3.2 engine rebuild questions

[BGCarrera32]

Hi:

Have a few basic engine rebuild questions for a 3.2 Carrera engine (USA)...

I have an unknown number of miles on my engine. My guess is its in the 160,000 range, car was purchased with a rolled back odometer back when I was an idiot (I'm waaay smarter now!). The car actually runs well and pulls good, but is starting to feel a bit tired after a few years of ownership. Throttle response is "soft". I have some valve tick I can't dial out and its always had it, and no question it could use a top end rebuild. My mechanic did a compression and leakdown several years ago and cylinder #1 was like 60%. If I am going to do a top end I'm going all the way to the crank. Oddly enough no smoke ever on startup.

I'm thinking of a fairly stock rebuild, but using Euro 3.2 P's and C's. A twin plug 3.4 sounds nice, but the money tacks on quick and my budget is limited. I can't see buying a twin plug distributor and splitter and all that.

A few basic questions:

1) Is it pretty much a given or accepted that you buy a new oil pump for a rebuild? (Am I an idiot for even considering it?) Reason I ask is how bloody expensive the pumps are.

2) Carrera pressure fed tensioners...any issue with reusing what I have?

3) JE Pistons with LN Engineering nickies cylinders, or stick with Mahle?

4) What's the best cam for a Euro 3.2 motor?

Danke,
BG

[dtw]

Originally Posted by BGCarrera32

Hi:

Have a few basic engine rebuild questions for a 3.2 Carrera engine (USA)...

I have an unknown number of miles on my engine. My guess is its in the 160,000 range, car was purchased with a rolled back odometer back when I was an idiot (I'm waaay smarter now!). The car actually runs well and pulls good, but is starting to feel a bit tired after a few years of ownership. Throttle response is "soft". I have some valve tick I can't dial out and its always had it, and no question it could use a top end rebuild. My mechanic did a compression and leakdown several years ago and cylinder #1 was like 60%. If I am going to do a top end I'm going all the way to the crank. Oddly enough no smoke ever on startup.

I'm thinking of a fairly stock rebuild, but using Euro 3.2 P's and C's. A twin plug 3.4 sounds nice, but the money tacks on quick and my budget is limited. I can't see buying a twin plug distributor and splitter and all that.

A few basic questions:

1) Is it pretty much a given or accepted that you buy a new oil pump for a rebuild? (Am I an idiot for even considering it?) Reason I ask is how bloody expensive the pumps are.

2) Carrera pressure fed tensioners...any issue with reusing what I have?

3) JE Pistons with LN Engineering nickies cylinders, or stick with Mahle?

4) What's the best cam for a Euro 3.2 motor?

Danke,
BG

1-2. Not at all. They often check out ok and are fine to re-use.
3. Hard to beat original Mahle. You'll sleep like a baby. Better yet, find a nice set of Euro 10.3:1. Then again, JE is supposed to have a new forging for use with our motors that solves a lot of the problems with the older units. I haven't heard any reports yet but it is worth calling around.
4. Keeping your DME? 964 or one of Dougherty secret blends.

Heh, my 2.7 was the same way. Valves and valve guides were completely shot - - every single one of them - and it didn't smoke at all. Really weird.