220 and 250 944 turbo differences

[andy97]

What were the key differences between the two models, apart from the obvious power differences ( which I assume was due to different size turbos?)

Am I right in thinking that the later 250 model had bigger brakes and abs?

Were there any bodywork differences?

Anything else

Edited by andy97 on Monday 11th April 06:03

[edh]

The early (pre-ABS) 220 models were supposed to be a fair bit lighter I believe - I have never quite worked out why though.

So the 220's come in 2 different flavours - with & without ABS.

220's have 26/6 turbo, 250's 26/8

[andy97]

Thanks, that's about as far as I had got, too. Although I know that the S version has the MO30 suspension and brakes and the wheel offsets are different between the 220 and 250, too.

I do have a vague recollection that the front wings were slightly different between the versions but not sure, and I can't find any reference to it.

[blade7]

Drive bog standard top condition versions of each back to back and you'd notice lighter steering on the early 220 and a bit less lag, on a 250 there would be more top end pull and you could stand on the brakes in the wet. In the real world 30 years after the cars were built condition is much more important than 30kg or 30 bhp. Personally I much prefer the bridge spoiler and the uprates that came standard on the Turbo S and then the 250 cars.

[Penguinracer]

Main differences between 220 v 250 bhp versions:
(1)Turbo - K26/6 v K26/8;
(2)LSD - I believe the 250 bhp version had an LSD as standard, optional on the 220;
(3)Gearbox - hardened (shot-peened or nitrided?) 1st & 2nd gears on the 250;
(4)Brakes - 928S4 disks & calipers on the 250;
(5) ECU - 28-pin DME on the 250 v 26-pin on the 220;
(6) Transmission oil cooler - I believe the 250 had one & the 220 didn't;
(7) ICE - I think the 250's had a six-speaker system v 4-speakers in the 220 (unsure on this one);
(8) Front suspension track (different wishbones)- narrower on 220 requiring use of different wheel offsets

Totally agree with Blade - condition will be far more influential than specification at 25 -30 years of age & with six-figure mileages.

[NJH]

I thought the trans oil cooler was a rare thing? May be wrong but this was the impression I got from Baz Hartech. I had a box from him with one on, odd looking thing.

[andy97]

Anyone know where the transmission oil cooler is located please?

[Richair]

Oil cooler is located on the RH side of the transmission, you can't miss it!

Early 220's had the cooler too, they seemed to drop this for the pre-250bhp cars without LSD...

Also not mentioned here, earlier cars had forged rods and pistons and the very early 220bhp cars (85) had the M44.50 motor with slightly thicker liners. Later cars used cast rods and pistons.

The engine numbers changed to M44.51 in 86 and then to M44.52 for the 250bhp cars and apparently the forged internals don't necessarily tally up with the change in engine number... But an earlier car should have the stronger internals.

The fuel pressure regulator changed to a screw-on type for the later 250bhp cars which it makes it harder to find a higher-pressure upgrade.

The early offset front hubs and spindles are completely different to the late offset cars.

Edited by Richair on Tuesday 12th April 13:09

[williamp]

Penguinracer said:

Main differences between 220 v 250 bhp versions:
(1)Turbo - K26/6 v K26/8;
(2)LSD - I believe the 250 bhp version had an LSD as standard, optional on the 220;
(3)Gearbox - hardened (shot-peened or nitrided?) 1st & 2nd gears on the 250;
(4)Brakes - 928S4 disks & calipers on the 250;
(5) ECU - 28-pin DME on the 250 v 26-pin on the 220;
(6) Transmission oil cooler - I believe the 250 had one & the 220 didn't;
(7) ICE - I think the 250's had a six-speaker system v 4-speakers in the 220 (unsure on this one);
(8) Front suspension track (different wishbones)- narrower on 220 requiring use of different wheel offsets

Totally agree with Blade - condition will be far more influential than specification at 25 -30 years of age & with six-figure mileages.

From memory, the 250 started out as the "silver rose", a limited edition without a sunroof but all the goodies (transmission oil cooler, adjustable dampers etc). In 89 they kept all the goodies, brought back the sunroof and made the 250 the standard turbo. From 90 onwards, the standard goodies started going and became options. Stereo, and speakers were always options. I hd an 89 turbo, and still got the pricelist somewhere.

If i was buying one to restore, it would be a silver rose or an 89 turbo. To buy to drive, buy on condition.

Aircon standard on all uk turbos

[whj]

There is a good US site at www.clarks-garage.com, click on the 951 FAQ tab for much info.

[whj]

There is a good US site at www.clarks-garage.com, click on the 951 FAQ tab for much info.

[mollytherocker]

About 30bhp.....

[Hallsy01]

Most has been covered, but just to add, not all 220's are early offset. 1987 onward ABS models have the later offset.

[GC8]

andy97 said:

Thanks, that's about as far as I had got, too. Although I know that the S version has the MO30 suspension and brakes and the wheel offsets are different between the 220 and 250, too.

I do have a vague recollection that the front wings were slightly different between the versions but not sure, and I can't find any reference to it.

Wheel offsets are the same across all Turbos, apart from the (1st) 1986 model year which shared the earlier 23mm offset, geo., and also had different brakes (although they look the same). All 1987MY> 951s have identical offset, wishbones, etc. Any M030 car has different hubs.

Most Turbos have ABS as standard. Wings are the same. 1989> Turbos have 928S4 brake calipers, but M030 was an option, not standard. All 250s have a slightly uprated transaxle with LSD. The cooler had been made an option early in the cars life.

I don't really want to pick peoples posts apart, but there are some howling errors.