“We make Germany’s fastest faster” is the motto of Renegade Hybrids, a Las Vegas-based company responsible for shoehorning small-block V8s in engine bays designed to fit boxers. From the 914 to the 911 from the 997 generation, anything goes as long as your pockets can handle it.
In the case of the 986 series of the Boxster S, the “basic conversion package” will set you back $4,695 minus the LS engine, a few additional parts, and labor. Add those up, and you’re looking at approximately $35,000.
The reason Renegade Hybrids has chosen the Boxster S instead of the regular Boxster for their conversion is simple. The six-speed transaxle handles the torque of the small-block V8 and 500 HP “with minimal abuse.” Better still, the cooling system and fuel system are compatible with the LS.
One of the most recent builds to leave the assembly line is a silver 986 owned by Chris, a car that doesn’t show much from an aesthetic standpoint. The aftermarket exhaust tips, however, are connected to a 6.2-liter motor.
“The fusion of engineering and art” is how Renegade Hybrids describes the conversion process, and another detail that needs mentioning is the firewall. Some modifications need to be made when installing the LS engine, and ultimately, “this will reduce your seat travel by just one click.” Opting for thinner seats should work fine while also saving a few pounds.
One of the most popular options is the E-Rod LS3, a 50-state legal engine as far as emissions are concerned. However, Renegade Hybrids is much obliged to fit an LS7 as you can tell from the video at the end of this story.
Offered between 1996 and 2004, the 986 series used to feature 2.5-, 2.7-, and 3.2-liter boxers. The Boxster S had 258 horsepower (260 PS) when it was new, translating to 5.7 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) and a top speed of 164 mph (264 kph). Not bad for its time, but not up to snuff when compared to the LS family of small-block engines in such a light sports car.
The reason Renegade Hybrids has chosen the Boxster S instead of the regular Boxster for their conversion is simple. The six-speed transaxle handles the torque of the small-block V8 and 500 HP “with minimal abuse.” Better still, the cooling system and fuel system are compatible with the LS.
One of the most recent builds to leave the assembly line is a silver 986 owned by Chris, a car that doesn’t show much from an aesthetic standpoint. The aftermarket exhaust tips, however, are connected to a 6.2-liter motor.
“The fusion of engineering and art” is how Renegade Hybrids describes the conversion process, and another detail that needs mentioning is the firewall. Some modifications need to be made when installing the LS engine, and ultimately, “this will reduce your seat travel by just one click.” Opting for thinner seats should work fine while also saving a few pounds.
One of the most popular options is the E-Rod LS3, a 50-state legal engine as far as emissions are concerned. However, Renegade Hybrids is much obliged to fit an LS7 as you can tell from the video at the end of this story.
Offered between 1996 and 2004, the 986 series used to feature 2.5-, 2.7-, and 3.2-liter boxers. The Boxster S had 258 horsepower (260 PS) when it was new, translating to 5.7 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h) and a top speed of 164 mph (264 kph). Not bad for its time, but not up to snuff when compared to the LS family of small-block engines in such a light sports car.