3.2 Top-end rebuild - What are the typical upgrades?

[auchenberg]

Hi all,

My 87 3.2 engine has passed 105k miles and has started to make valve noise in the 3k rpm range. Oil consumption is high, and I have occasional smoke. The conclusion from my mechanic is the valve guides, so per my research, that means the typical top-end rebuild. It's time to spend the $$$.

So without making this yet another top-end rebuild thread, my question is this: What are the most typical upgrades to consider while the engine is out and the top-end is getting rebuild? Which are the low-hanging fruits?

Thoughts:
- 964 cams.
- 3.2 -> 3.4 conversion
- Motronic -> ITB conversation

The engine is currently paired with a GT3 exhaust, M&K headers, and a 911 chip.

Thanks!

/k

[Cairo94507]

I have an '87 3.2 that was a full rebuild in my '71 914-6. I have the 964 cams, Motronic injection, large tube SS heat exchangers and free flow 2 in 1 out muffler and Steve Wong's custom chip tuned for my engine. Car runs great. Pulls strong across the entire RPM range and idles with a nice lope to it. In short, I love it.

[996AE]

For my street 88 CAB 911 rebuild I kept it all stock just polished and balanced and used the money I had planned for upgrades to spilt case and do bottom end instead. No cat, sport muffler and Steve Wong Chip and the 3.2 comes alive

The slippery slope on hot rodding the 3.2 is crazy. 3.4 or 3.5L, twin plug, ignition upgrade, headers, cams,

Mine had 155k. Shop said no reason to open her up but I did anyway. Once open she looked great as the shop said it would. Oh well.

[OffCamber00]

In addition to all the usual things to check on the front of the engine while its out, i can recommend 964 cams and the supporting valve springs and retainers to enable higher revving. I upgraded head studs, resurfaced rockers to match new cams, added rsr rocker shaft seals, new rod bearings, test flow your injectors, do the G50 cross shaft update while you have access. I went w/ George's headers and a Dansk sport with custom Wong chip.

Bump to 3.4 is exponential dollars but worth it depending on condition of your Ps & Cs.

[auchenberg]

Thanks everyone! My list so far:

- Deep cleaning of the engine + engine bay
- Installation of new engine isolation pad.
- New valve springs. Titanium?
- New valve retainers
- Wevo engine mounts or OEM M637 Club Sport Engine mounts. https://patrickmotorsports.com/products/eng-911-375-043-07 https://www.wevo.com/Products/ChassisProducts/WevoChassisProducts-911SSEngineMounts.htm
- G50 cross shaft update. https://www.rauchandspiegel.com/product/clutch-release-shaft-bearing-kit/
- 964 cams / or 993 CS cams from Dougherty Racing Cams

[dtxscott]

The machine shop will check your springs to see if they are still in spec. Titanium retainers are a good upgrade.

Now is the time to replace the A/C hoses coming in/out of the engine bay and add additional condensers if you need.

[911pcars]

Your budget $ > $$$$$$ would be helpful. Any and all of the above are doable upgrades - a slippery upslope.

Sherwood

[Gianni at Pelican Parts]

Hey auchenberg,

We have a few helpful articles in our "How To" Tech Articles section in regards to when and what to do when you think it's time for an engine rebuild.

[Socbum]

I’m on the tail end of my top end rebuild for my 88 911. I stayed stock 3.2 with a lean towards tracking but still street capable. I agree with the above and add the following:

Replace all rubber (oil, fuel, vacuum, bushings engine mounts)
Inspect wire harness and consider replacing
Speed & ref sensors
Light weight fly wheel
Racing clutch

Just a few of the things that I added to my rebuild (or was added lol)