By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

When I see a car like this one, the first thing I think of is that certain dying breed of hot rodders that build cars like this one just to say they have it. You know the type, the kind of guy who puts a Hemi in a Gremlin, or a 454 in a MG Midget to tell people that they’ve done it. But the problem with this 427 ci Chevrolet-powered Porsche 911 Targa, is that it’s not just about shock value.

I think I need to lead this one by saying I don’t expect to convert you on this car: if you’re a Porsche purist, this just isn’t you’re cup of tea, and I get it. But I don’t have a Porsche in my garage, and therefore no horse in this race, and all I can do is grin at the idea of this small-block Chevrolet swapped 911. But like all the rest of you, I don’t see the average iron-block 350 ci SBC as a suitable replacement for the 911’s air-cooled 2.4 liter. The key here though, is that this isn’t your average small-block Chevrolet.

Displacing 427 cubic inches, we’re already talking about some serious performance potential, and let me remind you that this is a small-block. That’s pretty cool, but things get even more impressive when you consider that the engine is based off an aluminum block. Top that off with aluminum heads, and you’re talking about a powerplant that weighs 200-250 pounds less than your standard iron-block SBC, and could easily make 530-plus horsepower with the right parts. To ballpark it, this engine probably weighs about 435 pounds, which is coincidentally right in line with the 911’s original 2.4-liter, but with several times the horsepower.

I turned to the rest of the interweb to find out more about the exact engine combination in this Porsche and found that it indeed makes right around 530 hp, and puts it down through a Porsche 930 Turbo four-speed transaxle. From the supplied photos, we can see the aluminum small-block squeezed into the Targa with a tall single-plane intake, roller-rockers, what appears to be an Accusump and an older fuel injection unit. Research also reveals that the engine was installed around 2000 at a cost of $9,600, and it was freshened up in 2013 with new rings, bearings, roller lifters and a valve job.

In a previous iteration, this car was known as the GT8RS, and some details from that period can still be seen in the interior. These days, the owner ditched the bright orange wheels and graphics for a more reserved appearance with traditional Fuchs-type wheels. The car likely still retains its lightweight carbon fiber hood and fiberglass doors, trunk lid and fenders though, and with these features, the car’s weight was previously recorded at 2,000 pounds.

At the end of the day, this 911 Targa isn’t a car that’s going to appeal to everyone, but that’s not why the builder shoehorned the SBC under it in the first place. If you're the kinda person who digs outside-the-box cars that are surprisingly good, this Porsche could be just your speed. Check out the 427 ci SBC-powered 911 Targa here on New Hampshire Craigslist, but be advised, the seller has disclosed that the car needs a clutch, which is available from Renegade Hybrids.