3.2 engine-good deal?
 

I have started my search for an engine for my 914 hot rod project and came across the following: 1988 3.2 with all intake and exhaust, no DME or harness with aprox. 200k miles with leakdown numbers of 4-8% cold. This engine turns over freely with no nasty noises and is available for 4k. I am not planning on a rebuild right away so I'm hoping the engine can be installed "as is " and drive it for a year or two and then do a rebuild as needed. This will be a weekend autocross rat and DE car. Thoughts? I think I'm ready to pull the trigger but wanted some feedback from others.

Anyone???

Sounds like a great deal... my only question is how much is the DME & harness going to cost? Otherwise, great power plant for these cars.

Forget the DME. Sell the intake and put a set of carbs on it. Swap the cams out and really enjoy that teener.

That's kinda what I was thinking, what cams would you switch to? I want to still be able to drive on the street ( torque ) but still allow horsepower boost across the rev range? I'm not looking to build a 7,000 rpm screamer as the 914 chassis is light. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Carbs are a great idea for that engine. I wouldn't swap cams though until you're ready to rebuild the engine. With the proper exhaust you are looking at 250 plus HP with just the carbs (46mm).

-Andy

At that mileage I'd consider it closer to a "core", not a "2 years of trouble free driving" proposition. Used DME's turn up now and then but used 3.2 harnesses are pretty rare - I guess people want them with the motor usually.
I expect to sell my own ~120K '89 3.2L motor with harness and DME for around $5000 (but not this year). You judge whether a 200K motor (minus $500 DME and unobtainable harness) is worth $4000.
Now if your leaving something out - like it was rebuilt at 160K with new P&C, etc that would be different of course.
-Chris

Chris I consider this a runnable core if that makes sense. It has not been rebuilt that the seller is aware of but it did come out of a running California car for what ever that's worth. I'm pretty sure I would sell off the EFI parts and go PMO's as I have done on my SC. I think it's worth taking a chance for the price but wanted to get some opinions. From reading this forum and others it looks like re-ringing and new valve guides normally brings these back to health,assuming you don't go crazy " while you're in there". After all this will mostly be a weekend car.

If I decide to purchase this engine and run carbs can the distributor be used? I assume the ECU drives the distributor? If no ECU then what drives the distributor? Or what distributor can be used in its place?

You need a different system for the ignition. Crankfire is an easy way to go. I don't know what other distributors would work on a Carrera.

-Andy

if you do that let me know I have a friend that needs a 3.2 intake and injector setup

Well it doesn't matter now the seller just informed me he is keeping the engine. Oh well the search continues.

And now the seller says he may honor our deal. I've asked the seller to take a week to figure out if he really wants to sell this engine. If after the week he want to sell I'll grab it. Ben I'll let you know at that point on the injection.