For decades, the Porsche 911 has been defined by its distinctive flat-six engine. It’s a formula that purists hold sacred, which makes replacing it with something completely different a rather effective way to start an argument.
Now imagine swapping that flat-six for a Ferrari V8. Or, if that’s not controversial enough, stuffing an American small-block into a Porsche GT3 that previously ran a Subaru engine.
That’s exactly what two builders brought to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. According to an announcement from ENEOS Oil, Jimmy Oakes and Faruk Kugay have created two wildly different V8-powered 911s, neither of which follows Porsche’s traditional rulebook.
Both projects required substantial engineering, and their builders had very different goals. One blends German design with Italian performance and Japanese tuning culture, while the other was developed specifically to spend its time sideways.
A Ferrari Heart for a Classic Porsche
Jimmy Oakes calls his 1978 Porsche 911 SC the Porrari, and the name makes perfect sense. Behind its rear axle sits a Ferrari-built 4.3-liter F136 V8 sourced from a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte.
Making it fit required a custom engine cradle, exhaust system, and bellhousing connecting the V8 to a Porsche 996 transmission. Oakes also adapted individual throttle bodies from a BMW M3 V8, helping the engine breathe as it approaches its 8,000-rpm limit.
The transformation extends beyond the engine bay, where the original torsion-bar suspension was replaced with coilovers to make room for the V8. Custom widebody fenders, a carbon-fiber roof, and vintage Volk Racing VRX-10 wheels complete the Guards Red Porsche’s Japanese-inspired appearance.
A GT3 With an American Accent
Faruk Kugay’s 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 has an equally unconventional history. Originally rebuilt from a damaged shell with a Subaru STI EJ25 engine, it now runs a dry-sump 6.0-liter GM LS2 V8 with LS3 cylinder heads.
Producing a claimed 458 horsepower, the V8 drives through a Porsche 996 Turbo transmission and a two-way limited-slip differential. A Wisefab steering-angle kit, hydraulic handbrake, and custom exhaust complete its drift-focused transformation.
While Oakes pursued an exotic, high-revving combination, Kugay prioritized the power delivery and durability needed for drifting. His GT3 demonstrated its abilities at SEMA’s Optima driving exhibition, while the Porrari appeared in ENEOS’s RAYS Wheels display.
Not Everyone Approves
Unsurprisingly, the swaps have divided enthusiasts online. One commenter argued that the builders would have been better off keeping the cars original or using Porsche V8s instead.
Another enthusiast saw the humor in upsetting both Porsche and Ferrari loyalists at once. Whether these creations offend your mechanical sensibilities or earn your admiration, there’s no denying the fabrication involved in making them work.