3.2 liter Carrera

[orthohbb1]

I have purchased a 1984 3.2 liter carrera/915 transmission which Im putting into a new body. Aside from a DME upgrade and exhaust modification, what would be the most satisfying, reliable, cost effective way of upgrading power to this motor. Im not unopposed to a complete rebuild.

[ChrisBennet]

A chip from Steve W (911chips.com) is the most cost effective mods. Do your mods (different muffler, cat bypass, etc) and then get a chip from Steve to match the mods. Porsche did not leave a lot of horsepower "lying on the table" so other than a chip, mods become very expensive on a horsepower per dollar basis.
You didn't ask but have you considered making the car faster (improved suspension, lose weight) or the driver faster?
-Chris

[orthohbb1]

The drivetrain is going into a 356 replica. It will weigh appox 2000lbs. It will have a complete 911 suspension, brakes etc. Free flowing european exhaust with Dansk singleinlet/dual,outlet system. Youre right, unless I really want to get "creative", cam, pistons etc there isnt much room. I think with a chip, exhaust mods, IM looking at 250-265 hp. Reliable, bulletproof, and very, very fast.

[Carrera3.5L]

Originally posted by orthohbb1
The drivetrain is going into a 356 replica. It will weigh appox 2000lbs. It will have a complete 911 suspension, brakes etc. Free flowing european exhaust with Dansk singleinlet/dual,outlet system. Youre right, unless I really want to get "creative", cam, pistons etc there isnt much room. I think with a chip, exhaust mods, IM looking at 250-265 hp. Reliable, bulletproof, and very, very fast.

I think that this is an interesting project and it should be very quick in a lightweight "bathtub"...

That said, I think the power numbers you believe you will be getting from the limited modifications that you are proposing are VERY optimistic. I would like to use the same dyno as you...

Figure more along the lines of 195-205 whp on a Dynojet from what you are looking to do, which if you believe in 15% driveline loss is around 230-240 crank horsepower...

Many, many people have done these same mods over the years, and this is about where one ends up powerwise...

Ralph

[kenikh]

That motor in a 356 is MORE than enough to give you a permagrin and the ability to blow almost anything this side of Z06 Corvette to smithereens. Leave it as is, save the $$ and enjoy. The Wong chip is all I'd do.

[jdm61]

with the Steve W. chip and the exhaust (have you thought about using SSI's instead of the cat back system?) , you will end up with at least Euro Carrera power and an engine that will race toward the redline in the first two gears before you know it......and i am talking about seeing these results in a 2800 plus pound TL Carrera. You could probably see the power you are looking for by going with the aforementioned mods plus Euro pistons and an Extrudehoned intake or even a 3.4 big bore kit. This assumes that you would go with the rebuild. Check out the dyno results on Steve''s site. With wide tires and the basic mods, you are looking at potential acceleration numbers that will compared favorably with the old 2.7 RS or SCRS......probably no worse than the LOW 5's for 0-60. you put some short ratio gears in that 915 and who knows? You are going to be aerodynamically limited on top end anyway, so why not just go for super quick?

[78targa]

I like the idea of a close ratio gearbox too. It will make the power seem very available and with the car you are putting it in, I don't think you will be hitting 150 regularly. I would also recommend a LSD if you don't have one. The car is light enough to brake loose and some traction control would help.

As for mods, DME is nice and bulletproof but... Carbs (I'm thinking a set of PMOs) would get you some more raw HP and have a more matching classic look. You then go with a more agressive cam and change out the pistons. But to do that you will start digging into the engine and $$$ with start disappearing very quickly.


Personally, I think your car will be light enough that adding more power would be not be noticed as you are limited in the size tires you have, right? I'd get a killer sounding/performing exhaust, add a Steve W. chip and put $$ into the transmission. Oh, and you propably should get rid of the stock airbox, for looks and most likely due to clearance issues.

Sounds like a great project! Enjoy.

[jdm61]

Are you bulding a pure 356 replica or one of the Speedster replicas that allows you to use wide tires?