Textbook Safari Build: 1983 911SC
Sometimes, following the crowd isn’t such a bad thing.
Porsche trends seem to come and go. Back in the 1980s it was slantnose conversions, and within the last ten years or so we’ve had mega-widebody RWB knockoffs, backdate Singer wannabees, and now safari 911 builds. A year or so ago, our socks were blown clean off the first time we saw one.
Now, though, we’re pretty used to seeing them. We still think they’re way cool, and an awesome way to utilize the classic aircooled 911’s unique skill set. That said, this 1983 Porsche 911 SC we saw on BringATrailer is what we’d call a “textbook safari build.”
That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, though. By that, we mean that the builder chose all the right parts and stuck them together to make a great, proven combo that sure to put a smile on the face of any 911 fan who wants to play in the dirt.
To start off, the engine build is something you’d be happy to find in the back of any 911 hot rod. The 3.0 liter flat six was disassembled and freshened up with a few choice upgrades, like Carrera cam chain tensioners and 964 camshafts. On a 3.0 or a 3.2, 964 cams add a nice bit of punch and make for a nice lopey idle without upsetting the California Air Resources Board.
The 915 gearbox was similarly rebuilt and gears are now selected with the ease and precision of a Wevo shifter. Both the engine and transaxle are, naturally, protected by skid plates.
The builder went to Elephant Racing for a 2.5″ coilover lift kit, always a good choice. Wheels are naturally from Braid, and the TRE light pod on the hood is a very appropriate touch. The front bumper & push bar conceals a Warn winch.
Overall, there’s not a whole lot to disagree with, here. It’s a cool car and a great example to point to when someone asks how they should convert their 911 into a safari build. Best of all, all of the modifications appear to be fully reversible, leaving your aircooled investment ready and willing to hop onto the next trend, whenever that may be.
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