911 Conversion

Renegade Hybrids began producing the Chevrolet V8 engine conversion for the 911/912/930 series (herein referred to as "911") in 1982. Over the past several years, we have refined it into a very complete, highly reliable and powerful engine conversion. Because of the high cost of extracting power from 911 motors, not to mention high maintenance, we feel the Chevy small block V8 is an outstanding performance upgrade with a reasonable price. ( picture )

With Renegade Hybrids conversion kits, a competent do-it-yourself mechanic can transform a mild 911 into a 930 killer. You can buy the kit and all the necessary components for less than the cost of a 911 engine rebuild. Once installed, your Renegade V8 will provide years of trouble free, hi-performance driving, with affordability, low maintenance, greater reliability, not to mention extreme horsepower (if you desire).

Typical installations will take about 40 to 50 hours for an experienced do-it-yourself mechanic when using Renegade Hybrids' parts exclusively. The engine portion of the conversion is strictly bolt-in with no cutting or welding required. Our engine kit allows a Chevrolet small block to be bolted directly to the original motor mount holes in the stock 911 engine bay. ( pictures )

In addition to a Chevy engine and Renegade's conversion kit, the conversion process will also require the installation of a radiator system, header exhaust system, some suspension upgrades, and modification to the gas tank.

Renegade offers all components needed for the V8 conversion, as well as many optional upgrades, including A/C and heating systems, clutch upgrades, transaxle upgrades, transaxle rebuilding services, etc. We offer complete installation and maintenance services as well. Also, we repair and upgrade conversions that were performed elsewhere.( picture )

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES
The V8 is a bit heavier than the 911 engines, but with the use of aluminum heads, the engine weight is very comparable to the 930 (911 turbo) motors. You can expect the same weight bias in your 911 V8 as a stock 911 Turbo (rear 62%, front 38%, approx.).

Aluminum heads will provide weight savings of approximately 50 lbs. over cast iron heads, and with their popularity, prices have fallen in recent years. Use of aluminum heads is recommended especially if the conversion is performed on an early model (1968 and prior) car. (Early model cars have a shorter wheel base). Also, due to the height of the engine, the addition of a turbo style tail will make accommodation of the V8 engine easier, but not necessary.

With the engine weight comparable to the 930, we recommend the installation of larger tires and 930 size or larger, rear torsion bars (30mm is suggested). Upgrading of the front torsion bars is strictly optional but will result in better handling.

For higher horsepower engines, there may be some other recommended upgrades. Please call Renegade if you should have any questions.

ENGINE
Chevrolet started to manufacture the small block engine in 1955 with displacement of 265 cubic inches. Over the years, the displacement was increased (265, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350 and 400 cubic inches.) Regardless of the displacement, the size of the engines remained externally the same and most parts are interchangeable from one motor to another. This feature is one that has prompted racers and aftermarket parts manufacturers to develop thousands of affordable, high performance parts. Chevrolet high performance parts and rebuilt motors can be purchased at virtually every auto parts store in the U.S. as well as many foreign countries. The Chevrolet V8 provides the most affordable horsepower of any in the world.

A small block Chevy 350 V8 can produce 350 hp reliably for over 100,000 miles of high performance driving, with minimal maintenance. Also, higher horsepower is attainable at a very reasonable cost. Typical performance figures for a 350 hp V8 911 are 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds or less. This is achieved without wheel spin or clutch abuse. Quarter miles performance times are in the 12-second range.

When looking for a suitable engine for your conversion, you have many choices. One service we offer involves custom engine designs. While GM makes many choices of motors available at your local Chevy dealer (as seen below), their "crate" motors are generally designed for 3000+ pound cars requiring an abundance of torque. We, on the other hand, like to suggest a higher horse power/lower torque combination. This allows for a very street drivable ride at lower RPM's, and exceptional power when you want to lean on the throttle. For more on this new service, please contact us.

We have listed some additional GM crate motors below as good examples for your conversion budget:

OPTION A: Chevy Stock 350 Replacement Motor - Chevy Part #10067353
This engine is sold as a long block assembly, which means it comes only with heads. You need to supply the intake manifold, distributor, valve covers, carburetor, etc. With a four-barrel and headers, this motor will produce about 230 hp. It should come with a 50,000-mile warranty from Chevrolet. This engine will likely give you a 0-60 time of about 5.5 seconds. The cost is about $1,500 for the long block. The additional accessories needed to make the engine "ready to run" will cost about $600.

