Turbo Identification — K26-6 vs K26-8
Visual method for identifying whether a 951 is fitted with the early K26-6 or later K26-8 turbocharger using a distinctive flat spot on the turbine housing, inspectable without removing the turbo.
Introduction
A popular and relatively inexpensive performance upgrade on 944 Turbos is replacing the K26-6 turbocharger used on early 951s (1986–1988) with the K26-8 turbocharger used on late-model 951s (1988.5–1991). If you acquire a 951 that has already been modified and there is no service record of the upgrade, you may not know which turbo is installed.
Identification Method
The basic difference between the two turbos is that the K26-6 has approximately a 1" square flat spot on the turbine housing, which the K26-8 does not.
With the turbocharger installed in the car, shine a flashlight down alongside and just in front of the engine oil dipstick.
Looking at a 45-degree angle from the front toward the bottom of the dipstick, you can clearly see whether the turbocharger has the 1" square flat. If it has the square, it is a K26-6. If it does not have the square, it is a K26-8.