Exploring the Merge Between Past and Present Vehicle Engineering: Converting Classic Porsches to Electric
The established Porsche OEM parts supplier, Design911 discusses the appeal of an electric conversion of your vintage or classic Porsche
Thousands of drivers are keen to switch to electric power in compliance with evolving regulations and costs associated with fuelled vehicles. While trading in a petrol or gas car for a fully electric or hybrid replacement might be straightforward, the solution is more complex for classic vehicle owners unprepared to part ways.
One of the possible answers may be to opt for a conversion kit, with specialist kits supplied by Design911 Porsche parts supplier and designed to enable Porsche enthusiasts and restorers to reconfigure their engine into a clean, green, low-cost motor.
In this guide, the Design 911 Porsche OEM parts supplier team explains the appeal of an eco-friendly conversion and why customising a vintage or classic Porsche is now more accessible than ever.
How Can a Classic Porsche Be Converted to an Electric Motor?
Porsche has long been a marque synonymous with taste, quality and style. With a new evolution in car conversion kits, it is absolutely possible to convert even the rarest vehicle into a revamped, modernised version of itself – without losing any of the timeless bodywork or performance that makes a Porsche a Porsche.
As our Porsche video shows, there is no need to compromise, and our bespoke customisation kits are built on over 35 years of expertise and passion. Here at Design 911, we love nothing more than the opportunity to reimagine a classic model.
Our sourcing teams have unparalleled expertise and connections and can access rare, unique or custom-adapted parts and components to ensure your conversion is successful. Why consider converting an old engine to an electric motor? Here are a few of the benefits:
- Outdated engines commonly develop oil leaks and become more expensive to maintain, particularly where parts are no longer manufactured.
- Electric motors are considered the best standard in next-gen motoring, and while already compliant with regulations such as the London ULEZ zone, they are undoubtedly due to become more popular as restrictions on vehicles with heavy emissions become more widespread.
- Future-proof electric motors are clean, have zero emissions, and experience none of the issues associated with fuelled cars. Whether the nuisance of fuel odours or the cost of rising fuel prices, an electric motor is simpler to refuel and more convenient to use.
Electric retrofitting is a process whereby you strip out the existing internal combustion engine, remove the components that contribute to pollution, and replace them with either a battery or a hydrogen-electric system.
Using a Porsche Electric Conversion Kit
The first pointer is that your conversion kit can be adapted to the model and age of your vehicle and that there isn't one standardised kit to select. Rather, you might opt for a general conversion kit or a sports model – a popular solution for Porsche owners who are keen to retain a powerful performance from their vehicle.
Conversions are deceptively simple when completed by an experienced mechanic or conversion specialist and created with a comprehensive subframe system that bolts into the vehicle, incorporating the electric motor, cooling system, charger and battery box.
The next step is to install the necessary drive shafts to ensure your electric motor and the associated components are accessible during maintenance work and to facilitate a seamless installation process. A great electric conversion motor control system will then offer the versatility in driving experience you expect, with eco and sport options available.
If you have a vintage or classic Porsche in need of restoration and repair, the conversion project is also an ideal time to consider other performance upgrades, uprating other aspects of the car to extract maximum performance and a smooth drive.
A professional installer will consider essential elements such as the balance of weight distribution between the front and the back of the vehicle, particularly when fitting a sports model motor that offers considerable torque and power.
Thus, we'd always suggest working with a skilled team with an in-depth understanding of suspension geometry and who will configure the retrofitted electric motor with precision.
Drop-In vs Custom Porsche Electric Motor Conversion Kits
One of the decisions you may need to consider is whether you'd like a pre-built 'drop-in' kit that is pre-configured and ready to install. While there are limited kits of this type currently available on the market, the concept is to create a ready-made kit that can be installed and fitted by a qualified mechanic or technician, designed to slot into the vehicle's architecture without further work.
The alternative is a custom kit, where each component is selected specifically for your car or adapted to fit your vehicle's frame, size and structure.
The latter is highly advisable if you have a rare, high-value or unusual Porsche. Drop-in kits are typically designed for more common and popular models and are less likely to be available for any unique classic Porsche.
Our preference, as a Porsche specialist, is, of course, to go for the best quality possible and choose an electric motor that is balanced and configured for you – without any likelihood that the placement of the engine or the connecting components will impact the balance or performance of your Porsche.
Drop-in kits are available for the 911, including G-Body and 964-Series models, although kits for any other Porsche models should be customised to your requirements and vehicle.
Considerations When Converting a Classic Porsche to Electric
There will always be a debate about the viability of converting an older model Porsche to electric, but ultimately, the decision is down to you and whether you would prefer to have an all-electric vehicle you can drive freely and without additional charges – or whether you believe that converting a fuelled engine contradicts the authenticity of the classic Porsche experience.
Factors may include the impact on the car's value, with electric conversions typically increasing the saleable value of a vehicle and making it a more appealing prospect. However, if your heart is set on a petrol or diesel car, you can still make modifications to reduce the emissions and ensure your vehicle is cleaner and greener without a full conversion.
For more information about sourcing a bespoke electric conversion kit for your Porsche or advice about the right way to manage and commission this retrofitting project, please get in touch with the Design 911 team at your convenience.
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About Design911
Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and rebuild as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The Design911.co.uk website now sports a Porsche parts finder to help you get the exact aftermarket Porsche part your need. The company's impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply 'every part for every Porsche'.
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Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk