1989 3.2L rebuild

[28tbsfan]

I’ve seen threads that address this but nothing recent that touches on cost. I have 118k on my 911 Targa and looking to rebuild the engine. Trans still shifts great and the clutch has only 4K miles on it.

Any thoughts on a 3.2 rebuild or 3.4L in regards to total cost? Not looking for a track car, just something to revive her given she looks good.

[darrin]

what's driving you to rebuild your 3.2? I.e. what isn't working correctly that you're seeking to address? Top end only or split the case?

[FA-18C]

I will be corrected and stomped on if incorrect, but I think your options without splitting the case and machining the case are limited to rebuild at 3.2/3.3 or 3.4 with new P&Cs. If your compression gets to high, you may have to add twin plug ignition.

I have subscribed as I have the exact same mileage, but am planning on letting the engine dictate when this happens. Just want to have my poop in one sock and plan ahead.

[jac1976]

Just want to have my poop in one sock

I have never heard this nor do I understand its meaning, but I will use it.

[FA-18C]

Jac - it is the PG version of "get your ***** in one sock" - meaning get organized and squared away. A US Navy slang for seabag is sock, so a VERY common phrase over my 20+ years. As in, "come on man, get your ***** in one sock..."

[winders]

People don't ever equate "poop" with "stuff"....you can't just throw in another word for feces and expect it make sense....

[proporsche]

118K mile you barely broken in the engine..in your case i`d say valve job which normal on 1987-89 with this or even lower mileage..
Ivan

[jons911]

On my second rebuild, the engine just needed a reseal and I wanted to upgrade the oil pump. I replaced all the bearings, gaskets, o rings, and what not, but all the major components were reused. I think it was around ~$4-5k. It's been a little while, so it may have actually been a bit cheaper. This does not include the heads being redone, which they needed on the first go around. I think Craig was charging around $100 per head to clean and rebush the valves.

[skunkwerks]

You're making me add up my rebuild, haha. I did a full rebuild in 2018.

Heads: $1500 (new valves, machining, plus balance rods)
Cylinder Nikasil Coating: $1000
ARP Studs: $575
ARP Rod Bolts:$200
Various EBS & Pelican Orders: $2000
I'm sure I'm missing a few things

So the ~$4-5k range for a rebuild is realistic. This was all based on me doing the wrenching. It also doesn't include tools, engine stands, lift tables, etc. I would budget $6-6.5k so you aren't surprised.

I didn't want to look at my previous receipts, haha. Thanks for that

[mepstein]

Prices went up in the last 4 years.

[skunkwerks]

Originally Posted by mepstein

Prices went up in the last 4 years.

Oh, I bet! Shipping alone for the heads is probably crazy now!

[jons911]

Oh yeah, we don't talk about how much it actually cost.

In tools and equipment alone it was definitely like $5k. Granted that includes a two post lift and a tig welding setup, but still.

[GG Allin]

Sell your motor for $15K. ?!?!

Buy this engine for $27K:

Rebuilt 3.2 engine for sale

Your rebuild will have cost $12K. Your numbers won't match, maybe they don't already.

[Cory M]

The only difference in rebuild cost for the 3.2 or 3.4 will be the pistons and cylinders. New Mahle parts at the high end, or to reduce cost new JE or CP pistons and machining/plating your cylinders. Should be able to estimate the costs from Pelican or EBS Racing online catalog. If you need new pistons and cylinders anyway it's an easy choice to make.

[28tbsfan]

Originally Posted by GG Allin

Sell your motor for $15K. ?!?!

Buy this engine for $27K:

Rebuilt 3.2 engine for sale

Your rebuild will have cost $12K. Your numbers won't match, maybe they don't already.

So this is a completely rebuilt 3.2? I should expect it to run like new?

[28tbsfan]

Originally Posted by proporsche

118K mile you barely broken in the engine..in your case i`d say valve job which normal on 1987-89 with this or even lower mileage..
Ivan

I just got a valve adjustment. You are saying new valves?

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by 28tbsfan

I just got a valve adjustment. You are saying new valves?

None of the above.
Your car is a is very special.It is the last of the finest of the Porsche 911 line.In 118 k miles there is no absolute need for any rebuilds!.
If there was a valve job done on it already you are allset.If there is no white smoke on start up no need to worry.Why would you want to rebuilt it?
As i said it is hardly broken in .....
Just drive it and enjoy it dude;-)..safe the money for gasoline;-))))


Ivan

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by 28tbsfan

So this is a completely rebuilt 3.2? I should expect it to run like new?

Yes. It runs as new with some arguably better parts - head studs.
But even though I’m not an engine builder, I agree with the guys who say that yours probably doesn’t need a rebuild. Top end maybe.
Have you done a leak down test? That would give you some great information to the health of your engine.

[28tbsfan]

I do get some white smoke upon starting up.




QUOTE=proporsche;11713750]None of the above.
Your car is a is very special.It is the last of the finest of the Porsche 911 line.In 118 k miles there is no absolute need for any rebuilds!.
If there was a valve job done on it already you are allset.If there is no white smoke on start up no need to worry.Why would you want to rebuilt it?
As i said it is hardly broken in .....
Just drive it and enjoy it dude;-)..safe the money for gasoline;-))))


Ivan[/QUOTE]

[darrin]

Originally Posted by 28tbsfan

I do get some white smoke upon starting up.

High oil consumption (as in under 600 miles per quart of oil) is a good yardstick for when an engine rebuild might be needed. How many miles are you getting to a quart of oil?