Ops on 3.2 vs 3.6 costs?

FenderGuy · 04-17-2008, 10:48 AM

As I am looking to get into a 3.2 engine, they seem to range anywhere from $5500 mid to high miles to $11,000 rebuilt. Lately been seeing the 964 engines go for $6000 and up,I know there more more parts involved for the 3.6, but what is the real difference in savings in a 3.2 vs 3.6 route?

onboost · 04-17-2008, 11:54 AM

Frank..

First let me say that my post is partly self motivated in that I have a 3.2 that I will sell you..
67k original miles.

Secondly, in my opinion.. one of the reasons you see the 3.6 motors dipping close to the price of a used 3.2 is the fact that it will cost you almost equal to get it installed.

As with the 3.2, you will need both the proper 915 trans, (or you can modify yours). You'll need the harness and the brain/ECU, unless of course you are planning to run carbs or your own EFI system. Then there are exhaust consideration as the HEs are quite different on the 3.6 and I don't think anyone is making a exhaust conversion kit as yet. Also, there is an additional adapter harness needed to adapt the 3.6 harness to the chassis etc.. flywheel, clutch and trans/engine stud kit, engine tin modifications or kit. Hmmm, sure Im forgetting something. There could even be some issues if the 3.6 you choose is the varioram w/OBDll.

There are a couple of guys out there that have the needed part$, Patrick Motorsports in AZ and Steve Timmens in DE come to mind. Not sure if Steve offers the kit but he will do the install.

Hope that helps you.. and let me know if you're interested in that 3.2, I'm actually looking to sell the whole car, but if someone wants the motor then that would be incentive for me to part.

Thanks,

Paul

FenderGuy · 04-17-2008, 03:27 PM

Paul

Pm you , lets talk

FenderGuy · 04-19-2008, 08:47 AM

Any other ops?

luigisdad · 05-01-2008, 02:27 PM

Hi:
I have a 1989 Carrera with a 3.2 that I'm debating what to do. I've been told that although I only have 125k miles on it, that a top end rebuild is on the horizon -- next 25k miles. So, since I drive only 7500 miles per year, that gives me at least 3 years. So, do I rebuild and spend $3500 to $5k on it and get another 150k miles or do I go all in and put a 3.6 into the car.

Has anyone done this and if so, what are the problems and what is the all in cost of doing so? Is it more cost effective to sell my 1989 and buy a nice 993?

Thank you
Roy

911 tweaks · 05-01-2008, 05:57 PM

$$ wise the 993 route is best/least expensive or equal $$ but a light yrs ahead car technologically wise... AND way less time ... presuming you buy a running 993.
To have the best of both worlds, buy a 993 and back date it to look like RSR... NOW YOU ARE TALKING THE CATS MEOW...
just my 2 cents worth
good luck

hcoles · 05-01-2008, 07:09 PM

that's what I heard also... get a 993 and all the engineering is done for you. 993 is light years ahead in term of engineering, faster, more comfort, quiet, better cornering.. maybe a 6 speed.. pretty much better in every way, some likelyhood that the ac will work and will even cool.. of course I can say that because I have an 89 3.2

DW SD · 05-06-2008, 02:14 PM

Fender,
Another issue is the oil cooling setup for the 3.6 conversion. It does not have the on engine cooler of the previous models, so all cooling is external. If you have an early car without cooling, figure on $2,000 to $2800 worth of cooling parts. If you have a later car with cooling, still, it is likely the need to add a second cooler. That is likely $750 if you do it yourself. Things add up quick with the 3.6 conversion.

I saw in the San Diego PCA listings a rebuilt 3.2 for $6500. It is being sold by a local expert Porsche mechanic, so it is likely very reputable.

Check out Don Plumley's car on this board. He has a lightened 993. He's done a lot of suspension upgrades, but seems quite enthusiastic about his vehicle. You can dump plenty of cash any direction that you go.

Doug

schnellmann · 05-07-2008, 09:03 PM

I just went through this debate last fall. I rebuilt.

So much of the $$$ equation depends on whether you can DIY a rebuild (I did) or whether you pay someone to do it. In my case, I could rebuild my 3.2 into a twin-plugged 3.4, and at the end of it all the cost was about the same as a 3.6 (964) transplant would have been for engine and xplant parts. Labor was free either way for me.

It was cheaper than a 993 v-ram transplant would have been (engine, xplant parts, more cooling, specialty exhaust), even counting the price I could have gotten for my 3.2 had I sold it after the xplant was done.

6K sounds like a not a lot for a 964 motor... but consider that most of them are in not much better shape than most of the 3.2s out there you'll find for sale. And the 3.6 is more expensive than the 3.2 to rebuild, assuming everything is stock.

Sure would suck to get a 6K 3.6 motor only to find it too needs a rebuild, and a search will tell you that, sadly, it has happened more than once to folks on the board.

FenderGuy · 05-08-2008, 08:30 PM

Thanks guys for the advice I may end up selling my SC, I am no longer interested in the 3.0 engines and may go to the later model Carrera or 964 all together on my next 911