Our story thus far:
In 2022, I signed up with Second Motors to get of their queue for an EV conversion.
Thus started the hunt for a donor automotive. I discussed final month that the initially chosen automotive for this venture turned out to be a uncommon(ish) 1988 Porsche 911 Cabrio that I didn’t wish to devalue; as an alternative, I restored the little cabrio again to manufacturing facility spec (pictures right here) and determined its a keeper.
What I ended up discovering for this venture was a 1987 Carrera with almost 300,000 miles on it, and lots complete of things that argued towards any expensive restoration: substitute motor, interval incorrect aspect view mirrors, unsuitable seats, 90’s steering wheel, and so on. 
It had been in an accident to its proper entrance finish 20 years in the past however was repaired + repainted (extra on this beneath). I don’t know if/when the doorways have been changed (post-accident?) however they’re a barely totally different shade. Type of a sizzling mess…
The coupe began out as an attention-grabbing venture automotive, with a number of uncommon choices. The colour is beautiful and strange “Lagoon Inexperienced Metallic” which reads as a lightweight blue to me; the paint was largely clear; it has rear-wiper and a sunroof delete. It made sense to revive the M491 Cabrio again to inventory, because it was nonetheless value greater than the acquisition value plus the prices of restore. On a “Frankencar” like this, that made no monetary sense.
It took a yr for my place within the queue to return up. In August 2023, I shipped the 1987 911 coupe to Texas for its EV coronary heart transplant. It’s been some time since I final mentioned the place we’re with the venture, so I assumed I’d share some updates as to our progress. It’s been largely excellent news, with a number of surprises thrown in:
The excellent news: The little striped monster arrived in Texas in fine condition, with no points from transport. I had dropped an Apple Airtag within the glovebox to trace it throughout nation (journey time was about three days).
Quickly after arrival, the Motor and transmission have been eliminated with out a hitch (pictures beneath). Then the brand new HVAC system went in, as did a retro period-correct Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB head unit (Bluetooth no display screen!). (I’ll finally substitute the outdated audio system.)
The shock was {that a} identified rust spot — the world across the 12-volt battery (nestled towards the driving force’s aspect entrance fender) — was a lot worse than thought. It had rusted so badly that it was affecting the structural integrity of the entrance trunk the place the brand new EV batteries go — at almost 200 kilos, they want strong help. You possibly can see the earlier than and after pictures beneath. $9k later, it’s pretty much as good as new.
In late December, the EV motor arrived. Once we started this venture again in Could 2022, the state-of-the-art was the Fellten EV Sequence 1 motor. At 350hp, it was a pleasant bump up from the automotive’s unique inventory 210 hp flat 6.
Alas, the Sequence I ended its run, and so we have been delayed in getting the Sequence II Fellten package (see picture beneath). That delay was definitely worth the wait because the Sequence II horsepower is 440 — greater than double the unique inventory engine. That may be a helluva a lot of go for a 2500 lb automotive. For comparability, a 2012 Audi R8 has 420 horsepower and weighs ~1000 kilos extra. The 0-60 occasions are comparable, however I believe the little 911 will really feel sooner.
I’ll replace once more as soon as the motor goes in; Images of the progress beneath:
Beforehand:
Replace: Electrifying A Traditional 911 (Could 21, 2023)
Electrifying Traditional Automobiles (September 4, 2022)
1983 Porsche 911SC Coupe – EV? (September 16, 2022)
1988 M491 Porsche 911 Cabrio (January 21, 2024)
Engine out:
HVAC is in 
Uh-oh: Rust!
Good as new!
Fellten Seriues II motor and parts 
