Fluids for the Porsche 944

Everyone's question #1 - pin it, bookmark it, tattoo it on your child's forehead

I see this question in the forums asked weekly. Oil, coolant, gear oil, power steering fluid. - what do I use?

I’ve seen some goofy, goofy answers. Painfully bad info. Therefore, with the words below, I bless you with the Gospel of St. Gerhard “The Gearhead” Steiner - Patron Saint of the Porsche 944.

Oil

Valvoline VR-1 Racing Oil 20w-50. Over and done. No need for synthetics or “0W Boutique Oils”. These cars need dinosaur juice, and they need zinc. Feed ‘em the good stuff!

Coolant

Keep it simple. Peak 50/50. And do not believe the forums where bleeding the cooling system is an act of black magic that must be done under a full moon after sacrificing your firstborn. For some reason people think bleeding the cooling system is akin to AP Calculus. It’s super simple - follow the instructions in the owner’s manual, which I have for you below…

Gear Oil

The 944 needs a GL-4 fluid absent friction modifiers. Here you can go synthetic with Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil. Swepco 201 is another popular choice. You will be fine with either one.

Power Steering

Easy. No magic here. Just grab a bottle of Pennzoil Automatic Transmission Fluid. You won’t need much, so use what’s left to mix up some Weasel Piss !

Conclusion

This info is relevant based on the Porsche 944 NA and 951 Turbo but could also apply to other models. More information on fluids (including capacities and service intervals) can be found and verified in your owner’s manual or via The Bible - Clark’s Garage

Now get out there and drive it like you stole it! Because Race Car!