should i swap my 1978 3.0 engine for a 1986 3.2?
 

should rebuilt my 3.0 or replace it with a3.2. it would cost me the same.

The 3.2, unless it has been sweetened up recently, will be just as rebuildable as the 3.0. Trading up to a used 3.2 is just changing the engine that needs rebuild. About 100k miles, the engines need work.
Bruce

for about the same money you can turn it into a 3.2 SS.

Lots of variables to consider here; what is your 3.0 and what kind of shape is the 3.2 in? If your 3.0 has Mahle cylinders they can be reused most likely. That's a big chunk of the rebuild budget right there. If the 3.2 is in need of a rebuild also then I would stick with the 3.0 and spend the money on the rebuild of that rather than buy a 3.2 and then all the money needed for it's rebuild.

A 3.0 with some compression and cams can be a bunch of fun.

Lindy

the 3.0 has 3 broken head stud and 140,000 miles. i would need to rebuilt it
the 3.2 has been rebuilt has around 20,000 miles.
person it wanting $7000.for the 3.2 (1986}what else do i need to make that engine work on my 78.

WHAT would that cost ?and who do u know that would built it. what horse power would that have?

1978 stock 3.0 has 3 broken head stud and 140,000 miles. i would need to rebuilt it
the 3.2 has been rebuilt has around 20,000 miles.
person is wanting $7000.{ is that to much}for the 3.2 (1986}what else do i need to make that engine work on my 78

If the 3.2 has receipts showing a quality rebuild, then it is a good deal. If you haven't seen it run, you should have a leakdown check performed.

-Andy

Do the swap. I'm mid-way through my 2nd 3.0 to 3.2 swap. It's a cool swap. Looks good, runs great, and even a monkey like me can do it. The worst you will do is go from 180 (3.0 stock) to 207 minimum (early 3.2's). You can drop a chip in, and an exhaust to make it run out REAL nice for the money.

Come on over to the dark side - we have horsepower and COOKIES! :D

angela

3.2 no question. However If your car is an excellent original example I think the SC cars will start to climb in value so I would then rebuild the 3.0. Something to consider.