3.0 L engine

I have recently been considering just purchasing an engine instead of tearing mine down and trying to rebuild. What do you guys think? Go with a 3.2 or just repair and upgrade the 3.0? If I sell the 3.0 what is the going rate for one? Mine will need new head studs and while in there a rebuild would be economically sound. Should I repair the engine then sell it or should I just part it out now. Thanks for any advice you can offer, I'm kind of looking for an "economical" solution but don't mind spending a little more to get something good.

Adam Roseneck
Just exploring differnt possibilities

Tough questions.

I think you are likely better off repairing the engine you have.
1)To get any real money you would need to rebuild your engine to sell it. That would cost about as much as you will get for it once it's rebuilt $3000 - $4000 U.S.
(Parting out your engine would likely not yield a lot of $ and would require a lot of work on your part as well as expertise and tools.)


2)The conversion to 3.2 is expensive. Besides the engine you will need the Brain, Harness, Exhaust system etc. Lots of work and money for 20 - 30 HP. If your car is basically original now the switch to 3.2 could make it more difficult to sell the car later on.

Good Luck

Jeff C
81 SC

ADAM,HOW MANY MILES ON YOUR 3.0?DO YOU NEED TO "DO" THE BOTTOM END?MAHLE P&C'S?YOU COULD GET ALOT OF PONIES WITH A 964 OR MODIFIED 964 CAM.YOUR CURRENT 78-79 DISTRIBUTOR WILL WORK WITH THE CAMS AND THE WEBERS YOUV'E TALKED ABOUT ADDING.SOME VALVE WORK AND NOT ONLY DO YOU "KNOW" WHAT YOU HAVE,YOU'LL HAVE AN AWSOME POWER PACKAGE,CHECK OUT SOME OLD THREADS ON SOME OF THESE MODS.... PHP

I do have mahle pistons and cylinders and am comtemplating putting a set of excellent used 3.2 andial jugs and JE pistons. The webbers will be comming and I'm thinking about a GE60 or 80 cam. Aswell, exhaust w/ headers and sport muffler (no emmissions here). My goal is about 250+ HP and I want the power to be most evident in the 60 - 100 MPH range because top end doesn't matter to me. (as long as she gets up around 140 eventually) After reading some previous posts I think I 'll splurge and build this one, plus its a hell of a learning experience and lots of fun. As for the bottom end, i'm not sure, it has about 100,000 but I can't be sure of that. Are there any teltale signs that you should be going into the bottom end? Thanks guys,

Adam