If you own a classic air-cooled Porsche 911, you’ve probably seen the outlaw look—a blend of hot-rod styling, vintage motorsport cues, and personal customization. Building an outlaw is about making your car unique without losing its soul. The key is choosing the right parts: ones that enhance performance and looks while staying true to the car’s character. This guide walks you through the essential Porsche 911 outlaw parts, from suspension and wheels to engine upgrades, so you can make informed decisions for your build.
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The 911 and 912 Porsche, A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity II (Authenticity Series)
Understanding the Outlaw Aesthetic
The outlaw style draws from early 911s modified by enthusiasts and small shops in the 1960s and 1970s. Think wider wheels, lowered stance, flared fenders, and stripped interiors. It’s not about restoring to factory specs; it’s about upgrading with purpose. Every part should add to the driving experience or visual impact.
Key Visual Upgrades
Wheels and Tires: The right wheel set is the most noticeable outlaw modification. Classic Fuchs 15-inch or 16-inch replicas in widths up to 8 inches front and 9 inches rear are popular. Minilite-inspired designs also fit the vibe. Choose high-quality replicas from brands like Elephant Racing or 9XX (formerly known as 9XX) that match offset and hubcentering.
Fender Flares: To fit wider wheels and tires, you’ll need steel or fiberglass flares. Steel flares are more expensive but look factory. Fiberglass is lighter and easier to install. Trofeo offers bolt-on flares that require no cutting—ideal for DIY builders.
Bumpers and Lights: Early 911 bumpers with rubber trim or fiberglass RS-style bumpers change the front and rear profile. For lights, H4 conversions from Hella improve nighttime visibility while keeping the classic look. LED units are available but may look too modern; stick with warm-toned halogens for authenticity.
Performance Parts for Outlaw 911s
Outlaw cars aren’t just for show—they’re meant to be driven hard. Suspension upgrades are essential: lowered springs, adjustable coilovers, and polyurethane bushings. Elephant Racing’s suspension packages are a go-to for street and track use. Their front sway bars and rear anti-roll bars reduce body roll without sacrificing ride quality.
Brakes should be upgraded to handle more power. Consider big brake kits from PMB (Porsche Machine Brakes) that use 4-piston calipers and larger rotors. For street driving, semi-metallic pads offer good bite without excessive dust.
Engine modifications range from simple bolt-ons to full builds. A popular middle ground is a 3.0-liter or 3.2-liter swap from a later 911, or a 3.4-liter conversion using parts from companies like Rennsport or EBS Racing. Keep the engine naturally aspirated for reliability; avoid turbos unless you’re experienced.
Top Porsche 911 Outlaw Parts Brands
Several manufacturers specialize in outlaw-specific components. Here’s a breakdown of trusted names:
9XX (formerly 9XX Motorsport): Known for fiberglass body panels, including hoods, bumpers, and flares. Their parts are lightweight and fit well.
Elephant Racing: Suspension and brake experts. Their coilover kits, sway bars, and brake upgrades are engineered for performance. They also sell custom-width Fuchs replica wheels.
Trofeo Engineering: Offers bolt-on steel flares, bumpers, and intake manifolds. Their products are designed for the home mechanic.
PMB (Porsche Machine Brakes): High-performance brake systems with aluminum calipers and cross-drilled rotors. Reliable for street and track.
Wevo: Best known for shift improvements—their short-shift kits and shift couplers transform the 915 transmission feel.
Tuthill Porsche: A boutique shop that supplies engine parts and full builds. They’re pricey but offer high-quality cams, pistons, and flywheels.
Essential Outlaw Parts for Your 911 Build
Wheels: Fuchs vs. Minilite Replicas
Your wheel choice sets the tone. Fuchs replicas are period-correct and fit under flares. Minilite-style (often called “Minilite” but actually made by Minilite UK) are lighter and give a Lotus/Caterham look. For outlaw, stick with 15-inch or 16-inch diameters. Widths of 7.5” front and 8.5” rear work for most builds. Tire sizes: 205/55R15 front, 225/50R15 rear—matches the original proportions.
