WWPD? (What would a pelican do) 2.8, 3.0/3.2, 3.6?? (LONG)

[jmz]

Looking for some opinions. ...no shortage of those here, right?

Here is the deal. I am currently running a healthy modified 3.0 w/ carbs. I have decided that I no longer want a carberated engine (after 15yrs)

The engine is pretty fresh (less than 10Kmiles)
Elgin Mod. S cams,
twin plug heads and port work done by Walt at C.E.
9.3:1 CR w/ Mahle pistons
Raceware Rod bolts.
Re-curved dizzy and MSD (only running single plug)
Weber 40s
SSIs and '74 dual inlet single outlet factory exhaust
212 RWHP

I also own a Callas built 2.8 motor w/ early RSR pistons
Twin plug MFI heads,
Marelli Twin Plug ignition
Weber 46 carbs
SSIs and dual in single outlet sport muff
(would need to be re-sealed and probably new bearings etc. while apart) but was running when it was pulled

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS/ CHOICES.

Do I Keep the 3.0 bump it to 3.2 increase compression to 10.3:1 and twin plug the ignition and use of EFI i.e. motec and TMW or the like? selling the 2.8 onobtanium stuff to pay for it.

Do I sell the 3.0 and convert the 2.8 to MFI ...or EFI and run with it? (This would be way high on the cool factor)

Choice 3. Do I sell both and do a 3.6 conversion?

The car is a 74 Carrera body car w/ 21 &27 hollow sanders bars w/ bilstein sport/HD combo '87 carrera brakes.

I figure that I've got around $15,000.00 in hardware as is.

I think the 2.8 stuff is probably worth $8200.00
broken down
Marelli dizzy $2500
46 carbs manifolds etc. $1500.00
long block $3500.00
SSIs and exhaust $700

The 3.0 complete intake to exhaust $7000.00

[araine901]

I wish I had your delima.

But if you want tuneability go EFI on the biggin

If you want cool factor go MFI on the 2.8.

JMHO

[Dantilla]

A factory 3.6 would probably be the least stressed, most reliable option.

[echrisconnor]

I can't fully tell what you're after. Is it just a non-carbed car? If so, why don't you just add an EFI system such as the one tossed around here so frequently:

CIS to EFI kit

If the question is that you want more power and reliability than either of the two engines you have, then you could sell either of your setups and drop in a 3.2 and have comparable power to what you've currently got. Add some more $$ and you've got a 3.6.

What are your goals other than ridding yourslef of carbs?

chris

[jmz]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by echrisconnor
[B]I can't fully tell what you're after. Is it just a non-carbed car? If so, why don't you just add an EFI system such as the one tossed around here so frequently:

Good Point. Even I am not really sure what it is I am after. I have always liked the early Peaky high reving engines but alas I am getting older and consdering Motronic drivability with lots of torque ala' 3.6 ...or a 3.2.

As far as carbs go, I am just tired of fussing with them, not to mention that they are stinky. They just don't seem to work as good as they used to either. Perhaps it's today's gasolines??

I know the easiest most practical choice would be a motronic 3.2 w/ maybe a small bump in the cam. ...also the least sexiest choice.

It would sure be nice to live in Cali so I could bum some rides off the 3.6 and other hot-rod types to make my choices easier.

I guess I'd like 220+ drivable Rear Wheel H.P.

[Jack Olsen]

That's a 3.6.

[Joe Bob]

sell them both...get a 3.6, add headers and a chip.....

[dean]

I really like EFI. If you do the work yourself it is a lot of work. Tuning is like tuning carbs but you do it with a craptop. And you don't get fuel on you. I always hated carbs. So I would go with TMW throttle bodies and EFI on the 2.8. Or I would do a short stroke 3.2 with EFI. But if it were me I would turbo it.

[Carrera3.5L]

Originally posted by jmz
[BI guess I'd like 220+ drivable Rear Wheel H.P. [/B]

You don't need a 3.6L to achieve 220 rwhp.

Ralph

[Joe Bob]

220 is for a ladies car......

[jmz]

220 would be nice but more is better. again, not really sure what it is I want other than a set and forget tuned engine with very good throttle response and plenty of pin you in the back of your seat acceleration and enough drivability that my wife could drive it if she wanted to. I don't need a lot of top end ... 140mph and over is down-right scary in my book.

Anyone care to share some acceleration and top speed specs with there 3.6 or other hot-rod type engines?

[Joe Bob]

Top speed is limitted by trans gearing...hp just gets you there faster.....

[rdane]

I am the little guy here, so I'll start. 223 rwhp with 215# of torque at the wheels from a 3.4 CIS. ('79 3.0)

Short geared to 135 top end at 7K. Easily 1/4 of the throttle left at 130 mph on the flats. Under 5 sec. 0-60. Under 13 to 100.

5th gear will pull mid 80's 930s at 100mph but be trailing a 3.6 transplant.

[Elombard]

I wonder if a fresh set of PMOs would solve your problems? couplea hours work and after you sell the webbers $2K.

I am starting to see people with Tranny Problems with the 3.6 and 915 so I wonder on reliability.....And these are responsible guys like Moses here on the board.

Boy I would like to drop your 3.0 in my car...grass is always greener.