Our story to this point:

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 mission turned out to be a uncommon(ish) 1988 Porsche 911 Cabrio that I didn’t wish to devalue; as a substitute, I restored the little cabrio again to manufacturing unit spec (pictures right here) and determined its a keeper.

What  I ended up discovering for this mission was a 1987 Carrera with practically 300,000 miles on it, and loads complete of things that argued towards any expensive restoration: alternative motor, interval incorrect aspect view mirrors, flawed seats, 90’s steering wheel, and so forth. It had been in an accident to its proper entrance finish 20 years in the past however was repaired + repainted (extra on this under). I don’t know if/when the doorways had been changed (post-accident?) however they’re a barely totally different coloration. Type of a sizzling mess…

The coupe began out as an fascinating mission automotive, with a number of uncommon choices. The colour is gorgeous and strange “Lagoon Inexperienced Metallic” which reads as a lightweight blue to me; the paint was principally clear; it has rear-wiper and a sunroof delete. It made sense to revive the M491 Cabrio again to inventory, because it was nonetheless price 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 come back 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 mission, so I assumed I might share some updates as to our progress. It’s been principally 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 3 days).

Quickly after arrival, the Motor and transmission had been eliminated with out a hitch (pictures under). 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 (I’ll finally change the outdated audio system.)

The shock was {that a} identified rust spot — the world across the 12-volt battery (nestled towards the motive 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 practically 200 kilos, they want stable assist. You’ll be able to see the earlier than and after pictures under. $9k later, it’s pretty much as good as new.

In late December, the EV motor arrived. After we started this mission again in Might 2022, the state-of-the-art was the Fellten EV Collection 1 motor. At 350hp, it was a pleasant bump up from the automotive’s authentic inventory 210 hp flat 6.

Alas, the Collection I ended its run, and so we had been delayed in getting the Collection II Fellten equipment (see photograph under). That delay was well worth the wait because the Collection II horsepower is 440 — greater than double the unique inventory engine. That could 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 related, however I think the little 911 will really feel quicker.

I’ll replace once more as soon as the motor goes in; Photographs of the progress under:

Beforehand:
Replace: Electrifying A Basic 911 (Might 21, 2023)

Electrifying Basic Vehicles (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 elements