Suspension: Lowered Springs, Coilovers, and Bushings
Lowering the car 1–2 inches improves handling and stance. Start with sport springs from H&R or Eibach (around 1.5” drop). For adjustability, get Elephant Racing coilovers. Replace old rubber bushings with polyurethane kits from Powerflex or Elephant—less deflection means better steering response.
Exterior: Fender Flares, Bumpers, and Ducktails
Flares are the most labor-intensive mod. If you want the iconic longhood look, use steel flares from Trofeo or fiberglass from 9XX. For a street car, fiberglass is easier to paint and install. Bumpers: early 911 metal bumpers with rubber strips are classic. Or use an RS-style fiberglass rear bumper from Design911. A ducktail spoiler (like the 1973 Carrera RS) adds downforce and style.
Interior: Lightweight Seats, Steering Wheels, and Gauges
Strip weight with racing seats—Recaro Sportster CS or fixed-back buckets like Momo Start. Keep the back seat out or install a half cage. Replace the steering wheel with a leather-wrapped Momo Prototipo or a smaller 350mm wheel. Gauges: upgrade to classic-style VDO gauges with silver faces to match the vintage theme.
Performance Upgrades for an Outlaw 911
Engine: Carburetors vs. EFI
Many outlaws keep carburetors for simplicity and sound. Weber 40 IDA or 46 IDA triple-throat carbs are iconic. But they need tuning. Companies like PMO (Performance Metalworks) sell direct-fit Weber conversions. If you prefer reliability, install an EFI system from Jenvey or a custom ECU like the Haltech. You’ll gain easier starting and better fuel economy.
Intake and Exhaust: A free-flowing intake (K&N filters in a cold-air box) and a sport muffler (M&K, Bursch, or Fabspeed) unleash power. For outlaw, a side-exit exhaust or a single-outlet system looks purposeful.
Transmission: Shorter Gearing and Limited-Slip Differential
Stock 911 transmissions are tough but tall. Swap in a shorter final drive (like 3.89:1) from a later car or aftermarket gear sets. A limited-slip differential (LSD) from Guard Transmission or Quaife transforms traction out of corners. Wevo’s short-shift kit is a must for crisp shifts.
Brakes: Big Brake Kits and Pad Compounds
Upgrade to at least 930 turbo calipers with 3.5” rotors. PMB sells these as a kit. For street use, metallic pads (like Ferodo DS2500) work cold. For track, use race pads, but beware of noise. Also, install stainless steel brake lines for a firmer pedal.
How to Choose the Right Outlaw Parts for Your 911
Consider Your Model Year (Longhood vs. G-Body)
Longhood (1965–1973) cars have different mounting points than G-body (1974–1989) cars. Flares and bumpers are model-specific. For longhoods, use early-style flares and bumpers. For G-bodies, consider IROC or turbo flares. Always check compatibility before buying.
Set a Budget and Prioritize
Outlaw builds can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Start with suspension and wheels; they make the biggest difference. Then add engine mods. Save interior for last. If you’re on a tight budget, focus on used parts and replicas.
Research Compatibility and Installation
Some parts require cutting or welding. Fiberglass body panels often need trimming to fit. Many online forums (like Pelican Parts and Rennlist) have build threads with firsthand tips. Plan for a spare set of wheels and a weekend of work for each major mod.
Final Recommendation
Start with a solid, rust-free 911 SC or Carrera 3.2. For your first outlaw, stick with bolt-on modifications: a set of 15×7 front/15×8 rear Fuchs replicas, 1.5” lowering springs, and a fiberglass ducktail. Then add a sport exhaust and a short-shift kit. This combination gives the iconic look and improved feel without overwhelming complexity. As you grow, upgrade the suspension to coilovers and add flares for wider tires. Always prioritize reliability—a car that runs well is more rewarding than one that looks perfect but sits in the garage. With the right parts and a clear plan, you’ll build a Porsche 911 outlaw that truly reflects your personality.