If you’re like us, your project cars usually up being different from what you originally envisioned. Such is the case with Rutledge Wood’s 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera. Sure, it will still get the awesome RWB widebody kit, personally installed by RWB Japan founder Akira Nakai. A Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS crate engine is still going under the rear bonnet, and Kenwood Rod Shop in Peachtree City, Georgia is handling the build.
But Rutledge changed his mind on a couple of items.
90 + 64 = More Fun
Rutledge originally ordered a Chevrolet Performance E-Rod 6.2L LS3 crate engine that cranked out 430 horsepower and 425 lbs.-ft. of torque. But once Rutledge realized that the Porsche G50 transaxle and upgraded driveshafts would be able to handle more power, he swapped the E-Rod for another Chevrolet Performance 6.2L that makes 525 horsepower and 489 lbs.-ft. of torque. 90 extra horsepower and 64 lbs.-ft of extra torque is hard to argue with.
The Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS crate engine fits in the 911’s engine compartment like it was made to be there. The engine cranks out 525 horsepower and 489 lbs.-ft. of torque. Image/Rutledge Wood
We’ll let
Rutledge explain the other big change.
“I
had a lot of plans to paint the car ‘Petty Blue,’” he explained. “But after a
lot of thought, I realized I had the chance to make a car that was uniquely
mine, so I decided to go a different direction. After searching for the perfect
color, I settled on ‘Sonoma Green’ which is a factory Audi color. The color is
so beautiful and has a lot of change to it depending on the light level. I know
with the car’s retro styling it’s going to be a perfect combination of old and
new.”
The Carrera will make its debut at the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, June 8-14 (find out the route and stops at the Power Tour website). Rutledge will then drop the car off at Summit Racing’s Tallmadge, Ohio Retail Super Store, where it will be on display from June 15 through early July.
We also have a list of components that will be bolted to the Carrera:
• G50 Porsche transaxle with Guard billet limited slip, built by Bill Rader Motorsports
• KW Suspension Variant 3 torsion bar front suspension
• KW Suspension Clubsport coilover rear suspension conversion
• Custom-built Magnaflow exhaust system
• Brembo GT four-piston front and rear disc brakes
• Continental Extreme Contact Sport tires, 295/35-18 rear, 265/35-18 front
• Forgeline LS3 Concave wheels with race gold centers and brush-finish barrels, 18 x 10 front, 18 x 12 rear
• Custom-made 9Eleven Raven S LED headlights with gunmetal housings and gold trim rings
• RWB Japan steering wheel
• Recaro seats
And if Rutledge decides to make any more big changes—lift kit, Tesla drivetrain, eight-wheel drive, it’s hard to know with him—we’ll bring you the details ASAP.
In the meantime, browse these in-progress photos:
The transaxle was upgraded to a Porsche G50 6-speed unit with a limited slip differential. It’s more than capable of handling the LS engine’s grunt. Image/Rutledge Wood
The front suspension is a KW Suspension Variant 3 torsion bar setup. Simple, yet very effective. Image/Rutledge Wood
This gives you an idea on how big the Forgeline LS3 Concave 18 x 12 wheel really is. The tire is a 295/35-18 Continental Extreme Contact Sport. Image/Rutledge Wood
Kenwood Rod Shop handled the bodywork and paint too. The body needed minor dent and ding repair to bring it up to snuff. Image/Rutledge Wood
To make life easier, the Porsche factory wiring harness was discarded and replaced with a Painless Performance 28-circuit harness. Image/Rutledge Wood
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