Planning an engine build

[e3photo]

Well I'm still looking for a roller, but since I am really looking forward to building an engine, I thought I should start there. I have a couple of leads on used engines, and figured the roller would just be sitting around waiting for the engine.
I have read threads on engine building, and options, till my brain feels like it will bust.
I like Henry Schmidt's thought that engine design should fit the individual.
I plan on a daily driver with good low end. I want that feel of being pulled back into the seat. I also want to be able to just hit the road for a road trip, say Tennessee to the N.C. coast. I also plan on making sure the suspension is tweaked, after all, the P car is known for handling.
I am thinking a 3.0 bumped to a 3.2 with a mild cam, SSI, and probably EFI. Thinking something in the way of megasquirt. I have poured over Wayne's books and this forum, and thought I would throw out my plan and have it critiqued. What am I missing?Would a high CR 3.0 be as good as a 3.2, provided you take care of the details? I want a good dependable engine with some punch. I don't wont to get caught too much on the slippery slope, but don't want to have regrets. I would rather do it right, then spend time enjoying it... ie.. driving it.
I am looking forward to all the great input. I think that if I had had this resource 30 years ago, I would still be single, living with my mom, and building cars in the garage. LOL ( No offense if you fit this description )

Cheers,
Emerald

[sww914]

I think that if you want low end grunt, there's no replacement for displacement.

[SP2]

I agree with your plans for a mild cam if you want a daily driver. I have a 3.0 with 964 cams in my daily SC. The low end is pretty bad going up hills, especially when the engine is cold. I live at the bottom of a very steep hill, the first thing the car sees in the morning. But I must admit the high end from 3500 on up is very very good. I have to be careful not to redline it because it accelerates so fast in the high end.

I do alot of highway driving, not city driving, so this is the right combo for me. Have fun with your project!

[e3photo]

Thanks for the input. It seems I am headed in the right direction. I guess I need to research cams, and maybe EFI. The article in Excellence magazine was good. Should I consider twin plugging? The way I understand it, that is for high CR, and I figured going up in displacement I would not need twin plugs.
Thanks again. I am really looking forward to this project!

Cheers,
Emerald

[WERK I]

I like the 3.6l engine in a light chassis. Gobs of torque, improved engine design, fuel injection that's practically trouble free, twin-plugged, no problem with emission regs, revs easily over 6K RPM. A 915 transmission can live with the engine's torque in a light chassis.
If you can find an engine in very good condition, you can spend your money on suspension and brake enhancements, making a truly killer combination.

[e3photo]

I hadn't thought of that route. It seems like a nice 3.6 will cost a bit, and then are there issues actually putting it in an SC , say 78-83 MY ?
Cheers,
Emerald

[OldTee]

I would be cautious putting a 9.5-1 compression pistons into an SC with CIS. There is too much danger of detonation ruining a perfect day driving.

[e3photo]

I had planned on doing something other than CSI. It seems there are some popular options, I am still looking. megasquirt, tec3 both have a following. I figured better to get a head start on sorting the details, before I was jumpin to get on with the build.
I am leaning towards 3.2 with a mild cam. The S cam seems popular in 3.0. Don't know the difference I would see between high CR 3.0 an s cam and a 3.2.
Thanks for the input

Cheers,
Emerald

[sww914]

More cc's need more flow. If you're building 3.2 you should match your cams to your size and compression ratio as well as your induction. It's a package.

[e3photo]

Thanks for the heads up. I am pouring over cam info now. It does seem to be a big puzzle, but I am sure that as I get a little further along, things will fall into place.

Cheers,
Emerald