2.7, 3.0, or 3.2

[favrok01]

Not counting RS or euro.

what is the most sought engine for rebuild and fun out of these 3 choices
2.7
3.0
3.2

[Dan in Pasadena]

Even though I have one, not the 2.7 because of the need for more extenisve machining of the case. I'd guess the default answer is the 3.0. They are relatively plentiful and cheaper than the 3.2. You should have posted this on the Engine Rebuilding forum.

[RWebb]

2.7 _is_ "most sought" for period correct purposes.

What do you really want to know? Popularity? or best for a stock rebuild? or best to hotrod??

no Pooschey question is simple...

[favrok01]

what is most sought.
basically to hot rod i guess

[Bobboloo]

If core cost was no object I think the majority would go for the 3.2 but since cost is an object I think the 3.0 is probably the largest base of modified cores.

You see the 3.0 rebuilt as stock 3.0, 3.2SS, 3.2 and even 3.4. All the different induction systems have been applied to that core. That means MFI, CIS, carbs and EFI with either Carrera intake or aftermarket ITBs.

From a longblock perspective 3.0 and the 3.2 case are the same but the heads and crank are different. Which crank is preferred depends on the builders goal. I think in most cases however the 3.2 heads are preferred as a starting point when modding.

[RWebb]

if you are going to hotrod a 3L then you have to decide which heads - P AG reduced the port size in the latter motors. Most will want the earlier 3 L heads, BUT some real smart cookies just toss the heads and put on 3.2L heads.

Then there is twin-plugging -- if you plan to do that (and you should) then it is best to just go with a 3.6L motor!

But if you are gonna go 3.6, then why not just buy a 3.8RS motor?

You should browse Wayne's book for some sample motorvation...

Take a look at emissions rules (street), or class rules (track).

Then post your absolute top hard-stop budget.

That will narrow and focus the confusion.

[klaucke]

Don't forget the early Turbo 3.0 cases, also used on the Carrera 3.0. It is a robust case like the SC 3.0 and 3.2, but with smaller crank journals allowing a lighter, 6-bolt crank to be used. These motors rev faster and are more lively -- hence they are highly sought after to make medium displacement, high performance motors.

[Bobboloo]

Originally Posted by klaucke

Don't forget the early Turbo 3.0 cases, also used on the Carrera 3.0. It is a robust case like the SC 3.0 and 3.2, but with smaller crank journals allowing a lighter, 6-bolt crank to be used. These motors rev faster and are more lively -- hence they are highly sought after to make medium displacement, high performance motors.

Well you've got a point since the question was which is most "sought" after and I think the 3.0 turbo case is very highly sought after although somewhat hard to attain.

[Greek55]

The real question is what are you looking for out of the motor. Drive-ability, high end torque, low end torque, for racing, drivers education, there are different set ups for different purposes.
A 3.2 may be a little faster from 0 to 60 than a 3.0, but the 3.0 feels faster when driving. Both have very good low end torque and are very drivable cars stock. Carrera 3.0 is a great motor but it has very good high end torque which makes it a little harder to drive on the street. The 3.6 is faster than all 3 and you can feel it driving. It is very drivable. It is and should be a good bit more expensive.