new engine build input please. 3.2 or 3.4?
 

building a new engine for the hot rod this winter. 3.0 case, 3.2 crank, webers, single plug, cams (?)( will be talking to JD ) . I already have JE 95 pistons ready to go but I'm getting the big bore itch.

would go to 98/9.5:1 JE pistons and bored/replated 3.2 cylinders from EBS.

the question is................ is it worth it?

it'll cost about $2000 for the p/c's and another $400 for head work, piston coating, etc. I can recoup probably $900-1000 for the p/c's I have now.

so, a net investment of $1500 gets me .2 liters. almost sounds silly to me when I think about it but what do you guys think? I know the 3.4 has a lot of potential.

any and all input much appreciated.

current configuration, just cause pics are always fun.



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318375004.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318375151.jpg

I had the 3.2 in my former 911 rebuilt as a 3.4, including 20/21 cams and a Wong Chip. All other factors remained as was with the 3.2 config.

I realized a significant improvement in all around performance: more torque, more speed, better acceleration. Much better performance at DE track events.

I reecommend the 3.4 liter upgrade, when combined with better cams, adjusted timing and fuel (chip), and freer exhaust.

I enjoy my 3.3L turbo 10x more. There is no comparison. You may want to explore a low boost turbo upgrade for your 3.2 ... ??

$1500 for a 6.25% displacement increase does sound silly.
But...
Are there cheaper ways for you to make ~15 hp? (maybe a serious exhaust set-up?)

I think this the key with 3.4 conversions, the cams/timing/remap is what makes it work. Mine realised ~273bhp/245ftlb after the work i had done (see link in signature), so non-VRAM 3.6 figures or thereabouts.

The engine builder at the time reckoned a 3.4 he built but on Webers dyno'd at just over 290

Do the 3.4. $1500 is not huge in the P-car universe, and you will forget about it once you have the smile on your face. Leave it as a 3.2 and you will always wonder, what if...

For comparison, rebuilt my 3.2 as a 3.4 with Autothority MAF, bored throttle body, WebCam 20/21 cams, balanced rods, ARP rod bolts, SSI's, Sach's aluminum power cluch kit and custom Steve Wong chip. Dynoed at 243 wheel horsepower (apply your own conversion to flywheel power). It is a real hoot to drive, and I've forgotten about the cost.

Have fun!

I went through the same torment when building my 3.0 SC as to go to 3.2SS or not. I ended up at "not" mainly because I had very good Mahle nickle cylinders. Had they been Alusil it would have been a no brainer. I personally think a 3.0 crank with 95mm pistons is a better build for you as a shorter stroke will rev a little better. You might consider a bump in compression, twin plugs and a cam with about .500 lift (GE 60). I did that and although under 3000 rpm it seems very stock, above 3500 it sings. Mine is light at 2450 lbs so the power made feels like more. 350Z Nissan, 4 out of 4, is no match, not even close...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318539551.jpg

Don, The 3.4 is a great motor. Normally we would recommend going that route when one needs to replace worn out p/c anyways. Your 3.2 with carbs, exhaust and cams will be one fun motor with lots of power.....

Cheers

well, thanks for all the input guys. helpful as always.

I forgot to add the cost of a set of core 3.2 cylinders. that put's the change-over cost to around $2000. at this point I'm leaning toward the long-stroke 3.2. I'm all about the bottom end torque, and the 'porsche fund' is looking pretty sad right now so the extra $$$ would be tough to find.

to re-cap.............

-long-stroke 3.2
-9.5:1 JE's
-36mm intake ports
-weber IDS carbs, 36 venturis
-ARP rod bolts
-msd 6AL-2 with programmable advance curve and nitrous retard ( locked dizzy )
-georges headers
-M&K 2 in one out
-cams - to be announced ( my plan is to put everything together them call JD. )
-and of course, the occasional 100hp N2O shot :rolleyes:

here's the dyno for my 3.0 currently in the car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318571954.jpg

I'm looking to add about 25 to both numbers. and with the stroker even a flatter torque 'curve'. pushing around 1900 lbs it should get the job done. as you can see, with the port size, I'm not looking for top end hp. when I went to John for the cams in the current engine, I told him I wanted it to pull like a truck. he delivered - it does.

I'll have to leave the 3.5 till next time.