Carpokes Porsche Forum

Glad Tom opened up a new folder just for 16V transaxle cars.

If you've been on rennlist, then you probably know about my everlasting gobstopper affectionately known simply as 'Wilma'. I'm going to update this thread as well when I update the rennlist thread with progress for those who have been banished...

Long story short - Wilma is a 968 Cab basket case (with a few of the pieces missing) that I purchased about 7 years ago. Then I bought a house that....needed a little help. In the meantime, I've been collecting ideas, parts and the like. Even added spare parts 968 Cab (Snow White) for all of those little nagging pieces. The idea was to get back to putting Wilma back on the road once the house ceased needing my time and money (does a house ever really get to that point?....I digress).

I selected Wilma as a rebuild project for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted a Cab to go with my 968 coupe. Secondly, there were exactly 0 Signal Green 968s brought to North America by Porsche. None. So, the idea is to make the 1 of none, so to speak. For a color change, it would be wrong (IMO) to convert a color unless it was one of the most numerous ones produced - and Guards Red was the 2nd most popular color imported (only after black) for a 968 Cab. Since its a total rebuild, I get to style it how I think Porsche would have if they had given this model the attention it deserved. So...a blank slate was presented when I found Wilma.

Wilma is a survivor I think. First subjected to a flood, then after trapped in a shed that fell in on her when the roof collapsed under the weight of snow. She's had a rough life. The PO stripped her and sold off a lot of the parts, but I was able to get some of them when I picked her up back in 2016(!).

So, without further ado, here was Wilma when I picked her up from the PO in New York.
And here is a shot of the organ donor Snow White. A white Cab that took a hit on the chin that seriously tweaked the front.
The finished product is going to resemble this.
Stay tuned.

Nice. I hope this is getting a turbo.

Very ambitious project, good luck

Thom wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:11 am Nice. I hope this is getting a turbo.

The plans are for a turbocharged 16V 2.5. I’ve been stockpiling parts and just recently got this…
Sized for a 60mm DBW TB.

Nice. Why 2.5L rather than 3.0L?

Well, it really boils down to available materials coupled with publicized info.

Neither Wilma nor Snow White came to me with an engine. Several years ago I happened to pick up a 16V head and cams from a breaker here in the US for $400 all in. Then a couple of years ago, I found a 16V short block for another $400. So, with the exception of a few other parts - I'm in with a base 16V 2.5 engine for $800.

Raceboy proved over on the renny that the 16V 2.5 could produce decent power (450 hp IIRC) - which is plenty for our project here.

So, there's the back story to the 16V 2.5 power plant.

That's a very exciting project Jay, and I love that not only are you saving this poor girl but also plan to make her a real eye catcher with performance to match. It doesnt hurt either that you have picked signal green for the new look as that is probably my favorite 968 colour..

I will be following your progress keenly and dont to forget to include your thoughts, considerations, tribulations and decisions, as I find that part as interesting as the seeing the work carried out..

Cheers, Alex

Just saw this and I wanted to commend you on your pursuit and patience in your resurrection and the saving of a rare member of the family. Someone on RL used to have a bright yellow one in his avatar with 3.8 Turbo style wheels that always caught my eye. I have a 951 that I bought a cab parcel shelf for that I plan to install when I redo the carpet.
Looks to be an very well thought out project and kudo's for looking to make 1 of 0 Kelly Green......you will have a truly unique object when complete!!!
I look forward to following your progress.