Don Nguyen | My Porsche 911 V8 Build
02-26-2013, 12:20 PM
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Glad to hear the support guys!
Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap.
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
Hi Don 
Cool car and so original. For me it seems a shame to do this to an unmolested example. However that said, very interesting project. I am not a purist, however, I am curious to know what the main advantages of the V8 are over tuning and modding the existing 3.6??
Considerations being: -
1. New engine cost
2. Massive labour costs for "bespoke" work to get it to fit. (I presume)
3. Extra weight in the back?
4. ROI - I know you don't get this from any project but possibly less so with this build?
I believe you can tune a NA 3.8 to 350+ HP and with Turbos hitting 600HP!!
If it is pure power would this not be the way to go??
And
Would that extra weight in the back make it even more tail happy??
...subscribed
Cool car and so original. For me it seems a shame to do this to an unmolested example. However that said, very interesting project. I am not a purist, however, I am curious to know what the main advantages of the V8 are over tuning and modding the existing 3.6??
Considerations being: -
1. New engine cost
2. Massive labour costs for "bespoke" work to get it to fit. (I presume)
3. Extra weight in the back?
4. ROI - I know you don't get this from any project but possibly less so with this build?
I believe you can tune a NA 3.8 to 350+ HP and with Turbos hitting 600HP!!
If it is pure power would this not be the way to go??
And
Would that extra weight in the back make it even more tail happy??
...subscribed
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
02-26-2013, 12:34 PM
#18
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...Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap...
I totally understand why you are doing this, and if I was staring at a 10-15K engine rebuild, I might start thinking about it too. A cam'd-out V8 sounds so, so kickarse.
For those not familiar with V8 conversions, checkout this video. The engineering behind it looks pretty solid, and it's amazing how well it integrates into the 996's systems. It's not a 964, but the conversion makes good sense, especially for a 996 (or a stripped-out Boxster rat rod project!!!!!).
Looking forward to seeing how well it works with a 964?!
Last edited by 911Jetta; 02-26-2013 at 12:56 PM. Reason: (added Boxster project)
02-26-2013, 12:42 PM
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Hi Don
...., I am curious to know what the main advantages of the V8 are over tuning and modding the existing 3.6??
Considerations being: -
1. New engine cost
2. Massive labour costs for "bespoke" work to get it to fit. (I presume)
3. Extra weight in the back?
4. ROI - I know you don't get this from any project but possibly less so with this build?
I believe you can tune a NA 3.8 to 350+ HP and with Turbos hitting 600HP!!
If it is pure power would this not be the way to go??
And
Would that extra weight in the back make it even more tail happy??
...subscribed
...., I am curious to know what the main advantages of the V8 are over tuning and modding the existing 3.6??
Considerations being: -
1. New engine cost
2. Massive labour costs for "bespoke" work to get it to fit. (I presume)
3. Extra weight in the back?
4. ROI - I know you don't get this from any project but possibly less so with this build?
I believe you can tune a NA 3.8 to 350+ HP and with Turbos hitting 600HP!!
If it is pure power would this not be the way to go??
And
Would that extra weight in the back make it even more tail happy??
...subscribed
Also as a FYI a well tune 3.8 Porsche engine built closing on 600hp will run you well over $20 K. On the other hand a used low miles (and they all are) LS3 engine will cost you between $3500-$4500. You cant even get a seized 3.6 engine at that price,...
I say go for it. I also though about doing this in a 968 platform.
02-26-2013, 12:51 PM
#20
Racer
Glad to hear the support guys!
Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap.
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap.
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
With an LS3 there is actually weight loss NOT weight gain over the 964 3.6, the most significant difference is that the weight sits higher in the engine bay than the flat six.
Also as a FYI a well tune 3.8 Porsche engine built closing on 600hp will run you well over $20 K. On the other hand a used low miles (and they all are) LS3 engine will cost you between $3500-$4500. You cant even get a seized 3.6 engine at that price,...
I say go for it. I also though about doing this in a 968 platform.
