Engine Rebuild Question
 

I am Rebuilding A 1980 3.0 CIS engine and wanting to use your "Waynes Top Engine Picks" 3.0 SC High performance, waynes recommendations are as follows

Case: 3.0 SC
Crank: 70.4mm
Pistons: JE 95mm
Cylinders: Nikasil 3.0
CAM: S
Fuel: Carburators
Heads: 3.0L 36mm ports
SSI Exhaust
3.0 DISP
CP: 10:1


The Question are as follows, in the Heads column you list the Ports being 36mm, is that for the intake, exhaust or both. I can get a 78/79 set of heads with 39/35, or currently have the restrictive 34/35 ports from a 1980. What were the sizes that you recommend. If I am sending the heads to the machine shop anyway might as well get it done the best way possible. Also if following the rebuild recommendations, what HP should I be expecting.

Thank you for your time

Everyone has a different opinion on this one.
The rebuild you are talking about will be expensive, and in the end result will not be fast by todays standards. For about the same price you could install a 3.6 and have a much faster car.
Also keep in mind your comp. ratio, at 10:1 you are on the verge of needing to twin plug.(more money) the reason for concern is Ethanol. In Michigan they are currently selling 10% and are soon to bump it to 15% Ethanol content. Not good for a high CR engine, or any engine for that matter.
Just as a point of comparison my engine is a 3.2 SS. It is fun to drive and quick, but not FAST.
Good Luck!

Thank you for the reply, I am putting the engine in a 1984 Cabriolet, looking for a quick car not to interested in top end speed. Don't want to place a used engine in the car but am open for other ideas. I have taken the 3.0 apart and am trying to figure out what to do. As you said everyone has a different opinion but I am open to almost anything. Putting a 80 3.0 CIS in the car just seemed like a crime but that is the engine that I have and trying to make it better within reason. Again thank you for your time.

Just read an article on CIS rebuild using SSI exhaust, JE pistons, 964 Cams and leaving the CIS alone, wow are there a lot of options, this one seems to me less expensive maybe thats the way to go. The problem would be the smaller 1980 air box and fuel distribution compared to the larger one. That takes me back to the PMO carb Idea.