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Starting life as a Carrera, find out how this passionate owner sought the help of former RUF engineer to turn up the heat on his 993
by Amrit Balraj on June 14, 2024, 16:00Porsche enthusiasts often claim that the 1995 Porsche Carerra RS is one of the finest 911s ever made. With approximately 1,000 examples produced, the lightweight model was the culmination of three decades of innovations in chassis and drivetrain refinement from the brand and was a forbidden fruit in the United States. With a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, it stayed true to the formula that made Porsche such a beloved brand over the years, before the controversial move to water-cooled engines with the 996 generation.
The 993 Carrera was also the first 911 to come with a 6-speed manual transmission, its predecessors had 4-speed or 5-speed transmissions. Its unconventional weight distribution, with over 60% on the rear wheels, offered benefits like nimble steering and crisp braking. Consequently, the 993 platform is also popular with restomod shops and serves as a great base for a special 1:1 RS-inspired 993 project car, all the way from Indonesia. YouTuber Dino DC recently got to sit down with the owner of the project and talk about the painstakingly long process that went into creating this unique 993.
The Engine Was Rebuilt From The Ground Up
The 4.0-liter engine was sent to Germany to the care of an expert engineer from Ruf Automobile. It was completely modified through and through with upgraded pistons, lighter connecting rods, and the crankcase from a 997 RS 4.0. The engine also received a custom-designed header which was able to match the intake of air from the carbon fiber intake. The titanium exhaust on the car was the final touch and was sourced from a 993 race car.
Interestingly this exhaust has been retrofitted with a valve which allows it to be quieter at lower RPMS, taking into consideration other people on the road. With 400 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the result is a car that strikes a balance between exhilarating power and effortless handling, making it perfect for everyday driving. The stock 993 RS features a 3.8-liter engine that put out 300 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is matted to a G50 6-speed manual transmission which features the same gear ratios from the RS model.
The Interior Of This RS-Inspired 993 Matches The Exterior In Attention To Detail
The car’s exterior and interior have also been extensively modified. The body is outfitted with forged carbon fiber, including the hood, roof, side skirts, and massive "whale tail" rear spoiler. These offer a nice contrast to the ’Mode Grau’ paint job of the car, which is a modern Porsche color. The Ruf wheels complete the look of the car, which cover the massive Brembo floating discs and has been adequately spaced to accommodate any stock RS tire. They also decided to go with a modern pair of LED headlamps which aren’t just functional but also look stunning and modernize the front-end of this 993.
The interior has been upgraded with Alcantara Recaro bucket seats, Alcantara covering for the dashboard, along with custom retro-looking gauges which add to the aesthetic of the car. The rear seats have been removed, and replaced with a carbon fiber panel. There is also a bolted-in roll cage for added safety. The "frunk" of the car forgoes the spare tire, instead housing an electric compressor for the air conditioning. To replicate the original weight balance offered by the spare tire, a thick slab of sheet metal has been affixed where it used to be. The flooring is covered with a carbon fiber panel for sound noise reduction.
At the end of the video, Dino finally gets to drive this beautiful vision of a car and claims that the experience is "absolutely intoxicating". We get to hear how loud this rebuilt flat-six can get in the car despite the noise-canceling effect of the various carbon fiber panels affixed to the floor and the roof. This meticulously crafted machine embodies the perfect balance of raw power tamed for everyday usability, stunning aesthetics that blend modern touches with classic Porsche heritage, and a driver-focused cabin that prioritizes performance without sacrificing comfort.
Amrit Balraj
When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio
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