OPTION B: 300 HP Complete With Oil Plan - Chevy Part #12355345
This is a better engine than "Option A" for the V8 911 application. The 0-60 times should be 5 seconds or less. The price at your local Chevy dealer should be the $2,500 range. However you will still need to add an intake manifold, carburetor, and distributor. These items should cost an additional $500.

OPTION C: Chevy 355 H.O. (High Output) Motor - Chevy ZZ-4
This engine is excellent for the V8 911 conversion. 0-60 times should be about 4.5 seconds. With 355 hp and 400+ ft. lbs. Of torque, this engine is a lot of bang for your buck. It features many HP internal parts plus aluminum heads. Aluminum heads will provide weight savings of about 50 lbs. This motor also comes with a high performance aluminum intake manifold and an H.E.I. distributor. All you need to buy is a carburetor and spark plug wires. This engine should cost you about $3,600 at a Chevy dealer (a bargain for an all new 355-hp engine with a warranty).

OPTIONAL UPGRADE: An easy way to boost the power on the 345-hp H.O. motor is to have the heads ported. Porting should cost approximately $300-$500 and should increase your horsepower to about 380.

ALL ALUMINUM "RENEGADE EXTREME" ENGINE
If 0-60 in 4.5 seconds is not fast enough, how about 3.6 seconds? How about 0-100 in 8.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.4? Available through Renegade, the all aluminum engine by "Renegade Extreme" provides tremendous horsepower and torque and also a weight savings of about 100 pounds over a cast iron V8. The performance times were verified on a Vericom computer. Priced at just under $18,000, this engine will allow you to out-perform the world's top exotic cars, including a Ferrari with a 500 hp motor and a price tag about $500,000

OTHER ENGINE OPTIONS
As mentioned earlier, Chevy V8 motors and parts are available at virtually every auto parts store on the country, so you should have little problem finding a motor to fit your horsepower and budget needs. If you want more power, the sky is the limit. Normally aspirated 350 Chevy V8's can easily produce 450-500 hp. Engines in this power range could cost $5,000+. That is still very cheep considering the cost of a Porsche motor with the same numbers.

TRANSAXLE AND CLUTCH COMPONENTS
The stock transaxle will generally be sufficient for a V8 conversion, depending on the horsepower of your engine and your individual driving style. Porsche transaxles have proven to be very reliable. Early 901/911 style transaxles up to 1971 can reliably handle up to 300 hp. 1972 and later 915 transaxles can hold upwards of 450 hp. 930 transaxles offer ideal gear ratios for use with a V8 engine, and will hold an excess of 700 hp. However, 1978 and later 3.3 liter transaxles will require shortening of the bell housing by about 1"; Renegade can provide this service.

The Porsche clutch design is a strong package and is about the only one that will fit inside the Porsche bell housing. Renegade makes a flywheel that utilizes stock Porsche components. A stock 911 clutch will hold about 250 ft. lbs. Of torque and about 300 hp. This is sufficient for a very mild 350. We also offer a custom, high performance clutch and pressure plate that provides greater holding power.

Through extensive testing and proper break-in, we found a Kevlar clutch facing offers dramatically increased holding power, yet still allows reasonably smooth engagement. (Most of the carbon fiber we tested had a great deal of chatter when engaging.) We feel the change to our Kevlar disc will improve holding power by at least 25 percent.

We also have available, 911 and 930 high performance pressure plates with greater clamping pressures. When used in combination with our Kevlar clutch disc, you will see a total increase in holding power of about 40%-45%. Our high performance 911 pressure plate and Kevlar disc have been used for up to 475 ft. lbs. of torque in street use. Our 930 high performance plate and Kevlar disc will hold up to 600 ft. lbs. of torque in street applications.

