In Might of 2022, I put a deposit down with Second Motors to transform an ICE automotive into an EV. The down cost put me right into a queue that was over a year-long, giving me numerous time to pick one thing enjoyable for the mission.
After appreciable thought, I made a decision on Eighties-era traditional 911. I used to be by no means a lot of a Porsche man – their engines are within the fallacious place – however I assumed they’d make for a enjoyable, gentle, tossable EV. I picked up an inexpensive, beater observe 911 to transform.
Because it turned out, the automotive was a 1988 matching numbers M491 Cabrio. Underneath quite a lot of aftermarket add-ons and mods was a considerably uncommon, largely unique, beneficial 911 in respectable form.
The M491 possibility consists of every thing that comes with the top-of-the-line 911 Turbo – the flared fenders, big whale tail, wrap-around chin spoiler, G50 5-speed guide gearbox, upgraded suspension, wider Fuchs wheels, 930 Brembo brakes – minus the turbo charger. It made for a great-looking automotive with out the “widow-maker” conduct of the 930s.
Again when it was new, the M491 possibility was an costly improve: $5,000 on a automotive with an MSRP of $44,930. Nonetheless, that was manner cheaper than the total 930 turbo coupe, which got here in at $72,645. Solely 282 Porsche Carrera 3.2 Cabriolets with the M491 possibility had been ordered in 1988, with 108 coming to the U.S. At present, well-maintained M491 Cabrios promote for over $100k.
So, not a candidate for EV conversion.
The prior proprietor had lowered the suspension, added a roll bar, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, and plenty of electronics/radar tech, I assume the automotive was raced (street or observe). Because it was not an EV conversion candidate, I made a decision to return the automotive to its unique inventory setup. Out went the roll cage, anti-sway bars, diminished journey springs & shocks, low profile tires to get replaced by all unique suspension gear. New brake strains, numerous lights, and swap gear wanted to get replaced, as did a restore of some rust behind the battery. New tires and the automotive 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 automotive,” 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 convey again to life.
These might need been badass automobiles again within the day, however 215HP is kinda sluggish immediately. Even with the improve to three.4 and 270 HP, they don’t seem to be lightning-quick. However they’re purely analog, open-air cruisers, with strong dealing with, an amazing shifter, and make great sounds.
It took about 6 months to get the automotive again to its unique inventory situation. It’s been quite a 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 favourite, however it additionally has such a Eighties vibe, that random individuals cease to talk about it. I used to be not planning on holding the automotive, 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 duplicate in a contemporary automotive.
Extra photographs beneath.
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From the unique sale itemizing:
“The flat-six engine was rebuilt beneath prior possession and upgraded to a 3.4-liter displacement with a giant bore equipment together with 100mm Mahle solid 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 guide 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 grimy mess:
Heading to Autostrada for steam cleansing and ceramic coating:
40 Years later, it’s a lot smaller than a contemporary 911.