3.0 to 3.2 question

[David W]

I have been talking with one of the suppliers of JE pistons. I am thinking of using some nice 3.2 (no sealing ring) cylinders with JE pistons in my 78 3.0. I am unsure if the condition (120K miles) on the cylinders in the engine but I assume they are either worn or KS (I am 0 for 3 on 3.0 and 3.2 engine I have dissembled recently all worthless KS!).

Anyway, he told me I could use the 3.2 cylinders directly on the 3.0 heads with out modification, he said I might want to surface the 3.0 heads. I though the 3.2 heads were different in that they had a chamfered sealing surface that corresponds to the 3.2 cylinder and that the 3.0 head relied on the sealing ring on the 3.0 cylinder.

I know the Max Moritz 3.2 conversion was supposedly a slip in, but I assume the heads were machined?

I am thinking to save $$ simply using the 3.2 Malhe cylinders I have with 3.0 specific JE’s, (I won’t get the displacement bump) will the heads work as he has stated?

Thanks!

[Wayne 962]

We are now an authorized dealer for JE pistons - give Eugene a call at 1-888-280-7799x260, he's become an expert on these lately.

The 3.0 and 3.2 cylinders are basically the same, with the exception of that sealing ring. Tthe head mounting surface for the 3.0 / 3.2 are the same, and the differences are in the cylinders. You should have no problem using these cylinders

Alusil pistons must be used with Alusil cylinders - Nikasil cylinders must be used with Nikasil pistons - don't interchange them. So, if your cylinders are Nikasil, the JE pistons are a good choice...

-Wayne

[David W]

Thanks Wayne, love your book, web site!

If my heads are good on my 3.0, do I need to have them resurfaced or will the 3.2 cylinders seal ok (if I decarbon them)? I am nervous about the sealing problems I know the 3.6 had with no seal rings.

FYI, looking at the prices yesterday, checked today, big increase! Bummer!

Thanks ,David

[Eugene at Pelican Parts]

Hi David,

I just sent you a PM.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by David W
If my heads are good on my 3.0, do I need to have them resurfaced or will the 3.2 cylinders seal ok (if I decarbon them)? I am nervous about the sealing problems I know the 3.6 had with no seal rings.

I recommend sending them to the machine shop at least for a cleanup and check of the mounting surface - they'll tell you if they need to be cut at all...

-Wayne

[timlooney]

I have been thinking about doing the same thing (3.0 to 3.2). I have been working on my rebuild for several month (as time allows). I recently found that I have Alusil cylinders and a broken conn-rod bolt (bummer).

What do you think about the Perfect Bore cylinders with JE pistons? Are they any better than a Nikasil/JE combo? I could save some money getting a used set of Nikasil but new is nice too...