How to Pick a Good Donor Car

1965 to 1968 Short wheel base, 901 transaxle good to only 300HP, OK brakes.
1969 Longer wheel base, still 901 tranny and OK brakes.
1970 to 1971 Very poor 911 tranny. OK brakes.
1972 to 1973 Still early rounded hood body style. 915 early 7:31 ring and pinion tranny, OK brakes
1974 Later body style, flat hood. 915 early 7.31 ring and pinion tranny, OK brakes.
Late 1975 to 1977 915 with 8:31 ring and pinion. Ok brakes. Galvanized chassis to fight rust.
1978 to 1983 Better SC brakes and good 915 tranny.
1984 to 1986 Very good Carerra brakes.
1987 to 1989 Very good G-50 tranny.
Typical Cost of a 300 HP Conversion Project

The following list reflects the typical cost of converting a 911, 912, or 930 to a 300 hp Chevy. This list assumes you will use conversion parts supplied by Renegade. If you wish to do some of the fabrication yourself or wish to install used parts, this will enable you to save money. Although utilizing used parts is definitely a cost saving measure, more time and effort will be required to locate and adapt these parts.

The basic engine kit is exclusive to Renegade Hybrids. The parts included in this kit are custom made in-house, through fabrication or modification. None of these parts can be readily obtained form any other source. Other components required for the conversion can be fabricated or purchased from other sources. However, the easiest and most expedient way to complete the entire conversion is to purchase the components offered by Renegade.

$2,000 250 HP MOTOR FROM CHEVY W/ ACCESSORIES
$1,749 RENEGADE 911 V8 CONVERSION (NON A/C)
$350 RENEGADE CUSTOM HEADERS
$280 REAR TORSION BARS (30MM)
$1,100 CUSTOM ALUMINUM RADIATOR AND DUAL FAN PACKAGE W/ ALL REQUIRED MOUNTING AND DUCTING SHEET ALUMINUM
$850 NEW, ALL ALUMINUM, 16 GAL, GAS TANK
$120 COOLANT HOSE TO RUN FROM RADIATOR TO MOTOR
$6,250 TOTAL
Optional Upgrade

$375 KEVLAR "SPORT" CLUTCH DISC
$295 HIGH PERFORMANCE PRESSURE PLATE
$6,919 GRAND TOTAL
At this point, you have all the major items required to perform the V8 engine conversion. The labor required to complete the installation is about 40 to 50 hours for an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Allow $300 or so for minor incidentals such as tachometer recalibration, oil pressure sender, water temperature sender, etc.

If you are on a tight budget, you can complete the conversion for much less, if you purchase only the engine conversion kit from Renegade, then purchase a used engine (and other components) and do some fabricating yourself.

Basic Engine Conversion Kit

Below is a list of the components included in our basic engine conversion kit to adapt a V8 engine (283-350) into your 911, 912, or 930. This kit applies to model years 1970 or later. For earlier models, please refer to the following page. Other components are required to complete the conversion. Please refer to the preceding text and the attached "Options List":

$280 ADAPTER PLATE: adapts the engine to the transaxle. Machined from 6061 T6, aircraft grade billet aluminum. ( picture )
$350 FLYWHEEL: bolts to the Chevrolet crankshaft and accepts the Porsche 225 mm. 911 clutch. Machined from 4130 chromoly of 0.750 thickness to resist flexing and dissipate heat.
$75 PILOT BEARING: Machined steel bushing with a needle bearing insert.
$335 WATER PUMP: Cast aluminum housing manufactured by Renegade, using a Chrysler impeller. Comes with billet mounting plate, pulley, and water fittings. This pump mounts off to one side of the engine and is belt driven from the harmonic balancer.
$12 HOSE: 4ft. of Gates green stripe hose to go from the pump to the block.
$110 ALTERNATOR BRACKET: Machined from billet aluminum. Allows for mounting of the Chevrolet style alternator.
$90 THERMOSTAT HOUSING: Machined from billet aluminum. Includes a 1 inch, 90 degree hose fitting for return to the radiator. ( picture )
$95 COOLANT FILLER NECK: Allows the cooling system to be filled easily from the engine compartment. Accepts a standard radiator cap.( picture )
$125 HARMONIC BALANCER: Machined double groove balancer with an aluminum spacer. Drives the alternator and water pump.
$220 MOTOR MOUNT: Mounts the engine to the chassis. Bolts to the original 911 motor mount locations in the chassis. One piece welded steel construction. Epoxy powder coated.
$120 ACCELERATOR CABLE AND BRACKETS: Connects the bell crank on the transaxle to the carburetor. Includes all necessary hardware.
$12.50 ea. BELTS: Drive belts for the alternator and water pump.
$1,837 TOTAL
$1,749 DISCOUNTED TOTAL (If purchased as a complete package)
The above components are discounted in the kit form. (Hardware included at no additional charge when the "kit" is purchased in its entirety.) Parts may be purchased separately at the above listed prices.


