SHE LEAVES FOR CORNELL
AUG 15
— NEED MONEY FOR EV PARTS
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I'm Frances. Over the past several years, I've been restoring my 1974 Porsche 914 while sharing every step of the journey. This August, I'll be leaving for Cornell University, and I'm in the final stretch of getting my car back on the road.
I want to know about that DEAL
My goal is to inspire other kids my age to chase their dreams
"just Tinkergineer it"
I first got into cars and started saving up for One at age 11 1/2. I didn't know where this project would take me, I knew that it would be an adventure that hopefully will end up with me having an electric car to drive to the beach and go surfing In.
along the way i would like to inspire as many other kids to chase their dreams as well and show them what's possible when they try
THE
FINAL
PUSH
I'm Frances. Over the past several years, I've been restoring my 1974 Porsche 914 while sharing every step of the journey. This August, I'll be leaving for Cornell University, and I'm in the final stretch of getting my car back on the road.
Watch the Latest Build Update
More of my videos
Welcome to Tinkergineering! This winter I bought my first car, a 1976 Porsche 914, with the money I earned from picking grapefruit from the tree at my house. The Porsche is my favorite car of all time and I will be converting it to a electric electric vehicle.
Welcome back to the Tinkergineering EV series with Mark Brems from 914Electric, powered by 914Rubber! ⚡
This episode dives into the technical side of the 12V EV system—from the upgraded wiring harness and Thunderstruck Motors DC-DC converter to the J1772 charging port and high-voltage motor connections. We also install 914Electric mounting hardware to keep everything clean, functional, and looking sharp.
Sparks may have flown, but thankfully, no magic smoke escaped! 🔥
Safety Note: High voltage systems can be dangerous. Always take proper precautions when working on EV electrical components.
Welcome to BUILD EPISODE 3 of the EV series on Tinkergineering, featuring Mark Brems from 914Electric and powered by 914Rubber.
In this episode, we mated the Netgain Hyper 9 motor and transaxle using the EV West Motor Adapter, a custom flywheel, and a throwout bearing from my GOAT, Bruce Stone!
We also tackled the raw work on the battery boxes, including the Dilithium Design Thunderstruck BMS satellite modules, EV West fuse and fuse holder, HV cutoff switch, and marine board inserts. The metal shavings in my hair really do all the talking here.
Plus, we mated the EV West chill plate with the Netgain SME x144V controller (anyone want to hop in the lazy river?) and the 914Electric right-angle shelf bracket!
Welcome to BUILD EPISODE 2 of the EV series on Tinkergineering, with Mark Brems from 914Electric and supported by 914Rubber! In this episode, we taclked the battery box raw work and the prep! It’s super helpful to do this with an empty engine bay, which gave me a ton of room to get the protective PVC pipes in!
These battery boxes and custom crossbeam can all be found at EVWest! Super cool, and this will definitely not be the last time I mention these components! In this episode, I am following 914Electric’s EV Conversion Guide, so I would definitely head on over to 914Electric.com and check out the resources that are aviable.
Now we are ready for the next step! Stay tuned ⚡️
Welcome to the EV series of Tinkergineering, with Mark Brems from 914Electric and supported by 914Rubber! In this episode, we have the NetGain Hyper 9 motor unboxing and setup with EV West motor coupler and endbell! Such a milestone and all preparation for mating to the transaxle. I am super excited about the NetGain motor because it has 42% more horsepower than stock and 70% more torque than the original (aka wicked driving experience!!) and the EV West Endbell gives me another mounting face, so I can use the 914Electric mounting bracket!
Up next, installation!
This project has been my coming of age story, been with me since I exchanged yellow grapefruit for coveralls.
We’ve made a brand new website for the EV Phase of this project, and I want to share it with you! It has direct links to donate, and incredible video responses from community members about my progress.
Donations have begun to come in❤️ I have so much more to go!
