In Might of 2022, I put a deposit down with Second Motors to transform an ICE automobile into an EV. The down fee put me right into a queue that was over a year-long, giving me a number of time to pick out one thing enjoyable for the undertaking.
After appreciable thought, I made a decision on 1980s-era traditional 911. I used to be by no means a lot of a Porsche man – their engines are within the unsuitable place – however I assumed they might make for a enjoyable, gentle, tossable EV. I picked up an affordable, beater observe 911 to transform.
Because it turned out, the automobile was a 1988 matching numbers M491 Cabrio. Beneath a whole lot of aftermarket add-ons and mods was a considerably uncommon, largely authentic, invaluable 911 in respectable form.
The M491 choice contains all the things that comes with the top-of-the-line 911 Turbo – the flared fenders, large whale tail, wrap-around chin spoiler, G50 5-speed handbook gearbox, upgraded suspension, wider Fuchs wheels, 930 Brembo brakes – minus the turbo charger. It made for a great-looking automobile with out the “widow-maker” conduct of the 930s.
Again when it was new, the M491 choice was an costly improve: $5,000 on a automobile with an MSRP of $44,930. Nonetheless, that was approach cheaper than the total 930 turbo coupe, which got here in at $72,645. Solely 282 Porsche Carrera 3.2 Cabriolets with the M491 choice had been ordered in 1988, with 108 coming to the U.S. Right now, well-maintained M491 Cabrios promote for over $100ok.
So, not a candidate for EV conversion.
The prior proprietor had lowered the suspension, added a roll bar, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, and many electronics/radar tech, I assume the automobile was raced (highway or observe). Because it was not an EV conversion candidate, I made a decision to return the automobile to its authentic inventory setup. Out went the roll cage, anti-sway bars, lowered journey springs & shocks, low profile tires to get replaced by all authentic suspension tools. New brake traces, a number of lights, and change gear wanted to get replaced, as did a restore of some rust behind the battery. New tires and the automobile was good to go.
The outside paint was in respectable situation — a deep compound adopted by a ceramic coating made it look nice – it’s a “6-foot automobile,” and appears advantageous from that distant; nearer up, there are many chips and swirls within the end. The Champagne/Blue piping leather-based inside with a blue sprint took a deep steam cleansing to deliver again to life.
These might need been badass automobiles again within the day, however 215HP is kinda sluggish right this moment. Even with the improve to three.Four and 270 HP, they don’t seem to be lightning-quick. However they’re purely analog, open-air cruisers, with strong dealing with, an important shifter, and make fantastic sounds.
It took about 6 months to get the automobile again to its authentic inventory situation. It’s been a whole lot of enjoyable to drive round — I’m consistently shocked at how a lot consideration it generates wherever we take it. Amongst Porschephiles, it’s a favorite, but it surely additionally has such a 1980s vibe, that random individuals cease to speak about it. I used to be not planning on conserving the automobile, however I’ve grown to understand each the styling and Porsche’s rock-solid reliability (regardless of its age and excessive mileage).
The expertise of an older ’80s-era Porsche is hard to copy in a contemporary automobile.
Extra images under.
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From the unique sale itemizing:
“The flat-six engine was rebuilt below prior possession and upgraded to a 3.4-liter displacement with a giant bore package together with 100mm Mahle cast pistons, chrome steel valves, Carillo connecting rods, 906 camshafts, ported and polished heads, ARP bolts and studs, efficiency distributor, a high-flow air filter, SSI warmth exchangers, and a Borla chrome steel exhaust, estimated to now produce round 270 HP. The rear wheels are pushed by means of a 5-speed G50 handbook transmission. The M491 bundle additionally provides the upgraded brakes and suspension of the 930 Turbo, in addition to bigger entrance and rear anti-roll bars.”
Extra on the EV conversion coming quickly…
Inside was filthy earlier than cleansing:
Engine was additionally a dirty mess:
Heading to Autostrada for steam cleansing and ceramic coating:
40 Years later, it’s a lot smaller than a contemporary 911.
