blasphemy- which v8 conversion is best?

[Ray 911s]

There are Porsche V8 conversion sites attempted from time to time. Unfortunately, there are those who favor the Simpson conversion and others who favor the Renegade conversion - and any conversion site winds up being a battle ground between these two camps. As a result there is no real useful information available and the site is eventually hacked or spammed and dies. Pelican is still the best source of info. The few conversions done by Pelican members are among the best ever completed.

However, anyone who attempts this conversion because they think it is cheaper power is in for a horrible lesson. It is at least as expensive as a Porsche branded conversion/update - in many cases more so.

[aftermath]

Thanks Ray911, yes the pelicans seem to know it best.
Yes it will be fun doing something against the grain also.
Anyone have a list of v8-911 members or a few more names?
Im trying to gather all the costs to make a informed decision, since I will probably never have the know how to work on the engine internals and I have v8 mechaninc friends, its just seems like the way to go for me.

Conversion kit, cooling system ( possibly new fuel tank ), transaxle\clutch upgrades, recalibrate the guages seem to be the costs. AM I MISSING SOMETHING? Suspension is being replaced anyways.

[gtrdon]

Considering the price range the v8 conversion is getting to, why not do a 3.6L swap?

[aftermath]

Ok, correct\educate me on costs. Im factoring in what I know my shipping costs to be.
Conversion kit\350HPmotor\930 transaxle - $10000 - new engine, I have resources who can help
3.2(80,000miles)\230HP?\oil cooler\915 transaxle $7500 - engine due for a rebuild soon - I will be on my own for maintenance
Comparible power costs? 3.6? transaxle\oil cooler? Im looking about $500 shipping for a motor\transaxle, which Ive added into the 3.2 costs.

But Im still trying to find out info on the cooling systems, I know if this isnt done right it will be a problem.

[Ray 911s]

As it turns out, I happen to have a well-built light-weight V8 that I would trade to someone for the right 3.0L.

[efhughes3]

Originally posted by look 171
Maybe he doesn't know. Are there any chat places out there that you know of? If you do, please let him know. If not, don't say anything. He just wanted info, and he know he might have a chance to get it here. If you don't like the thread, don't read it.

Since this forum is basically people weighing in with their opinions, I think I've got the right to speak what came to my mind. If you re-read my thread, I didn't say I didn't like the thread, I simply posed what I felt was a logical question.

[svandamme]

i say , ok

every chop job on a 911 makes mine worth more,

[Dave Taylor]

Aftermath,

You've probably seen it, but here's a link to a thread with a beautiful V-8 conversion.
Another question about V8 conversions

[lin7310948]

aftermath, i have a very well done conversion ....i know, 'cause i did it my self using renegade hybrids parts. if you have questions, give me an email. i have a 400 hp 930, a 73S, and the 71 rs lookalike v8 car....not cheap but 500 hp in a 2300 pound car with the engine sitting on top oof the rear wheels is a handful. on the street very well mannered. biggest problem of all is keeping heat from the front mounted radiator out of the cockpit!!
regards, larry

lin7310948@charter.net

by the way, renegade hybrids does have a very informative web site.

[GJF]

Guys, This car was done when I had a performance shop years ago. I have done fabriction for years for many IMSA teams years ago. I thought the pics would help you possibly for an idea. You can do a conversion very cheap or very elaborate. This car had a G50 gearbox in it with a Sachs Sport clutch. The car had about 475HP and seemed to handle the power without any problems. IMHO I think it is a must to use aluminum heads and focus on suspension to counter the added weight. If you find a good used 3.0 and a 915 gearbox it should be about the same $$$. But if you want more HP than 380 the V-8 looks attractive. It cost the same but to up the power it is easier to uprade and cheaper with the V-8. It takes the flat 6 character out of the car, but gives you good torquey acceleration. There are pros and cons and I respect everyones opinions. I prefer turbo flat sixxes. Here is my personal twin turbo slantnose. Just the rear shot as I was assembling after paint. It is all Porsche except for the EFI conversion and the Garretts and the fuel cell and the oil tank and the Hargett shifter and the fuel system and the carbon panels and .............. LOL

[aftermath]

Thanks for that info on the last two posts. So your saying price wise is about the same unless the HP is getting higher than 350? What does a good running stock 3.2 put out, I thought 230HP? Correct me please.

