initial planning on 3.2 overhall

[hcoles]

a friend is planning on overhaul of 170k mile 3.2 - mostly used as a track car
I'm trying to help him plan the project and propose upgrades typically mentioned here. The only performance upgrade planned is 964 cam regrind. Not sure at this point if he has Nickasil or not. Also he wants to install "racing" valve springs for "insurance". The motor is smoking a fair amount on shifts. He got black flagged a couple of times lately.... and was able to go back out. There doesn't seem to be any odd noises.

Anyway probably the biggest question, after we find out the condition of the PandC's, is to split or not to split the case. The budget is limited. Just to be sure I have the issues for that decision captured, here is what I have:

- if renewing cam sprockets and chains then good idea to renew layshaft sprocket
- check, renew, clean oil squirters
- new layshaft bearing (is there a coating or ? to make this last longer? they always seem to show wear even with lowish miles)
- check crank and crank bearings
- install better rod bolts (this can be done with case not split, but I guess easier for a DIY with case split)
- check oil pump for wear/damage
- check wear on layshaft drive gear
- check/clean all passages

Any other items? / Issues?

I'm sort of leaning to have us do the parts/processes easy for a DIY and then maybe have the short block sent out for P's and C's inspection and split case check and fix as needed or upgraded where necessary for track use.

thanks for comments...the car is in northern CA

[Eagledriver]

You have hit most of the high points. I would replace the lower headstuds with steel or 993. Tell him to keep the stock cams so he can come race with us in the Toyo spec class.

-Andy

[hcoles]

Andy, thanks. We've discussed the head studs, thanks for reminding me. I would probably recommend going to the plain Jane steel on the bottom or replace all, as I did. Re. 964, he probably wants this because most of the 3.2 "friends" at the track have Camgrinder 964 cams, but the Toyo spec is a good point.

[efhughes3]

I speak from experience: Budget $ for new crank sensors, fuel lines, injector rebuild, and as many other peripherals as possible.

[efhughes3]

Oh, refurb rods and rockers....

[hcoles]

Ed, fuel lines is a good call, we are already planning top of engine sensors... the two crank sensors should also be put on the list. I didn't do fuel lines, and I probably should have. The one fuel dist. line seemed to be expensive, but for sure less so than a fire.

[hcoles]

Ed, yes rockers we have on the list for new bushings and pad refacing. Rods... I don't know to much other than checking the big end bearings. I guess inspect the wrist pin end as well.

[efhughes3]

The rods get re-bushed on the pin end. On the crank end, the mating surfaces (main rod and rod cap) get machined, and then the hole rebored to round for the bearing, and the proper center-center distance from the wrist pin.

At 170K, the rods will have somewhat of an oval shape..

[hcoles]

Ed, thanks I did not know that about rods.

[ChrisBennet]

I agree with the "insurance" part of the stiffer valve springs. Unless he's one of those exceptional individuals who never misses a shift at the track. It can make the differenence between having an "oops" moment and bringing the car home on a trailer.
-Chris
Edit: Apparently, I can't spell "moment".

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by ChrisBennet

I agree with the "insurance" part of the stiffer valve springs. Unless he's one of those exceptional individuals who never misses a shift at the track. It can make the differenence between having an "oops" memoment and bringing the car home on a trailer.
-Chris

On that note, he may want to include a Rennshift or Wevo shifter to protect the investment. I know I'm going to get one before mine goes back to the track with the new engine. That one missed shift @ Motorsport Ranch back in March has cost me $9K!!

[hcoles]

excellent ideas re. shifter... does anyone make a shift protection system e.g. locks you out of 2nd and 3rd when the car is above say 90mph?

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by hcoles

excellent ideas re. shifter... does anyone make a shift protection system e.g. locks you out of 2nd and 3rd when the car is above say 90mph?

That would get a bit complicated. But both Wevo and Rennshift make units that default to the 3-4 plane. You have to overcome spring resistance to pull into the 1-2 plane. The Rennshift (maybe the Wevo too) is adjustable so you can dial in the resistance you want. Both are about $500 or so. The Rennshift guy is local to me, and it is a work of art, as is the Wevo from what I read.

[hcoles]

ok, great these should help keep me/us out of the 1-2 plane, which I think is where most of the money shifts go