Buying 3.2 engine: How can I tell if its good?
 

I have been offered a Porsche 3.2 engine for a very reasonable sum. I want to buy as basis for a rebuild project.

The engine is currently out of the car. How can I tell if its any good? It seems to have been removed for some time.

The engine is faily complete apart from the flywheel.

What things can I look out for?

I am concerned about the crank etc..

I'll remove the valve covers and check for head studs that are loose or broken.

I'll look for oil leaks.

I'll turn the engine over and look to see if turns freely.

I'll open the distributer cap to see the condition of the rotor etc..
I'll check the plugs.

Anything else you guys thing I should check for?

Thanks in advance. :)

You can't. All of the items you just listed can be easily fixed once the engine is torn down. The case internals are not really accessable until you split the case. I'd turn it over and see how it feels, but beyond that you can't do much. Although, you could do a leakdown test, but I'd assume a rebuild would include a valve job which is commonly needed on the 3.2.

Yes when rebuilding I would have the valves done as a matter of course.

Is it too much of a risk?
Maybe I should let this one go... but if the crank is good then it would be great engine.

Hmmnn can I take the risk???

Is there a way to tell if the case has been split?
Also what kind of sounds should I look for when turning the engine over?

How much? That will dictate what you're willing to tolerate.

A lot depends on the type of project it is part of. If it is intended to be a transplant and will not be rebuilt there is more risk not knowing condition.
If on the other hand it will be a core for a motor project condition is of less concern as you will be replacing or having machine work done anyway.
An important consideration on value is if wiring harness and engine managment is included.

Yeah I am still considering it. There is no wiring harness and no ECU available.

However I was thinking it may be a good buy if for a future project car. Could jut run PMO's or get a loom and ecu box at a later date... + a flywheel.

So apart from the checks I have mentioned theres not alot I can check really, huh?

Hmmnn...

I'll go take a look and see if I get a good feel for the overall condition. Apparently then vendor has not cleaned the engine or anything like that, so I may be able to guage if this motor looks to be fairly clean.

Thanks

Al

Fluid particulate analysis.
There should be enough oil in the engine to send a sample oil for professional analysis.
This will tell you more about the engine than any other test.
Bearing, rings and how the engine was maintained.

http://www.polarislabs1.com/oil-analysis.htm