[RarlyL8]

I'd say the prices run the same 'till you hit 300HP. After that the Porsche prices increase exponentially over the converted V8. But the torque curve of a big cube V8 can never be duplicated by a flat 6. A 300HP V8 would feel more powerful than a 300HP F6.

And yes, the 911 is only a car. I don't like to see them made into clown cars (like the Avalanch) but that's just an opinion. Everyone has the right to spend their money their way. Taste not withstanding.

[GJF]

Well..... A 3.2 with PMO's and exhaust should give you 250+. But by adding a pair of GE80's you should be well into 300 range. Which would put you alot closer to your V-8 output. End result is do what makes you happy. If you are a person with mechanical ability and a limited budget the V-8 is easier then the big cash out lay of the P-car stuff.

[avendlerdp]

I have a slightly modded 2.2t and a 914 with a 327 in it. I can say that the V8 914 is much more fun to drive out in the hills but the 911 still is my favorite car due to it's good manners and balance. I think if you want something for max performance then the V8 can't be beat. The bigger Porsche motors are great, but will never have the power per $ of a Chevy. Remember that there have been a lot of advances in the Chevy V8 of late including the LS1, and that my friends, will not be easy to top with Porsche stuff for less than HUGE $$. The conversion on my 914 was so simple I am not sure a full kit is even worth buying. The radiator is out of a junkyard Jag and including my ducting cost $200. Some Gates Greenstripe hose and a bit of time and the cooling system was done. I cut out the front fenderwells but if you don't make the holes too big It does not seem to cause any problems. The adaptor plate was made by Kennedy Engineering and was not a big cost item. I just keep it simple and have had a lot of fun with that car. I say if you want to have stupid power for cheap then go V8. It seems like people over engineer these swaps, so much that the costs get blown out of proportion.

Alex

[Ray 911s]

Alex, you have a good point. The staggering cost to complete my own project are largely due to beefing up the gearbox and drive train to handle high torque. My engine dyno'ed at over 410 Ft lb. Perhaps a 300hp small block would be a better fit. And if the SBC could be built to adjust the torque band up higher, a fresh 915 might handle it.

[RarlyL8]

The simple fact that a 915 is not recommended for use with V8s speaks volumes.
You don't question a 915 in Porsche applications of 300HP or less. I have nearly 400(Porsche)HP and the 915 has held up for years.

[Ray 911s]

I don't think hp is the issue. The V8 makes too much torque at too low in the RPM band.

[avendlerdp]

My V8 does'nt make too much torque at low rpms but it was built just for this job. The short stroke 327 is all top end (3 to 7k rpm) due to my cam choice. A cam so agressive it would suck in a heavy car! I use a stock 901 tranny and don't use 1st gear. I have yet to blow the trans but if I do, another used one is $400 or so! I use a fairly soft clutch and only 215 sized tires. Still using 914 halfshafts with no failures!! I think the wrong approach is the 383 long stroke option. THose motors make a ton of low end and don't last as long due to a bad rod angle. Good for low E.T.'s in a 3500lb Chevelle but out of place in a lightweight car like yours. The best motor for our cars is a 302 with it's super short stroke and large bore. Don't worry the power will be there (300-400 hp)!

The biggest problem I have had is keeping oil pressure up coming out of turns under full power.

Alex

[Kevin Stewart]

If you wanna v8 thats cool, but you will always be an outcast, and your car will be an out cast, i dont really care what you do, but most of us buy a 911 not only for the looks but the sound of a flat 6 with a good exhaust, girls always say man your car sounds so cool (3.6 conversion with B&B headers, they never said that about any muscle car i had or my v8 race car, Kevin

[avendlerdp]

Different sounds, different girls my friend. If you are thinking about making time with the ladies more than times on the track I'm sorry. Most of the women I meet like a good conversation and a house in the Hollywood hills.

Anyhow... The "outlaw(cast)" nature of the V8 is a perfect way to make a regular Porsche interesting.

Alex