SEMA 2022: Subaru-swapped Porsche 911 GT3 is one crazy build

No, that headline is not a typo. This 997-generation Porsche 911 GT3 has swapped its naturally-aspirated flat-six engine for a souped-up Subaru Boxer engine that makes more power than the 911 GT3 makes when it first left the Porsche factory in Germany.

Making its debut at the 2022 SEMA Show is the aptly named Porsche 911 GT3 STI. Made in collaboration with Eneos and DevSpeed Motorsport, this Frankenstein of a machine essentially combines the very best of Stuttgart and Gunma.

The project is actually based on a crashed 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 that was bought at an auction by professional car builder and drifter Faruk Kugay. Since the 911 GT3 came without an engine, this inspired the new owner to put in a modified 2.5-liter EJ25 that was sourced from a 2008 Subaru WRX STI.

Upgraded with a Borgwarner EFR 706-4 turbo, a Vibrant Vertical Flow intercooler, custom fuel injectors, rails, and pumps, from Deathschwerks, a fuel system by Nuke Performance, Brian Crowler 280 camshafts, and a custom stainless steel exhaust, this STI-powered 911 GT3 is just raring to go. The modifications allow the turbocharged 2.5-liter EJ25 to generate 550 PS which is way more than what the original 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six when made it first debuted – 415 PS. Power is then sent to a 6-speed manual gearbox made by Subiworks.

As for the chassis of the STI-powered 911 GT3, Eneos says it has been set up for track use. It comes with adjustable coilovers by BC Racing, suspension parts derived from the Porsche 911 Cup racer, and a motorsport-rated roll cage. The stock 911 GT3 brakes have been retained although it now benefits from competition brake pads from Hawk Performance. Providing the necessary grip comes courtesy of Toyo Proxes R888R tires wrapped in 265/35/R19 Rotiform 917 wheels at the front and 345/30/R19 at the back.

Finally, the exterior of this Subaru-powered Porsche has a unique blue and yellow livery created by Sam Smith Design. While it was designed to pay tribute to the Salzburg Porsche 917, it also seems to indirectly reference the State Express 555 livery seen on the Subaru WRC cars that competed in the early 90s.

Does the Porsche 911 GT3 STI make for an epic collaboration between the Japanese automaker and the German brand? Let us know in the comments what you think about this unique build.