We recently completed a project that transformed a rather common 1987 924S into a Carrera GT replica – and we are quite happy with the results. A solid car in its own rights, the base 924S had good bones but bad skin – the original Zermatt Silver suffered from Florida Sun Bake Deterioration – the clear and some of the paint was just gone. But not to fear! If we are going to paint it, let’s go with the great Carrera GT conversion!
Using parts from GT-Racing.com, we installed standard steel 944 front fenders, using 3M Panel Bond to attach the rear fender flares. Of course, the rear wheel well had to be trimmed to allow for the wider wheels and tires. For wheels we sourced replica Fuch alloys from DR911.com, choosing 16×7 wheels with a 23.3 offset. The wheels come with painted crest center caps and we also included a set of NEW lug nuts.
The car was further updated with front coil-overs and Koni Sport adjustable shocks and struts. a 25.5mm front sway bar and an 18mm rear sway bar helps handling, along with a KLA front strut brace and solid strut mounts. New control arms and ball joints help, especially when combined with new urethane bushings all around. Handling will be improved quite a bit.
Some needed maintenance was also performed, including fluid changes, new clutch, new rear main seal, new oil pan gasket, and new clutch hydraulics. An ANSA cat-back exhaust replaced a dated stock muffler system.
Just for fun we bolted on an Only944.com short shift kit. New axles were added since at least one of the old CV’s was close to failure. New motor mounts were also installed while we were there. No stripes, no side protective vinyl – just new Zermatt Silver applied by the Expert Body Shop here in DeLand.
What we ended up with is a great looking, great handling Porsche. These replicas draw attention wherever they are, so there is no “stopping for a minute to buy gas…” The original steel 931 nose and vents add a hint of nostalgia, too, harking back to the 406 original 924 Carrera GTs.
Thanks for the privilege of letting 924S944.com LLC have a hand in this wonderful creation!