The Porsche Cayman mid-engine coupe gets no love from Porschephiles. Why this is can be debated, but the bottom line is that they can be picked up for cheap money and flogged to death. They’re a perfect size, mid-engine, and they’re a Porsche. All of that makes them a great platform to cut up and stuff something bigger into, like a 1,210 hp LS V8. That’s what the owner of this second-gen clever Cayman did. Jordon Musser didn’t care about tradition or impressions; except on the track. With some slicing and dicing and swaps here and there he took a pedestrian Cayman and made it as track capable as any carver.

Yeah, this cut-up Cayman has an LS but don’t complain

These second-gen Cayman were fitted with six-cylinder Boxer motors unlike the current spate of four-bangers. Ranging from 2.7- to 3.4-liters they did the job but not like 1,210 hp does the job. Yeah, it’s an LS but don’t complain. Where else can you find cheap power in a compact small-block package? 

This LS is a 6.2-liter LSA. Musser had the heads ported for better flow, then added a custom cam, a dry-sump crankshaft from an LS3, and a remote-mounted water pump to make some room. A custom accessory drive helps to spin the 250-amp alternator. 

There’s a fine line between torque and watching tires go up in smoke

The twin-turbos sitting low help the V8 spin to 959 lb-ft of torque which Musser could have upped. There is a fine line between torque you can use and watching tires go up in smoke. Musser says, “It was easy to make more than this.” Don’t forget any combo of Cayman in this era came in at under 3,000 lbs. stock. 

The Porsche transmission was also given the heave in favor of a Lamborghini Gallardo six-speed manual transmission. Sixth-gear has been changed to improve freeway manners. We don’t know whether you can buy an adaptor for the Lambo-to-LS swap or if Musser had one made? It looks like a simple plate that bolts up to the back of the engine so there appears to be no sweat in mating the two.

This Cayman should cling to a track

No specs were given for the wheels and tires but as you can see in the undercarriage image the tires are stupid-wide. With the mid-engine and grippy, wide tires this thing should cling to the track. 

Mostly, Cayman suspension pieces were used in the rear suspension. The transaxle and suspension are supported in a custom square-tube structure that looks clean and simple. StopTech brakes add some grip and Ohlins coil-over shocks stiffen up the suspension in the corners. 

The outside widebody kit mimics a 911 GT3 RS

Outside of this clever Cayman, a widebody kit mimics the look of a 911 GT3 RS. The lime green is from a Lambo, called Verde Ithaca. We could do without the Ricky Racer rear wing but if it aids in stability and downforce then who are we to complain?

In all, you’ve got the complete package of power, handling, looks, and a budget that isn’t broken. After all, what’s the point if you don’t have some extra cha-cha for some weekend racing?