Pumping Iron – Sharkwerks adds more muscle to the GT3 RS

We love turbo cars. For quick and easy power, economy and power to weight ratio, there is nothing like them. However, for psychic levels of throttle response, sound and overall driving enjoyment, there is no replacement for a well-built naturally aspirated engine. A Porsche GT3RS in stock form is already one of the best naturally aspirated cars on the planet. Getting 415hp out of a streetable 3.6-liters a few years ago would have been nothing short of a miracle, even for a tuner. For it to come with a factory warranty was the work of dark forces.

Sharkwerks Tuning in Fremont California know that your average enthusiast has a very short memory. For those no longer impressed with a mere 415hp, they are offering a 3.9-liter conversion for GT3 and GT3 RS’s to take them to an astounding 500hp.

Developed in conjunction with Evolution Motorsports in Arizona, the kit brings the stock 3.6 to 3.9-liters entirely with larger bore. Besides the displacement bump, power was found with camshafts built to custom specs, as well as Evolution’s legendary ECU tuning. Included in the kit are pistons, wrist pins, rings, cams, head studs and obviously the ECU flash. It is recommended that an exhaust upgrade accompany the engine upgrade as well. More than likely, if you own a GT3 and you are thinking about this kit, you probably have every bolt-on part available already.

We drove this car when it had the mere 3.8-liter upgrade. The difference in power is substantial, but more importantly the way it delivers the power is changed. The GT3RS can’t be described as anything less than eager. With the larger displacement, rabid would be more appropriate. You never wait for anything, it just happens on command. You aren’t so much as summoning more power as you are unleashing it. The driver’s right foot is hardwired to the engine, thrust is immediate, but the delivery is so measured and controllable, something you won’t ever get in a turbo car. The NA engine feels as though you can order up power one horse at a time.

Sure the twin turbos are easily seeing 700hp these days. You can even drive them back and forth to work. They just aren’t as rewarding to drive no matter how much faster they are.

Keep watching for a review of the 3.9-liter car. In the interim, you can satiate some level of desire with this video that the guys at Sharkwerks and Evolution Motorsports have put together.

sharkwerks.com