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I want to thank the many people who have donated and left kind notes. This means so much to me, but also because you believe in what I build for: to show my friends that we can take on our own challenges. I can’t believe it’s happening!!
More of my videos
Welcome to Tinkergineering! This winter I bought my first car, a 1976 Porsche 914, with the money I earned from picking grapefruit from the tree at my house. The Porsche is my favorite car of all time and I will be converting it to a electric electric vehicle.
new brakes, who dis?
This car is getting more epic by the day - as are my skills that I am learning from my mentors!!
@pmbperformance stainless steel brake lines are the best and are made to LAST - (tinker tip: have their website pulled up next to you - the pics are super helpful with placement) and it was so cool being able to see how they rebuild those calipers when I went! The pressure regulator and master cylinder were expertly rebuilt - and it’s all thanks to Eric and his team at PMB!I also had help from @914rubber with the brake fluid reservoir and hardware, plus the angled rubber grommets!
As I said in the video - this would not be possible without all the mentors I constantly have on speed dial - @pmbperformance @914rubber @914electric Bruce Stone and of course Jack @SMGwerks
This suspension episode has been a long time in the making, a project that’s traveled from one shop to another, shaped by countless hours, expert advice, and generous support. It’s been far more than a solo effort, and I’m beyond grateful to the incredible mentors and sponsors who helped make it possible. Jay Morris at Ground Control has been an invaluable guide through every step of the suspension setup, from calculating the correct spring rates based on the weight of the upcoming EV system to the detailed tips featured in the video. Huge thanks to 914 Rubber for supplying all the essential bushings, bearings, seals, installation tools, and guidance that brought everything together with precision and reliability.
Big shoutout to Eric and the entire team at PMB Performance, whose mentorship and expert craftsmanship took the brake calipers to a whole new level with a show-stopping restoration. And of course, tying it all together, Bilstein’s shock absorbers were the final piece of the puzzle—the perfect finishing touch. This journey has been full of challenges, but the results are more than worth it. The EV conversion is just around the corner, and things are about to get even more exciting.
Stay tuned, this build is going to be wicked. And as always, Just TInkergineer it
Frances
It definitely took some work, but learning about all the latch and lock mechanics and seeing how it all goes together was epic! Lots of learning, but now I know exactly how everything in the door is supposed to be, from the latch rod to the glass itself! - I made sure to also put that Dynamat sound deadening in the door as well to get rid of that road noise. Here's to all the helpful tips from our 914 Community. 914 Rubber, PMB Performance, Bruce Stone, Dynamat, 914 World, SMG Werks, and 914 Electric
Brand Partners
Tinkergineering is all about my adventures in tinkering
Joy is what it gives me.
I am Frances and learning to share this joy has become my purpose.
Tinkergineering is all about my adventures in tinkering
Joy is what it gives me.
I am Frances and learning to share this joy has become my purpose.
Forums
TINKERGINEERING Episode 03 Interior Out!, My First Car EV project
My First 914WORLD So Cal Rally, TINKERGINEERING Rally Episode
TINKERGINEERING Dash Pad Teardown, Time to remove the busted up dashed with some help from the 914 Community
76 Bumpers/can you Identify/anyone want them? - free, What are these ones called?
TINKERGINEERING Bonneville Speed Week Field Trip, EV WEST ELECTRALINER Land Speed Racer
914 Rubber and Middle Motor Mentors for my Porsche EV project, Quick tour of what 914 Rubber and Middle Motors is all about
The Journey Isn't Ending
It's Just Beginning
This project has taught me resilience, curiosity, and the value of community. As I begin my next chapter at Cornell University, I'll continue documenting the build, sharing what I learn, and inspiring others to start projects of their own.
The Journey Isn't Ending
It's Just Beginning
This project has taught me resilience, curiosity, and the value of community. As I begin my next chapter at Cornell University, I'll continue documenting the build, sharing what I learn, and inspiring others to start projects of their own.
TINKERGINEERING
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