Brian Nutter is a Summit Racing tech expert and a regular contributor to OnAllCylinders. He’s also our go-to guy whenever we have questions about engine internals—particularly with the LS platform.

So when his 21-year old son Van brought home a Porsche 944 that had jumped the timing in its 140 hp four-banger, you can probably guess what happened next.

Yup, out went the busted German powerplant and in went some good old-fashioned American aluminum in the form of a 5.3L L33 LS engine.

man standing next to a porsche with an ls engine on a cart
(Image/Brian Nutter)

The LS Swap project was part of a grander plan to drive the 944 out to the Salt Flats of Bonneville, Utah for some land speed racing. So not only did the car have to perform at speeds well north of 100 mph, it had to be reliable and comfortable enough to get the two there—and back.

“This is a dream to build something like this and race at Bonneville at his age,” Brain explains.

All told, the trip is close to 2,000 miles from Akron, Ohio where the Nutters live. Suffice it to say, this is the kind of project where you don’t cut corners.

If this sort of adventure appeals to you, you may enjoy this story too: 200 MPH & Street Legal: Check Out This 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II That’s a Regular at Bonneville

man working on engine in garage at night
(Image/Brian Nutter)

As you’d imagine, there were a lot of late nights in the garage, as the L33 was torn down and treated to a performance rebuild that included a valve job from nearby Total Engine Airflow.

Thankfully Brian offered Van plenty of hand-me-down parts from his old LS projects, including a stout EPS camshaft, hardened pushrods, and high-quality LS3 injectors.

(We’ll give you a far more detailed parts list at the bottom of this post.)

LS engine going into a porsche 944
(Image/Brian Nutter)

To help the LS settle into its new home, the guys relied on a well-packaged Porsche 944 LS Swap Kit from G Force Performance Products. Some of the more hard-to-source parts came from the 944 experts over at 944online, namely a steering pump bracket to support a BMW Hydroboost brake conversion.

A new aluminum radiator handles the cooling efforts, aided by Moroso hoses and a handy swivel thermostat housing from Summit Racing.

And lest you think the duo merely focused on raw engine power, the old German also enjoys an upgraded suspension courtesy of Koni shocks and a set of Hawk brake pads.

Roll cage inside a Porsche 944
(Image/Brian Nutter)

With an emphasis on safety, the interior received a six-point cage from the professionals at Mark McMahan Autosport along with an integrated Safecraft fire suppression system. A set of Sparco seats and Racequip harness will ensure both gentlemen stay safe and comfortable on their epic road trip.

Upgraded Autometer instrumentation keeps tabs on the L33.

two men posing outside summit racing store
(Image/Brian Nutter)

At the time of this article, the whole project is…almost…done. Brian tells us that they’re working on finishing the wiring now, and then the interior gets reinstalled—just in time, as Bonneville Speed Week looms large on the horizon.

“The 944 needs to be on the road to Bonneville by July 4,” Brian laughs. “Holy cow, what a thrash.”   

He also says the goal for the engine is 400 horsepower and the expected curb weight is around 2,700 pounds—which means this V8-powered Porsche should have no trouble on the salt.

Want more details? The father and son team sat down for an interview with Summit Racing as part of the “Powered By Enthusiasts” video series. You can get a much better look at the project in the video below, then keep scrolling for a robust parts list.

5.3L LS-Powered Porsche 944 Parts List

***

Swap Kit

Engine

Air & Fuel

  • Stock LS3 injectors
  • ICB-551348 – ICT Billet Fuel Injector Spacers
  • Stock LS6 intake
  • FIF-70061 – FiTech 92mm Throttle Body
  • NAL-12565559 – Chevy Performance LS1 Throttle Cable
  • SUM-23973R – Summit Racing Reusable Air Filter
  • SPE-9781 – Spectre Elbow Intake Coupler
  • SPE-9751 – Spectre Memory Flex Air Duct Hose
  • POI-49239 – POR-15 Fuel Tank Repair/Sealer Kit
  • SUM-251000 – Summit Racing Inline Fuel Pump, 60 psi, 255 lph
  • -6 AN Braided Lines & Fittings
  • SUM-230151 – Summit Racing Universal LS Fuel Filter Regulator, 5 Micron
  • TNK-640853 – Tanks Inc. Fuel Rail Fitting Adapter

Wiring, Sensors & Electrical

Cooling

Exhaust

Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Interior & Safety Equipment

Porsche 944 4-cylinder engine sitting on floor
The early non-turbocharged versions of the 944’s humble inline four made around 140ish horsepower—so yeah, a 400 hp LS is a bit of an upgrade here. (Image/Brian Nutter)
Keywords
Father's Day , L33 , LS Swap , Porsche , Summit Racing
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Author: Paul Sakalas

Paul is the editor of OnAllCylinders. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in an old Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.