2003 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 Cabriolet - LS3 V8 Conversion

Highlights

• 6.2-litre LS3 V8 conversion kit by Renegade Hybrids
• Dyno-proven 400+bhp using a fully re-mapped Emerald ECU
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Upgraded suspension
• Good service history
• Large folder of paperwork
• Low mileage
• In good condition throughout
• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

The 996 era of Porsche's venerable 911 has in the past (rather unfairly we might add) been lambasted for eschewing the historically air-cooled flat six engines that helped make the model so significant in favour of a more modern water-cooled set up. In truth the 996 is an excellent addition to the line-up and remains an utterly brilliant car to this day, especially in Carrera 4 all-wheel drive guise, but any arguments in regards to this particular car's flat-six, however, are all moot because it doesn't actually have one. Instead, nestled in its place at the rear sits a 6.2-litre Chevrolet LS3 V8! Purists need not apply but we're 100% here for it.

Professionally installed with an eye for keeping things looking stock, the conversion kit – supplied by leading provider Renegade Hybrids – looks to have been fitted with care and attention and the replacement engine has been tuned and mapped using an Emerald stand-alone ECU to fully exploit its performance credentials. Complete with a large history folder, the car itself presents very well and has covered just over 50K miles since new.

With documented servicing and stacks of paperwork this Porsche 996 Carrera 4 has clearly been well-maintained and comes with an advisory-free MOT until September next year. Arguably more reliable and easier to service and maintain than a standard boxer-engined 996, not to mention its increased performance, this V8-equipped 911 ticks quite a lot of boxes and is ready to be driven and enjoyed should you dare to be different.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year
• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name
• Five registered former keeper
• In current ownership since 20 Oct 2019
• First registered 01 May 2003
• Two keys
• Large history folder organised into sections
• Service history with the original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: yearly maintenance at 7,900 miles (2004 – main dealer), major maintenance+brake fluid at 17,738 miles (2005 – main dealer), major maintenance+spark plug replacement+brake fluid at 26,340 miles (2007 – main dealer), yearly maintenance at 29,403 miles (2010), yearly maintenance at 30,215 miles (2011), service at 41,493 miles (2016), yearly+minor+major maintenance+spark plug replacement at 43,220 miles (2017)
• 4 year condition report at 26,340 miles (2007 – main dealer)
• Air bag system check (2007 – main dealer)
• Numerous specialist invoices for parts, servicing, maintenance and mapping
• Two separate dyno printouts showing peak power outputs of 425.9bhp and 417bhp respectively
• HPI clear
• Advisory-free MOT until 03 Sep 2027
• 53,104 indicated miles

Interior

• Clean and in very good condition overall
• Black leather upholstery is wearing well but the back of the seats are slightly scuffed
• No signs of any major damage
• Pioneer double DIN head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Upgraded speakers and amps
• The vendor reports that everything works
• Door cards, carpets and headlining are all in good shape
• Porsche floor mats present
• Dashboard remains intact
• Wind deflector present
• Space saver spare wheel with tyre plus tools
• Engine bay looks clean and presents well

Exterior

• In excellent condition overall with only a small ding to the offside front wing to note
• The silver paintwork remains in fine fettle
• No signs of any major damage but there are a few minor blemishes here and there commensurate with age and mileage
• Panel gaps are uniform
• The convertible fabric roof looks to be in good condition with only some slight discolouration of the side trims to mention
• Hard top included
• Windows and light lenses are free from any issues
• The factory 18” five-spoke alloy wheels present well at all four corners and carry no evidence of any damage or kerb rash
• All Porsche centre caps are present and correct
• Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round
• The underside of the car looks to be in good shape

Mechanical

• 400+bhp, 6.2-litre naturally aspirated Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine
• LS7 camshaft
• Emerald ECU that allows for three switched maps (currently running on a single master map)
• Mapped for super unleaded fuel
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Four-wheel drive
• Bilstein Coil Overs professionally fitted by JAZ Porsche
• Recent Bosch battery
• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor informs us that the car sounds “outrageous”, the brakes are excellent, the suspension is perfect and the mapping is very good

Summary

Despite a whopping great V8 providing the forward motion the car retains a factory look and feel and all of the conversion work has been done tastefully. If you're after something a little different that's a guaranteed talking point then this is an incredibly interesting take on a 996 and one that's sure to turn heads and set tongues wagging. A Porsche 911 with a powerful V8 engine is an especially alluring combination, regardless of how you feel about the whole air vs water debate, so dance to this car’s wonderful eight-cylinder tune and get bidding!