Confused about pistons?

[SLR]

Hi,
I'm looking at a bit more grunt in to a good 3.2 engine. The car is a 85 Euro Carrera and in very good condition , at some time in the next few years I be taking back to New Zealand where parts are costly.
What I'm trying to do is get a bit more power out of the motor in low to mid range. I have fitted a Dansk sports muffler, K&N air filter, and a SW chip. It runs well and has never let me down, I drive it all year in all weather , snow and ice can be fun.
So I thought May be HC pistons, or a 3.5L conversion. The conversion would be the best idea but some what expensive. If I go to 10.5 1 pistons in the existing cylinders . will this have much affect ? Also I plan on fitting SSI's.There you go,
Thanks Steve.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Hi,

The best path for more low-end torque is by increasing displacement. You can make it a 3.4 with the Mahle P/C's specifically designed for those engines and its a simple conversion.

Or,..you can machine the cases for the larger 100mm P/C's for a 3.5.

SSI's are too small for both combinations unless you stick with stock cams.

A 3.5 MUST have twin-ignition, whereas the 98mm 3.4 doesn't need it if you use the correct pistons.

CR will be dictated by local octanes and you'll need a different chip from Steve for both.

Hope this helps,

[SLR]

Thanks that coment is very useful, I think I will go with the 3.4L plus cam grind. I have been told to go for the 3.5L by some and 3.4L by others, But you cut right to the chase,
Thanks Steve.