Newb DIY idea

4to8m8 · 4to8m8's Garage

I have an 84 Carrera coupe. Runs strong with 76K on the clock. I desperately want to become a DIY'r. I travel alot so when I'm home I always want my Pcar to be running as opposed to being in project mode or in some sort of disaray because of my limited mechanical skills. In an effort to learn I've been toying around with the idea of building an engine on the side. My questions are is this a lame idea? and should I start with a used engine to be taken apart then brought back to life or buy new parts one at a time? I would like to draw this out over 5 or 6yrs and end up with a gorgeous piece of 3.2L art when finished! Looking for encouragement.

Rot 911 · 10-11-2004, 05:26 AM

Not a completely insane idea. On the other hand if your 84 engine doesn't have premature valve guide wear you are talking about possibly getting another 70K to 100K miles on the engine you have. Buying a core 3.2 and rebuilding it from the case out is going to run you around $7000. If you really want to have a project (assuming you have the money) why not get an early 911 or an SC in the $8000-$10,000 range. For that money you will find a decent running car that stills needs some TLC that you can perfect your mechanical skills on.

4to8m8 · 4to8m8's Garage

Kurt, I don't have the room in my garage for another car plus I'm not intimidated by most other area's of the car. Meaning on my 84, I don't mind messing and tinkering with everything except the engine. I'll usually take it somewhere for that. I figured between 7-10K and whenever it was finished I would swap it know matter what the condition of the existing motor. I can handle 7-10K drawn out over 5-6yrs. It's the engine knowledge I'm most concerned with gaining. Cheers Kurt, I can always count on you for a quick comeback and support.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

It's a great idea, removing time pressure always makes a project far more enjoyable.

mtelliott · 10-11-2004, 05:41 AM

Just a thought. Find a tired 3.2. I mean really tired. Compression leaks, etc. I'm thinking you can get this relatively inexpensive (relative in Porsche terms).

Then, pick up some new Pistons and build a replacement engine that has even more power than your stock. Might want to consider different cams, etc. Once you are finished, swap in the rebuilt and tell us how much more power you have.

4to8m8 · 4to8m8's Garage

mtelliott, My thoughts exactly! and as Bill mentioned time is not an issue.

mtelliott · 10-11-2004, 07:23 AM

And if I was in VB, I would be buying you a beer just to convince you to let me help. Not having the time pressure would be so nice. Of course, once you start, the time pressure will be there. You'll just want to get it done to see the effect it will make to your car. If I had the space, money and time, I would be doing the same thing for my SC.

Good luck. And document, document, document.

Michael