NOTE: 1969 and earlier 911/912 models, delete the flywheel from the previously mentioned components list, and add the following:

$210 FLYWHEEL: 200 mm. VW unit machined to bolt to the Chevrolet crankshaft.
$165 PRESSURE PLATE: 200mm. VW bus, high performance pressure plate. Will hold up to 225 hp.
$65 CLUTCH DISC: 200 mm. VW disc. Will hold up to 225 hp.
$95 THROWOUT BEARING: Special bearing made to work with the above clutch assembly.
The above engine kit for '69 and earlier models are discounted in kit form. However, parts may be purchased separately at the listed prices.
$1,895 DISCOUNTED TOTAL (If purchased as a complete package)
Options List For 911 Conversions

CLUTCH UPGRADES
After many years of testing and stacks of dead clutches that did not work, we now have a great clutch package that holds power and is smooth on engagement. By modifying the 911 pressure plates, we have been able to achieve and approximate 30% increase in clamping pressure. By changing material to a space age Kevlar on the disc facing, we have seen an additional 25% increase in holding power. This combination is highly recommended foe high torque, high horsepower motors, in excess of 250 hp. (Many racing clutch packages available! Please inquire.)

$375 HIGH PERFORMANCE 915 KEVLAR SPORT DISC
$475 HIGH PERFORMANCE 930 KEVLAR SPORT DISC We use a superior Kevlar compound for a "streetable" combination that holds up to 500 HP. This insures a smooth engagement and better holding power than anything else on the market. (Proper break-in required. Call for more info.)
$335 HIGH PERFORMANCE 915 PRESSURE PLATE
$445 HIGH PERFORMANCE 930 PRESSURE PLATE (Short bell housing early)
$485 HIGH PERFORMANCE 930 PRESSURE PLATE (Long bell housing late)
$595 RACING GRADE LIGHT WEIGHT 915 or 930 (SHORT) ALUMINUM PRESSURE PLATE While you can use your stock pressure plate, you will have much better holding power if you use our Renegade PP. Clamping pressure is about 2200# (2600# = 930s).
$120 911 THROW OUT BEARING
$160 930 THROW OUT BEARING
$120 915 HARDENED CUSTOM RING GEAR
$160 930 HARDENED CUSTOM RING GEAR
$345 HIGH PERFORMANCE CLUTCH PACKAGE FOR 1969 & EARLIER 911/912: 9 1/8" diameter clutch package for early 911/912 has been used up to 400 ft. lbs. of torque. Price applies if purchased at time of basic engine kit purchase.

PRICE IF PURCHASED SEPERATELY:
$275 FLYWHEEL (add $45 for balancing for late model Chevy motors)
$195 High PERFORMANCE KEVLAR SPORT CLUTCH DISK
$259 HIGH PERFORMANCE STAGE II PRESSURE PLATE
COOLING SYSTEM
Renegade offers an excellent custom made cooling system. It comes complete and ready to install. If you are on a tight budget, and opt to create your own cooling system, you can purchase used parts (radiator and fans) from sources such auto dismantlers. If you choose this route, you can save money, but much more time will be required of you, as you will need to fabricate and modify parts. Also, Renegade can guarantee neither the effectiveness nor reliability of home built systems. Thus, we highly recommend Renegade's custom radiator system.

$1,100 CUSTOM ALUMINUM RADIATOR ASSEMBLY: Custom built, all aluminum radiator with high efficiency dual fans, automatic fan switch, steel lower mount for radiator, pre-bent aluminum enclosure panels to keep the air ducted properly, and all hardware necessary. Properly installed, this system will keep your engine running cool (180-220 deg.) guaranteed!
$120 RADIATOR HOSE: High quality Gates hose. We run 1" upper hose and 1 ¼" lower hose from the motor to the radiator. The hoses are located next to the rocker panels, where the factory run A/C and oil cooler lines are routed.
$18 COOLANT OVERFLOW BOTTLE: A 2-qt. Plastic bottle with wire formed support bracket.
$16 HI-FLOW THERMOSTAT: Helps your car run cooler by allowing more water to flow. Does not fluctuate like other brands. Highly recommended.
NEW GAS TANK
With the addition of the cooling system in the front trunk area, an escape for the hot air is needed in the floor of the trunk. To accommodate this addition, the gas tank must be shortened or replaced. If shortened, the capacity is still about 15 gallons. While simple and straightforward, this process does require some fabrication and welding and should only be performed by qualified personnel.

