of the mating casting and has two holes or idents up there. This area does not exist on the 968 transaxle housing. The 968 transaxle appears to have only four bolts or studs to secure it. The 944 case looks like it may have more fastening holes and/or positioning pins. I think I can see where four of the primary holes line up between the two, even though the shapes are different. Just wanted to bring up this point to make doubly sure that in fact four fastening holes on the 968 torque tube casting line up properly with four of the holes on the 944 transaxle.



With the irregular shaped mating surfaces of the 968 vs. 944, does one have to deal with the fact the surfaces do not mate perfectly...does weather get in there? Should one fabricate a thin plate between the transaxle and torque tube castings, as a seal of sorts to keep out the elements? Does anyone already make such a part?



First image is generic 944 transaxle, second photo is 944s2 transaxle, third is 968 transaxle.

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[968workaholic]

The four holes that the 968 trans uses share the same location on the S2 trans. Not all of the holes on the S2 trans will be used, but the four major ones will hold the trans in place fine. Make sure to get the allingmen tdowels correct on the top two bolt holes. Parts you will need to do the swap are as follows- S2 shifter, S2 shift rod, S2 axles (both sides). The axles can be bought at a reasonable price through a dismantler along with all of the other parts. Good Luck!

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[stevekat]

Thanks PorscheG96 and 968workaholic.



Further, wanted to determine if one can retain the 968 cross member that supports the transaxle, or if the 944 85.5/951/944S2 part is required or easier to use...



Also, wanted to determine any awareness of issues related to leaving access to elements getting into this mating space where the collar sleeve mates the transaxle shaft to the drive shaft, because the casting surfaces do not match and seal...ie: anyone know of having fabricated a thin plate between the two to seal...and if one were to make such a part, if an additional 1/16" or 1/32" between the transaxle case and torque tube due to such a part would create any difficulty.

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[flash]

wouldn't you have a better box if you stuck the close ratio gears in there instead? the final ratio would be lower and it would all be probably near the same cost too

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[stevekat]

This might sound like an odd reason, but I have a six speed in my Miata 10th Anniv., my E34 M5 Touring and the 968. While I love them on the street, I have a consistent problem on all the vehicles at times, when in the third gate, getting the downshift to 4th gear in the second gate, and orienting myself to the lower gears. I never had this problem with a 5 speed; I think I'd personally be better off with the 5 speed on the track where the pattern for me is much more defined. If I do the swap I get an LSD (I think my 968 M030 is one of the few without LSD from the factory.) BTW, the Miata, while a tight pattern adds another variable, with reverse being another gate to the right of 5-6. Planning on the using the 968 for very limited street driving, mostly for the track in the form of DE.



Even if I acquire the available transaxle, I haven't concluded whether I'll definitely do the swap, but am leaning towards this as details of how to do so are emerging...

[quote name='flash' post='46728' date='Feb 1 2008, 11:27 AM']wouldn't you have a better box if you stuck the close ratio gears in there instead? the final ratio would be lower and it would all be probably near the same cost too[/quote]

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[flash]

cool - no worries - i was just thinking about the close ratios being more effective on the track



hey - you coming over on sunday?

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[stevekat]

Have a prior commitment with my weekly poker buddies to watch the game, but look forward to meeting you and some of the other SoCal guys soon. I am in the Mandeville Canyon area off Sunset.[quote name='flash' post='46737' date='Feb 1 2008, 03:14 PM']cool - no worries - i was just thinking about the close ratios being more effective on the track

hey - you coming over on sunday?[/quote]

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[wjk_glynn]

I'm on my second 944S2, and I've driven a number of 968s.



The shift action on a 968 is superior to a 944S2 -- the 968 has more of the classic "rifle-bolt" feel to its action.



I wouldn't be in a hurry to swap a S2 transaxle into your 968. But best of luck with whatever option you chose and I hope it works out for you.



Karl.

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[flash]

nuts - i just moved from pacific palisades - figures

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[stevekat]

That would have been quite nearby...



I had to make a decision quickly on the 944S2 LSD transaxle (should be an 083F.) I informed the seller I am passing because after thinking about it, I liked less and less the idea the transaxle and torque tube do not mate properly, though they are compatible. If anyone is interested in this unit, you can PM me for the sellers email. His price is a very reasonable $1400 plus shipping. He represents it has a total of about 75K miles. He mentioned he has had another inquiry. Thanks for the contribution of info to the thread.

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[RS Barn]

FYI,

I've found new Clutch style LSD's for 968's @$1695 vs $2695 for Guards. They are adjustable for lock on Accel and decel. If you're tracking, this is more desireable than Torsen style

Pete

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[z851@yahoo.com]

I just purchased an ASG tranny and thought it was a direct swap (oops). Do the axles and shifter have to be from an S2 or can they be from any 944?

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[xrad]

as stated above , you need the 944 axles because one is a different length, the other is the same size, don;t know which is different......

Also, I heard that the 968 transaxle is built more strongly including the diff carrier section.

And , you will definately need a different transaxle mount (the two bolt item on the top) and you may need a different cross brace (thing that holds trans to frame)

As for the front end, the S2 clutch bell housing is a different length(shorter) and the torque tube is longer to make up for this..so 968-944S2 torque tubes are not directly interchangeable.

If you are really serious about the swap, best bet may be S2 bell housing, flywheel, clutch(cheaper aftermarket clutches, too) and trans and torque tube....

Or change the gearing in the 968 transaxle 2-5 if possible

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[flash]

how much lower do you want the ratios?

smaller diameter tires and wheels will drop it too

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[z851@yahoo.com]

Damn!!!

Any one want to buy an ASG tranny?????????????

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[z851@yahoo.com]

OUT OF CURIOSITY...ARE THE 968 AXLES THE SAME LENGTH?

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