the 5-10 k question rebuild 3.0 or get a 3.2??

[petrolblue83911]

So my sc which still runs great is getting closer to needing a top end re-fresh, not a total tear down I don't think but definitly head studs, gaskets, all the general re-fresh stuff. It's not a project I will undertake, My wrench quoted me 4-5k for this job. He's extremely good and I definitly will have him do the work, bascially from his perspective, the end result would be a fresh 3.0 with new components as needed when we start to open it up a bit. I am sure I'd end up with a great engine, that would ge good for another 100k or more!

The other option is a low miles (40k) 3.2 from an 87 coupe which may be available. This would cost me around 7k installed...


What would you all do???

-I'm leaning towards rebuilding the 3.0 because I'm not sure I'd really miss the extra 20-30 hp and in the end with my engine I'd know what I had and would be pretty comfortable with it's durability long term...

-I plan on keeping this car for a solid 5+ yrs, it's a very clean, very tight SC with SSI's, Dansk sport, and a fair amout of suspension work recently...I generally put 6-7k miles on the car each year, and probably now have a total of $13,000.00 into it

-On the other side, the car doesn't need this work now, the engine is running great, has excellent compression and burns almost no oil-but leaks a bit..., so I could and may put this off for a few yrs...

[ruf-porsche]

I would rebuild and keep the engine original with your model PORSCHE. Nobody think of resale value until its time to sell and most buyer would questions why you don't have the original engine in the car.

[Tyson Schmidt]

Rebuild the 3.0.

While you're at it, some nice upgraded cams like the Elgin SC330, 964 grind, or Webcam 20/21.

With your SSI's and sport muffler on it, and you will have nearly as much power as the 3.2, and it will be fresh, versus an unknown quantity with the 3.2, and like the other fella posted, an unoriginal engine.

[Tyson Schmidt]

Also, have your wrench replace all the vacuum hoses and rubber boots on the intake system, as well as the injector seals. It will make a world of difference. Don't forget the rubber mounts for the plenum stays that support the intake.

[petrolblue83911]

Thanks for the input so far guys,

-All hoses would definitly be replaced, actually I would end up fixing a few CIS issues that were uncovered after buying the car, I agree with keeping the 3.0, although more so because of knowign what was done to it as opposed to the engine swap quesions upon selling-the upside for me of the 3.2 would be using motronic and tossing the CIS

[TWork]

When I did the top end rebuild on my 3.0, I had a 964 grind done on my cams. Between that and the fresh parts, I was really happy with the improvement. If you're otherwise happy with the 3.0, that would be a good way to go.