3.2 engine change

goldsc78258 · 02:52 AM

I just got a chance to get my hands on a 1974 recked car with a 3.2 liter engine and I was thinking on transplanting that to my autoX car wich has a 2.7 right now.

Here is My question to you guys that have done this is there a lot of work involve in this change? any chassis or body mods? How about engine harness change? anything I should be aware of on 3.2l engine any major flaws? All necessary hardware should be there as it is in a 74, all input will be helpfull for me to make a decission as ar as what to do

Thanks in advance

Jim Smolka · 03-10-2006, 03:23 AM

There is a bunch of information on 3.2 conversions in previous postings.

To answer the questions,

It is a bunch of work. Besides swaping the motors, notching the 915 gearbox housing, and the electrical work, it is not a bad project. You will need an oil cooling system. Be sure to get the DME engine harness, coil, tach, DME,

The 3.2 motor is a great motor, but it is now ~20 years old. Time for some maintenance to insure that it will work well. Some 3.2 have valve guide issues.

Doug&Julie · 03-10-2006, 03:44 AM

A lot of info here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/marcesq1/

BDHender · 03-10-2006, 03:44 AM

All 3.2's with stock rod bolts have rod bolt issues if you are going to run at high RPM.

Bryan

goldsc78258 · 03-10-2006, 04:03 AM

what would it take timewise any idea? anybody done it yet?

Thanks for the responses they have helped a lot

Ben M · 03-10-2006, 05:01 AM

I have a 3.2 in my 72. It's a lot of work, but worth it. The engine will fit in just fine except for notching the bell housing, so not much more time than normal. The electrical part will have you swearing in German and consumption of beer is advised. I would figure 10 hours on the electrical side of things. You also have to install a return gas line and provide oil cooling. The front cooler cost gets expensive due to the cost of the oil lines. I used an Earl cooler, that was maybe $250.00. I've attached an electrical chart that will speed things up a bit.

Go for it!

75Carrera · 75Carrera's Garage

Here's a few shots of the '86 3.2 I put in my 75 Carrera. It's a great upgrade and not overwhelmingly difficult. This is the 28 bar oil cooler I used. There are lots of threads that provide everything you should need. Best of luck, you'll be amazed!

stlrj · 03-10-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

You also have to install a return gas line and provide oil cooling.

You should already have the return fuel line since you have CIS and your front trombone oil cooler will do the job.

Joe
74 w/ 86 3.2, trombone cooler

goldsc78258 · 03-10-2006, 09:54 AM

Thanks guys I think I'm goign to do it

I'll keep you updated

Fred

jager911 · 03-10-2006, 06:55 PM

As others have said, you need the DME relay, CPU and the harness, remap the pins on the wiring harness, there are only 5 essential wires needed. I carefully notched the bell housing for the flywheel/timing sensor using a jig saw. You'll be amazed at the torque. I also had Patrick Motorsports take a stock '74 muffler, weld up the opening and add 2 straight pipes to create a sport muffler. With headers, it adds noticeable power. You'll also have to bend 1 or 2 fuel lines to connect the fuel filter and the fuel return. I kept my '74 fuel pump as the 3.2 has built-in fuel regulators so no need to change your fuel pump assuming you have CIS now with your 2.7. Good time to add alum PP. If I recall, I had to run power from the ignition switch to the CPU. It's a great motor and easier to do than a 3.6.