Words: Tommy Parry
Of all the models from the Porsche lineup, the 928 is perhaps the best recipient for a big-bore American V8. Tony saw the potential in replacing the 928’s 4.5-liter V8 with a modern LS3, and bringing that to fruition was made easier when he stumbled upon a wrecked ‘79 928 and then another 928 with a blown motor. With the right parts, some clever friends and an eye for style, he put together a hybrid sportscar named “Just Peachy.”
The first car, a ‘79, was stored indoors all of its life and had only 12,178 miles on the clock. The ‘79 was used primarily for the funky Pascha interior and its wiring harness, while another car — an ‘80 roller with a blown motor — was chosen primarily for the shell, unibody, and suspension pieces.
Tony had stripped the side marker lights, body side moldings, door locks and headlight squirters; then it was on to paint. The new color is Porsche Nordic Gold. With the foundation laid, he ordered a new LS376/525 (injected) motor and grabbed a used T-56 trans/diff/tq tube from a 2004 Z06. Thankfully, the transmission is mounted with a transaxle setup. He added a Spal dual fan setup and a large intake.
To accommodate the new powerplant, Piranha Bros fabricated a custom rear crossmember and transmission mount. Integrating the six-speed gearbox was the most challenging aspect of the build, followed by the complicated wiring process. To get the car in order was a combination of three systems: Porsche wiring, GM engine wiring harness and the Infinity Box system – the last of which is currently being handled by a friend in Florida.
Then came the modifications to the footwork. Weltmeister springs and Koni shocks all around offer the stiffness — 400 lbs/inch in front and 245 lb/inch in rear — this 3,075-pound sports car needs. Wilwood big brakes, painted to look like factory Porsche calipers, provide the stopping power.
Next came a Euro front bumper, all the appropriate lights and the suspension settings this car required. Slightly lowered and given the appropriate amount of negative camber, it had the athletic stance that complemented its attention-grabbing paint, classic proportions and slinky lines. With the right layout, shape and power, it’s not surprising that this is often referred to as a “German Corvette.”
Currently, the car is sitting in Fernandina Beach, Fla., awaiting the completion of the Infinity Box Wiring system. Those who want to keep tabs on this incredible build can visit the thread here.
