Buy a spare case to build an engine or ... ?
 

The engine currently in my car ('84 3.2L) runs well. However, I'm looking to make the engine into something a lot more wild. This leaves me at bit of a predicament - would it be best to use the case currently in my car until the engine needs a rebuild or find another case to build the new engine from as I gather the parts? As it is, I've started an engine rebuild fund for when the fateful day occurs (hopefully many moons from now). From what I can tell I'll only be reusing the case, crankshaft and heads...

The engine hasn't been completely spec'd out but this is what I was hoping to do:

tec-3r / twin plug and itb conversion
LN Engineering 102mm 10.5:1 pistons, Nickies Cylinders, ARP head studs, R&R Rods
1.75" headers w/ heat
some sort of cam

The goal is to build an engine that I can spin to ~7k reliably and ready to hit the tracks while having enough civility to occasionally drive on the streets.

From my few days of deliberation on what to do these are the pros and cons I've thought of:

The pros:
(1) When the current engine finally needs the rebuild I have the new engine built and ready to go
(2) Timelines aren't as important since I don't 'need' the engine right away. So machine work can take longer and it won't really affect me driving the car.
(3) Could sell the other engine when it is swapped out or could keep the spare engine for a rainy day / when the fancy engine is in need of maintenance.

The cons:
(1) Cost for additional case, crankshaft and heads
(2) Will have to find room for a spare engine (if I don't sell it)

I'll build the engine by myself but I will have access to an extremely competent mechanic when the going gets rough (not to mention this forum).

So if you were in my position what would you do? Buy the spare case and work on it a little at a time or just keep depositing some money each week toward the rebuild? (Honestly, I'll probably want more HP before my current engine needs the rebuild, but y'all know how that goes).

Also, feel free to talk about any other parts I'd need to add or should look at with my plan. I've read Wayne's engine rebuild book and realize its a large undertaking but it should be fun. :)

If your engine does not need a rebuild, I would go the other route, i.e. build another one. It may be a higher initial investment, but once it is built and runs the way you want, you can always resell the original motor and recoup your costs.

That is a big jump from what you have now. What about picking up bits now while your on the road and before the prices go up any more, then when its all in the shop go for it?

What kind of hp are you talking with that setup?

I went the simple route and kept everything stock except for the twin plug 10.5/1 98mm super cup cams, SW custom chip, took some weight off the car and it goes like stink right up to 7k

Yep, this is the route I'm kind of leaning toward right now, but I figure it is worth getting people's opinions before I go and start spending money like it is going out of style. :)

I had thought about going this route but figured if I'm going to have all the parts lying around why not go ahead and just finish it off?

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I figure a 3.5L engine is good for about 350hp my extra 2mm of bore should let me eek out a shade more hp.

I have a SW chip + m&k euro premuff already installed on the car and have taken some weight out with more weight savings coming. And it is definitely more spry than it was when I bought it.

I'd like the engine to spin to 8k or 8.5k but I don't want to give up reliability to spin it that fast. I'd prefer to overbuild then dial in some safe margins on the rpms, be it 7k to 8k for redline.

Just buy another core. There are so many other little pieces that you need to complete the engine you'll spend hours bent over the PET trying to figure out which part you need to order to complete step X of your build. anything you do not re-use you can sell off if it is in spec to recoup some $. Also, you keep driving. The only real reason to keep your original engine/case is to match numbers for originality or you cannot afford a second engine to work on. It sounds as if neither of these issues are a concern to you at this time.

Acquire parts over time as they come up on the want ads... saves some money.

Best regards,

Michael

Yeah, the biggest key for me is to keep driving. The 911 acts as DD when my normal car is in the shop.. which sometimes happens more than I'd like. You are right about me not being concerned about the originality of the car. I bought the car to have fun with not to treat like a museum piece.

After you mentioned looking over the PET I took a look and realized I would need to find a lot more pieces than I initially thought. I completely ignored the timing chains, etc.

Since time isn't an issue I'll definitely keep an eye out on the want ads and use them as well.

Take your time and hound local craigs list, eBay, rennlist, and pelican classifieds for the right parts you need. I did that and my rebuild was pretty cheap, comparatively, but it took a lot longer than I would have liked.

You should be able to find a decent core close to you where you can go get it too... saves shipping $'s and risks. The easiest place to save $'s is in shipping and Austin should be a decent place to pick up stuff. If you are pals with some local shops ask if they have one sitting on a shelf collecting dust that you can deal for. I know my local shop, the 901 Shop has a few attics that I have dug around in and they have tons of stuff just sitting there... they don't even really know the extent of their inventory so you really have to show up and dig around and you may find what you are looking for.

This, of course, assumes you know what you are looking for ;) For that, use this board and nail it down as close as you can get it.

Enjoy!

-Michael

That was exactly what I was thinking. I'm a fan of craigslist.. that is how I found my Porsche.

I'll have to check out some of the local shops.. I know there are a few and I might be able to ask my mechanic if he knows of any leads on a 3.2L engine once I've got enough cash to buy one.

Yeah, I'll have to start a new thread about the specs for my engine.. I'm still not so certain on some of the parts like cams, etc. But I'm sure the Pelican Brain Trust can point me in the right direction.