$850 = approx. 16 gal. CUSTOM, ALL ALUMINUM, 911 REPLACEMENT TANK: (for use with our radiator assembly) All tanks include stock position filler neck, breather system, dual fuel lines for fuel injection return, and machined top plate for stock filler neck!
EXHAUST HEADERS
Renegade offers headers for just about any horsepower application. From the mild to wild, we have excellent quality custom headers that allow for an easy and effective installation of your 911 exhaust system. (For high temperature ceramic polished coating, add $150.00)

$350 911 V-8 HEADERS: with 1-5/8 primaries and a 2-1/2 inch collector.
$575 911 V-8 HEADERS: with 1-3/4 primaries and a 3 inch collector.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
Renegade offers air conditioning and heating systems for 911 V8 cars. Our A/C system ties into the original factory installed system. If your car was not equipped with an A/C system by the factory, we also sell components to add air conditioning to you non-A/C car.

$400 A/C MOUNT PLATES: Replaces non A/C motor mount, alternator bracket, and water pump bracket. Package includes A/C mount plates made from Billet aluminum, serpentine belts and drive units. Allows mounting of a high quality compressor. (price if purchased as part of engine kit)
$680 A/C MOUNT PLATES: (PRICE IF PURCHASED SEPARATELY)
$175 A/C CONDENSER (HIGH FLOW): Mounts in front of the radiator, in typical fashion.
$345 A/C COMPRESSOR: New high quality compressor. Mounts to Renegade's custom brackets. Very compact, lightweight, and efficient.
$95 RECIEVER DRYER
$399 AFTER MARKET UNDER DASH A/C (AND HEATER CORE) EVAPORATOR UNIT: Comes with two vent kits.
STARTERS
Your stock starter can be used, if you have a 1972 or later car with the 1.5 hp starter. While Renegade offers a replacement 911 starter, we recommend the other option, our lightweight, high-torque starter.

$399 PORSCHE 911 1.5 HP STARTER: Rebuilt by Bosch
$239 HI-TORQUE, LIGHTWEIGHT STARTER (STAGE II): Modified and fully rebuilt Japanese starter. Has approximately 40% more power than the 911, with about half the weight; approx. 8.5 lbs. The best choice for V8 application.
$289 ULTRA HI-TORQUE, LIGHTWEIGHT STARTER (STAGE III): Designed for ultra high performance engines exceeding 10.5 to 1 compression. If you have any doubt, this starter will do the job. With 80% more torque than the best Porsche starters, motors up to 13 to 1 compression will be no problem.
ENGINE WIRING
It only takes 6-8 wires to run a Chevy V8, but unless you find pleasure in routing and untangling wires, Renegade offers a solution to make this process quite painless. (74 and later cars only.)

$195 WIRING HARNESS: Renegade does all the messy work for you. No wires to untangle, bundle together, or decipher. Our wiring harness comes completely assembled with each wire labeled. Just install it on your engine and raise your engine into the car, then simply plug the other end of the harness into the factory 911 plug.

SENDING UNITS: While stock temperature and oil pressure gauges can be utilized, the sending units must be changed in order to work the V8 set up.
$25 COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENDING UNIT
$45 OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT
TORSION BARS
Because the weight of the V8 is similar to that of the 930 motor, we recommend upgrading the suspension similar to that of a 930 car. To maintain proper handling, the rear torsion bars must be upgraded. Upgrading of the front torsion bars is optional.

$299 REAR TORSION BARS: Available in sizes from 26-30 mm.
$279 FRONT TORSION BARS: Available in sizes from 21-23 mm. While this upgrade is not mandatory, larger front torsion bars will provide improved handling.
GUARANTEE
The motor mount, adapter plate, alternator bracket, water pump housing and water pump bracket are guaranteed against breakage under normal use, to the original purchaser, for as long as he/she owns the car. All other parts are considered wearable and are not covered by this guarantee.

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