Also as a FYI a well tune 3.8 Porsche engine built closing on 600hp will run you well over $20 K. On the other hand a used low miles (and they all are) LS3 engine will cost you between $3500-$4500. You cant even get a seized 3.6 engine at that price,...
I say go for it. I also though about doing this in a 968 platform.
Just remember to post plenty of pics!!
02-26-2013, 01:06 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
Sorry for the quick hijack, just another V8 mod story...
I would 100% do this to a BMW M3 e36. You wouldn't know anything was done to this car unless you heard it pull up. He couldn't open the hood fast enough.
Wow, did it sound menacing as it loped through the parking lot. I'd love a 4-door for the family.
I was lucky to get a quick ride in it... scary fast!
Don,
Can you explain why LS motor you chose for the project? What are the pros/cons of the various LS motors?
LS1, LS6,LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS7, LS9...
I would 100% do this to a BMW M3 e36. You wouldn't know anything was done to this car unless you heard it pull up. He couldn't open the hood fast enough.
Wow, did it sound menacing as it loped through the parking lot. I'd love a 4-door for the family.
I was lucky to get a quick ride in it... scary fast!
Don,
Can you explain why LS motor you chose for the project? What are the pros/cons of the various LS motors?
LS1, LS6,LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS7, LS9...
02-26-2013, 01:52 PM
#22
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Join Date: Jan 2013
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Glad to hear the support guys!
Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap.
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
Realistically speaking, the car was not as perfect as it may seem in pictures. The previous owner also tracked the car quite a bit as well. After I post some more pictures up of me going through the car, you will see that I am glad I am going through the whole car and restoring it at the same time with the engine swap.
1. Let's just put it this way. Engine is going to cost me roughly the price of a header/exhaust kit for our cars. That's just for a base LS engine with no mods.
2. Labor isn't really an issue since I will be doing most of the work myself, and having worked in the automotive industry for ~10 years, I have met fairly knowledgeable people that I can turn to for any help/assistance on the project.
3. It's actually lighter than the original engine by 20-30lbs, due to the aluminum block.
4. If I were concerned about resale value, I probably would not modify any of my cars and just be driving stock factory cars around. This is a car I hope and plan on keeping forever, but who knows, that may always change.
The cost to tune a 3.8 NA to make 350hp would probably cost the same as my overall entire build/restoration.
-Don
let me help here... i have a 964 ls7 build going on.. the ls motor is around 58lbs lighter than the 3.6 to be more clear. the engine weight being higher is actually not a problem, it is likely less than a 5% weight movement if that. and since it weighs less to begin with i think it is actually nil. as far as a tuned 3.8 your in the 25 grand ball park on just the motor alone. to go turbo on top of that properly is another 5-8 grand. then you have a ticking high strung machine that every time you turn up the boost your just waiting to hear it go boom... sorry guys, thats my take on it. crate ls3 with harness and pcm from gm is 8700.00 renegades kit is 2600.00, so for around 11 grand you have a reliable 436hp car. weight is less, money is less, hp and tq is more and fun is more. win win in my book.
02-26-2013, 03:29 PM
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From the first pictures, that looks like Garrett376's old car? I remember the driveway pictures. Garrett376 was one of the original 964 DIY kings on this forum! ...so that 64 has modding in it's blood. Carry on!
I totally understand why you are doing this, and if I was staring at a 10-15K engine rebuild, I might start thinking about it too. A cam'd-out V8 sounds so, so kickarse.
For those not familiar with V8 conversions, checkout this video. The engineering behind it looks pretty solid, and it's amazing how well it integrates into the 996's systems. It's not a 964, but the conversion makes good sense, especially for a 996 (or a stripped-out Boxster rat rod project!!!!!).
Looking forward to seeing how well it works with a 964?!
I totally understand why you are doing this, and if I was staring at a 10-15K engine rebuild, I might start thinking about it too. A cam'd-out V8 sounds so, so kickarse.
For those not familiar with V8 conversions, checkout this video. The engineering behind it looks pretty solid, and it's amazing how well it integrates into the 996's systems. It's not a 964, but the conversion makes good sense, especially for a 996 (or a stripped-out Boxster rat rod project!!!!!).
