Ideas for 3.2 Rebuild

Moss · 10-03-2009, 08:10 AM

Have weak compression on high mileage '88 3.2 Carrera. Car had top end rebuild in prior ownership but by the way it runs I suspect a burned valve. Anyway, given the circumstances,I'm considering a split case rebuild to include new P&C's. California smog laws obligate DME induction. My question is to ask what kind of HP can I get to and still pass smog? And what kind of specs would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Steve@Rennsport · 10-03-2009, 08:16 AM

You have a lot of choices, based on your budget,...

Thats really what determines what you do.

One can any of these through smog as long as you retain either stock or 964 cams. A 3.4 can make plenty of HP while keeping all the Motronic system intact.

911st · 10-04-2009, 02:36 PM

There is smog legal and there are setups that can pass smog. No mods are smog legal except for a different air cleaner and a sport muffler.

Lightening the car and or gears can make a significant difference and are not an issue with a smog test.

It is als possible to install a 993 or C2 3.6 and get it CARB approved which is the only legal way to really increase your HP in Calif.

However, I do not expect that is what you mean.

Here is what I believe.

214hp stock
240 cat bypass, chip, sport muffler
250 1 5/8 headers with sport muffler & chip.
260-270 with carbs, race exhaust.

All above is with stock long block and cams and proper tunning.

Make it bigger and you get more.

It is possible to punch a 3.2 Carrera out to as much as a 3.75 if wanted and it be 100% stock appearing. Then the cat could be removed and reinstalled every two years.

3.4 is about 7% bigger

3.5 is about 10% bigger

3.75 is about 16% bigger

However, things have to be done to make sure a larger motor can breath like a C2 cam, larger valves, ported manifold / throttle body.

One more point of compression and twin plugging can also add about 5% more to HP. This would probably not be caught with a visual.

Do not know if this helps.

A stock block car with good rod bolts, a chip, and exhaust can be a fast car. Suspention, brakes, and rubber with even a stock motor can make for major speed and fun on the track.