Daily Slideshow: Built by Porsche, Powered by Subaru
After the 356 ended production there came a new car from Porsche to satisfy fans who yearned for a lighter and nimble car that was cheaper than a 911. Now one has been restomoded with some new school power under the hatch courtesy of Subaru.
Two brothers and one forgotten Porsche
This story begins seven years ago when Mike and Mat Davidson wanted to build a special 912 that would change the way people looked at the car all the while holding it true to its essence. It would have simple bodywork and changes would be kept minimal so as to not distract the eye but it would be would be very far removed from the life of being a trailer riding show queen.
So things began with a bare shell as a black canvas that was rusted to absolute pieces. Mike remarks that “It felt like [it was] both a total disaster and a clean fresh canvas to build from.” New metal was added to the floor pans, front suspension pan, rocker panels, striker panels, rear flares and a few other places on the car.
Can't deny that it looks good
The exterior paint color, Wimbledon White, isn't a Porsche color but both Mike and Mat felt that this shade had the perfect vintage hue that they were looking for. For the curious, this color is actually from the early model Mustang factory paint sheet.
On the interior, one of the first things you'll notice is the Momo Prototipo steering wheel, which is a common sight in older 911 models. The seats are custom RS style items that are accentuated by a gorgeous Houndstooth plaid finish by TRE Motorsports.
Sorely needed updates
The tachometer was made custom by West Hollywood Speedo. It really is crazy that this car was built in a private garage by two guys who saw something in this 912 when others could not. However, the most surprising part of this build is the 2.0-liter engine that came from a Version 8 Subaru WRX STI Spec C.
The hatch got crammed full of parts with a custom-made intercooler just clearing the decklid and sitting just half an inch away from the alternator. Adding to that is a Turbosmart blow-off valve, GrimmSpeed electronic boost control system, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, and a few more aftermarket parts to push performance and reliability to new places.
It took some work to get things right
To keep things as hands-on as possible, the brothers learned how to weld aluminum and fabricated parts as they needed for the job. The conversion for the engine transplant ran relatively smoothly until they hit the section on keeping things cool. So, the 912 runs three custom radiators: one in the front RS bumper opening and one in each front fender. The front tub ended getting damaged from the radiator setup but that was eventually fixed after some shuffling was done.
After taking the 912 for a run on the dyno the engine was producing 294hp at 19psi with 265-lb-ft of torque. Now take into account that the car only weighs a paltry 2,100 lbs which is about the same as an NA Miata and you can imagine just how quick this 912 can be with the right driver. Equal length headers were handmade for the car so it doesn't have the same rumble of other flat-fours but we're sure it still sounds awesome at WOT.
The same... but different
Speaking of driving, the front suspension is straight out of a 1974 911. The wheels are 15x7 inch ATS Cookie Cutters wrapped in 225-45R15 Hoosiers rubber. Behind those are 911 'M' Calipers and rotors with Hawk Performance ceramic pads.
In a strange way, the choice of using a Subaru engine seems to work out in the grand scheme of things. Mike and Mat simply took a 912 and swapped out a busted flat-four for a working, albeit water cooled, flat-four.
For help keeping your Porsche running right, please see our how-to section in the forum.