Looking forward to seeing how well it works with a 964?!
I will always remember being at a drift event with Rhys Millen's Pontiac GTO drift car (circa 2003/4?) and the lobing of the engine hitting your chest even from 200-300 yards away, just idling.
With an LS3 there is actually weight loss NOT weight gain over the 964 3.6, the most significant difference is that the weight sits higher in the engine bay than the flat six.
Also as a FYI a well tune 3.8 Porsche engine built closing on 600hp will run you well over $20 K. On the other hand a used low miles (and they all are) LS3 engine will cost you between $3500-$4500. You cant even get a seized 3.6 engine at that price,...
I say go for it. I also though about doing this in a 968 platform.
Also as a FYI a well tune 3.8 Porsche engine built closing on 600hp will run you well over $20 K. On the other hand a used low miles (and they all are) LS3 engine will cost you between $3500-$4500. You cant even get a seized 3.6 engine at that price,...
I say go for it. I also though about doing this in a 968 platform.
I will be keeping the original engine. No need to really sell it. Maybe one day if I have nothing else to do, I will do a full rebuild on it. It'll be nice to have all of the original matching numbered parts if I ever do decide to sell the car. Not planning on selling the car, but who knows, plans aways change.
Sorry for the quick hijack, just another V8 mod story...
I would 100% do this to a BMW M3 e36. You wouldn't know anything was done to this car unless you heard it pull up. He couldn't open the hood fast enough.
Wow, did it sound menacing as it loped through the parking lot. I'd love a 4-door for the family.
I was lucky to get a quick ride in it... scary fast!
Don,
Can you explain why LS motor you chose for the project? What are the pros/cons of the various LS motors?
LS1, LS6,LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS7, LS9...
I would 100% do this to a BMW M3 e36. You wouldn't know anything was done to this car unless you heard it pull up. He couldn't open the hood fast enough.
Wow, did it sound menacing as it loped through the parking lot. I'd love a 4-door for the family.
I was lucky to get a quick ride in it... scary fast!
Don,
Can you explain why LS motor you chose for the project? What are the pros/cons of the various LS motors?
LS1, LS6,LS2, LS3, L99, LS4, LS7, LS9...
I have an engine now, but I keep going back and forth on exactly what I want to use. I'll just wait until the engine is in the car before I reveal which one it is. Most likely it'll be a modified version of one of those.
let me help here... i have a 964 ls7 build going on.. the ls motor is around 58lbs lighter than the 3.6 to be more clear. the engine weight being higher is actually not a problem, it is likely less than a 5% weight movement if that. and since it weighs less to begin with i think it is actually nil. as far as a tuned 3.8 your in the 25 grand ball park on just the motor alone. to go turbo on top of that properly is another 5-8 grand. then you have a ticking high strung machine that every time you turn up the boost your just waiting to hear it go boom... sorry guys, thats my take on it. crate ls3 with harness and pcm from gm is 8700.00 renegades kit is 2600.00, so for around 11 grand you have a reliable 436hp car. weight is less, money is less, hp and tq is more and fun is more. win win in my book.
I would probably be pretty sad if I blew up an engine like that. However, if I blew up an LS engine, I'd just jump on craigslist or the forums to find a used block for basically the cost of a set of track tires.
-Don
02-26-2013, 05:33 PM
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http://f10.5post.com/forums/showpost...9&postcount=10
I've been on the internet too long to know not to respond to those type of posts, as that conversations/debate is never going to go anywhere with someone as strong minded as that one.
-Don
02-27-2013, 09:44 AM
#26
I thought this comment that was posted on one of the other forums that I posted this thread on was pretty humorous:
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showpost...9&postcount=10
I've been on the internet too long to know not to respond to those type of posts, as that conversations/debate is never going to go anywhere with someone as strong minded as that one.
-Don
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showpost...9&postcount=10
I've been on the internet too long to know not to respond to those type of posts, as that conversations/debate is never going to go anywhere with someone as strong minded as that one.
-Don
