How can one tell if a 911 is factory widebody or been converted?

[baq911]

I have a 77 911 and I purchased it as a widebody, the fenders blend in so perfectly to the rest of the car that I wonder if it is a factory widebody or converted? (non-turbo) Thanks.

[Canada Kev]

One of the option codes should be 491, I believe, for the turbo look. The brakes should be the turbo version and some other stuff, too. I don't know all the goodies for this option, though.

The point is likely moot, as in 1977, I don't believe the turbo look option was available.

[dsmeyer]

The Turbo Look option was only offered on 3.2 Carreras from '84 to '89.

The easy way to tell a factory one from a conversion is the brakes. The factory M491 optioned cars will have a larger caliper mounted behind the rear axle center as shown in the bottom picture. The standard narrow body 911s had the caliper mounted ahead of the rear axle center.

The rear brakes are in a different position because the factory M491 cars all have 930 trailing arms. The 930 trailing arms required different pick-up points on the tub, so they can't just be bolted on to a narrow body tub.

[Flat6pac]

Even on a Carrera 84 to 86, the sure tell is the rear torque tube. The tube at the trans mount will have location for the bolts of a 915 and for the turbo trans about 30mm apart. The next item is a Turbo look had black Porsche shocks and struts and does not have turbo tierods.
Bruce

[James Brown]

Sounds like you got some good body work from the PO.

[winders]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

Even on a Carrera 84 to 86, the sure tell is the rear torque tube. The tube at the trans mount will have location for the bolts of a 915 and for the turbo trans about 30mm apart. The next item is a Turbo look had black Porsche shocks and struts and does not have turbo tierods.
Bruce

Another tell is the rear mounting points for the front suspension. They are a little higher (~13mm) on a true wide body tub. This is easiest to see when the gas tank is removed because the sheet metal under the tank is different.

Scott

[dsmeyer]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

The next item is a Turbo look had black Porsche shocks and struts and does not have turbo tierods.
Bruce

You are correct ... factory Turbo Look 911s came with black Boge 'Sport' shocks and standard tie rods. But those parts are easy to change, as I did on my Turbo Look. However, changing the brakes would require welding in revised pick-up points, and the expense of 930 trailing arms, brakes and axles.