Euro piston question

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 06:04 PM

When you convert a US spec Carrera to Euro compression, do you have to change out the cylinders or just install the new pistons?

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

Just new pistons and adjust the maximum ignition timing.

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Henry Schmidt
Just new pistons and adjust the maximum ignition timing.

Thanks Henry. Now the burning question.....where do you find just the pistons? Every ad I have seen only offers the complete set.

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

Call in the AM and I'll check.

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 07:17 PM

thanks, man.....just out of curiosity, what is the going rate for swapping out pistons asuming that there is nothing else wrong that needs to be fixed?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jdm61
thanks, man.....just out of curiosity, what is the going rate for swapping out pistons asuming that there is nothing else wrong that needs to be fixed?

That would be a lot of money to pay for very little benefit. If nothing is wrong with your engine, I suggest that you leave it alone. There's not too much that you can do with a Carrera 3.2 without making it non-smog legal. See the Engine Rebuild book for details and suggestions...

-Wayne

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
That would be a lot of money to pay for very little benefit. If nothing is wrong with your engine, I suggest that you leave it alone. There's not too much that you can do with a Carrera 3.2 without making it non-smog legal. See the Engine Rebuild book for details and suggestions...

-Wayne

LOL.....i just bought the necessary parts from YOU to make it non-smog legal. I live in Florida.......no inspections of any kind. Would the 3.4 conversion be a better bet?

Eagledriver · 08-01-2006, 07:43 PM

Yes the 3.4 would be a better upgrade. I doubt you'd see even 10 HP with the euro pistons and you'll be in danger of detonation all the time. Like Wayne says...if your old pistons are ok why waste your money.

-Andy

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 07:46 PM

why would i have detonation probs? we have 93 super unleaded in Florida which is the same as 98 RON euro gas.

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

All 3.2 ECUs have a retard/ advance adjustment to deal with higher compression and questionable octane content.

I would agree that there is little to gain but the truth is how would anyone know the cost was too high without knowing the cost?

Sometimes it seems like we have Porsche "whisperers" among us.

nabilious · 08-01-2006, 08:08 PM

LOL!! True true Henry! Well met. The 'whispering' is all around us.

jdm61 · 08-01-2006, 08:33 PM

curious about the gains.....factory specs tell me that i would go from 207 to 231hp since I already have the pre-muffler and sport exhaust ready to be installed...thats a pretty good jump for $800-1000 in parts cost. 3.4 9.8 to 1 pistons and cylinders run about $4,500, right?

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

Be careful with sport mufflers.
On a stock 3.2 we measured a 4% horse power loss with a Borla sport muffler.
Horse power is a synergy of intake flow, cam, compression, ignition timing, fuel ratio and exhaust flow.
Changing one may cost rather than pay.