Formula 1 Engine Swap: Lanzante Builds the Ultimate Porsche 930 Twin-Turbo V6 Technical Article Body
1. Tech Fusion: Porsche 930 Meets F1 Engineering
Lanzante’s creation elevates the Porsche 930—a seminal 911 Turbo—far beyond its 1980s origins. By transplanting an original Formula 1 engine into the classic air-cooled 930 chassis, Lanzante executed a true engineering integration—not merely a stylistic restomod.
2. Power Unit: McLaren TAG-Porsche 1.5 L Twin-Turbo V6
The heart of each build is the TAG-Porsche TTE P01 1.5 L twin-turbo V6, the same powerplant that propelled the McLaren MP4/3 during the 1987 Formula 1 season. Technical highlights:
- Displacement: 1,496 cc, 80° V6
- Induction: Twin KKK turbochargers
- Power: ~790 bhp in race trim; ~850 bhp in qualifying (Wikipedia)
- Engine Management: Bosch Motronic 1.7 system for boost control (~3.6 bar) and fuel efficiency (Wikipedia, RaceFans)
Lanzante acquired eleven of these exact power units, restoring and adapting them with revised internals, boost mappings, and improved cooling systems to suit street driving while preserving F1 provenance.
3. Formula 1 Chassis & Drivetrain Engineering
A complete structural and mechanical overhaul was essential:
- Transmission: Custom six-speed gearbox handling in excess of 650 Nm torque
- Chassis: Reinforced subframes, engine mounts, and rear cradle for F1-level loads
- Weight Saving: Carbon-composite panels, lightweight exhaust, targeting sub-1,200 kg curb weight
- Suspension & Brakes: Coilovers with re-valved dampers; carbon-ceramic brakes sourced from contemporary GT3 RS components
4. Thermal & Aerodynamic Management
High thermal loads called for advanced cooling:
- Enlarged rear-mounted intercoolers
- High-capacity front radiators with optimized ducting
- Underbody airflow improvements for high-speed stability
- Modified whale-tail spoiler with integrated cooling vents
5. Performance & Road Adaptation
Estimated performance, using pump fuel and conservative tuning:
- Power Output: 600–650 hp
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in under 3.0 s
- Top Speed: Exceeding 320 km/h (200 mph)
- Legality Measures: Engine management tuned for emissions; variable-valve exhaust for noise compliance
- Heritage Detail: Each build carries a plaque documenting its F1 race history
6. Formula 1 Legacy & Impact
Limited to just eleven units, this F1-powered Porsche 930 isn’t just a restomod—it’s a mechanical time capsule. It raises the bar for collector cars, merging authentic race engineering with street functionality.
Technical Specification Table
Component | Specification |
---|---|
Engine | TAG-Porsche TTE P01 V6 twin-turbo, 1.5 L |
Power | ~790 bhp (race), ~850 bhp (qualifying) (Wikipedia) |
Engine Management | Bosch Motronic 1.7, ~3.6 bar boost (Wikipedia, RaceFans) |
Gearbox | Custom 6-speed manual, >650 Nm torque capability |
Chassis | Reinforced subframes, engine mounts; rear cradle |
Body Panels | Carbon composites for light-weight construction |
Weight (Target) | Sub-1,200 kg curb |
Cooling System | Rear intercoolers, front radiators, optimized airflow |
Suspension | Coilover with re-valved dampers |
Brakes | Carbon-ceramic (GT3 RS spec) |
Performance (Est.) | 600–650 hp; 0–100 km/h < 3 s; >320 km/h top speed |
Road-Legal Features | Emissions tuning, variable-valve exhaust |
Heritage Plaque | Each engine’s F1 race history inscribed |
Original F1 Race Data for TAG-Porsche Engines
All eleven engines originated from McLaren’s MP4/3 race cars from the 1987 Formula 1 championship:
- Season Overview: 16 race season (April–November 1987) (Wikipedia, F1 Wiki)
- Drivers: Alain Prost and Stefan Johansson (F1 Wiki, Wikipedia)
McLaren MP4/3 Race Wins:
- Brazilian Grand Prix (Season Opener) – Winner: Alain Prost (Formula 1® – The Official F1® Website, F1 Wiki)
- Belgian Grand Prix – Winner: Alain Prost (plus fastest lap) (Formula 1® – The Official F1® Website, Wikipedia)
- Portuguese Grand Prix – Winner: Alain Prost; this win marked his record-breaking 28th career victory (Wikipedia, F1 Wiki)
Additional Stats:
- Season Record: MP4/3 scored 3 wins, 12 podiums, finished 2nd in Constructors’ Championship with 76 points (F1 Wiki)
- Engine Output: ~790 bhp race trim; ~850 bhp qualifying (Wikipedia)
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