Rebuild question

[Larry Harris]

Sometimes when I think I have a little knowledge about my 85 3.2 I ask a pro a question and find out how ignorant I really am.
I thought a "rebuild" normally included P&Cs as a matter of routine. In trying to get a ballpark price on a rebuild I'm hearing different approaches and wildly different prices.
The two P mechanics I have spoken with indicated I may not need P&Cs, but both are suggesting a top end rebuild with the addition of 964 or 993 cams.
My engine has 115,000 miles showing and the compression is at least 165 psi on all cylinders. It does puff a little smoke at start-up. Both mechanics claim the 3.2 bottom end is bullet proof and will not need attention. I believe my oil pressure readings are not quite correct because of needle wobble in the druck meter.
It usually shows at least 1 bar for each 1000 rpms.

Any comments.

Thanks in advance for any positive help/opinions.

[john walker's workshop]

at 115K, you're barely into valve guide wear territory. it's always a good idea to do a little further inspection, when the heads are off, like removing the p+c's and connecting rods to check rod bearing condition. i've been glad i did on more than one occasion, given the 3.2's tendency to use oil down the guides, and the possibility that the bearings may have been starved for oil at some time. new bearings are cheap. replace the rod bolts and nuts, and decide whether you want to leave the original rings alone or chance replacing them. have a shop measure the taper and out of round of the cylinders, and check the piston skirt and ring lands for wear. of course, if you really want to replace the p+c's, then use the nikasil ones, as you probably have the kolbenschmidt alusils now.

[Wayne 962]

All you need to know is in the Engine Rebuild Book: http://www.101projects.com . Get one so that you're not taken to the cleaners by an overzealous mechanic...

-Wayne

[Eagledriver]

Why are you rebuilding the engine?

[Jeff Alton]

I just pulled my 3.2 to put in some 964 cams. Next thing I know it is top end time. Turned into a while your in there..... My car has similar mileage to yours and my exhaust guides were toast, but the intakes were fine... did them all anyways.

Jeff

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Eagledriver
Why are you rebuilding the engine?

Good question. He needs to read this first:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_Engine_Rebuild/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm

-Wayne

[Larry Harris]

Thanks guys for your responses. Wayne I do have your book and have cruised thru it several times, but thanks for the article you posted on this site.
Due to unusual circumstances I have absolutely no history on my car. I really try to take care of my vehicles and I intend to cary through with this car. The performance is down a little bit from when I bought it and the oil smoke at start up is annoying.
I want to do the top end on my terms, not when the engine is demanding repairs.
I also NEED a clutch so this will be addressed also.