nikasils used in 3.2 L engines?

[Doug Steinel]

A friend has a 3.2 L Carrera with original p/c. When he opens this engine to rebuild, should he expect to find Nikasil or Alusil cylinders?

[KobaltBlau]

Here is my understanding:

he should count the fins on the cylinder barrel. If there are 10, they are probably made by Kolbenschmidt. If there are 11, they are probably made by Mahle. If they are made by Mahle, they are probably but not definitely Nikasil. If they are made by Kolbenschmidt, they are probably but not definitely Alusil. There are no guarantees without looking at the cylinder wall and/or testing it with a magnet.

In other words, you must take them out to be sure.

There should be more detail in the archives, but these are the basics, I hope I got everything correct.

edit: corrected to note that KS can be nikasil as well.

[ChrisBennet]

Both were used but I think some years were likely to have one than the other.
-Chris

[jgparker]

If they are made by Kolbenschmidt, they are definitely Alusil.

I have a set of Nikasil plated Kolbenschmidt cylinders, so never say never. I hear the fin counting is not 100% (as Andy said.) You won't know what the plating is until you get into it.

Good luck,

JP

[KobaltBlau]

OK, I wasn't sure on that one. I edited my post to reflect that correction. It was my intent to indicate that the fin counting is not 100%, I heard the same (probably here)

Thanks JP.