WYIT suggestions

[michael lang]

What suggestions could you guys make for "while you're in there" updates when upgrading cams and exhaust HE/muffler? I have an idea of what I want but this is by far the most complex thing I've done with my car repair wise and I want to make sure I do the things that I should do while I'm in there. Thanks for any suggestions.

[HawgRyder]

You are asking for directions to the edge of the slippery slope!
I'm sure you will get hundreds of ideas from these great people.
In the end...step back and think it out...what is the intended use of the car?
If longevity is the goal....look to heavy duty things....if speed is your intent...look for ways to lighten the car...and get more HP out of the engine....also consider tires...they can make a huge difference for a small investment.
More oil at lower temps is a good thing (better oil tank...more coolers).
Inside the engine....look to better valve guides...sodium filled exhaust valves...hardened rubbing objects (cams, rocker arms, etc).
Perhaps forged pistons...the best pin retainers (I like spira-locks)...also go for the best in the way of gaskets and seals.
OK...I have spent a lot of your money...it's up to you to choose.
Bob

[michael lang]

Thanks, my main goal is to maintain the reliability that my car's engine has always had while adding in some extra horse power. For example, if I'm installing cams does it make sense to have the heads sent out to the machine shop and if so what do I tell them to do? Fuel injectors is another item, do I have them checked for flow and if it is low, have them serviced/replaced. Hoses, tubes, vacuum lines, seals, etc...all those things are what I'm interested to know. I'm trying to come up with a plan right now and really could use the advice of those that have been there already.

[safe]

Is it a 3.2 or a 3.6 ?
If the later you should definitely go with cams, MAF, custom chip, RS flywheel, cat bypass and a rear muffler bypass. Lots of HP to get there.

On a 3.2 cams, custom chip, cat bypass will also do miracles, maybe there is a MAF-kit for those engines too. I wouldn't bother with the HE.

[michael lang]

I have a 3.2l that will be getting 3.6l cams, switching to headers (haven't decided which ones as I'm being very reluctant to give up the excellent heat my car makes and I'm afraid the aftermarket heat exchangers are not going to work as well) and I will have a chip made based on all the mods that are done. I'm trying to compile a list of all the things I should have on hand so I can minimize any down time while I'm doing this project. I also started another thread about which special tools would best be advised to have on hand to also minimize any down time.

[safe]

ARP rod bolts might be on the short list too.

I have headers on my 3.2 and I miss the heat... Doesn't need to be very cold to miss that.

[911pcars]

IMHO, you must have a solid foundation for longevity along with any add-ons to increase torque and HP. You and/or your tech will have a better idea once a compression and leak down test are performed and when the valve and chain box covers are off. At that point, assess engine wear by inspecting and testing visible/accessible friction surfaces (e.g. cam lobes, valve guides, etc.) and mechanical components (e.g. chain sprockets, chain ramps, general cleanlines, engine oil analysis, etc.).

The number of miles on the engine is also a factor as to how far to delve. >100K? At a minimum, rebuild the heads and re-ring if all parts are within specs. A slippery slope would be how far to go into the short block. After renewing piston rings, it isn't too far to the con rods and con rod bearings. ARP rod bolts/nuts too, as Safe suggests.

As the condition of the engine and list of replacement parts becomes more apparent, you may want to revisit the wish list and either add to or delete some items. Budget is typically a factor in that decision. External engine improvements can always be performed at a later date as long as the internals are healthy and compatible.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood