3.6 conversion advice 80sc

ARCSinAK · ARCSinAK's Garage

Greetings-

I have a question about the real costs involved in a 3.6 conversion. I sourced a 90 c-2 3.6. The motor comes complete with the DME and Harness. Due to fact I live in Hawaii and the motor on the mainland I would have to buy this transplant without a inspection. The PO said the number were all under 10% for what it's worth but it seems like a bit of a gamble. In a worst case scenario would the core and electronic be worth 3 grand. Trying to not get burned. Any estimates on the additional costs involved ie, engine tin, clutch, flywheel, bigger brakes, various other oil lines, exhaust changes that are involved in conversion would very helpful. I have a healthy 105K 3.0 with SSi now, sure I could sell the SSI and muffler but don't feel there is much of a market for used 3.0's in Hawaii. Your thoughts are welcome thank you for your time.
JS

mike5876 · 10-06-2010, 06:56 PM

im selling my 1978 sc 3.6 and trying to figure out a price for it....the conversion adds up quickly with clutch,exhaust,oil and fuel lines, tin work, labor etc etc etc

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I was quoted a total of $20,500 complete turn key for a 95 motor installed, tested, parts replaced, etc. Lotta $$ and I still will improve the 915 tranny and brakes although I don't think you need to unless you track it..which I won't. Suspension needs help too..

mike5876 · 10-06-2010, 09:35 PM

complete conversion with the 930 brakes and not even going crazy with the suspension i have receipts for over 31k not counting the car

ARCSinAK · ARCSinAK's Garage

I am interested in the overall impression of a SC after to increase in HP and Torque. was if worth it, night and day? Or man I need turbo brakes for street use, and should have upgraded the 915 and or added a G-50 while I was in there??I must say there is beauty in a stock sc, but have a taste for having a abundance HP on demand.

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

The early 3.6 from 1990 does not have the head gaskets. I would not pay more than core value for one of those motors unless this has been addressed

mike5876 · 10-07-2010, 03:31 PM

ohh i didnt see the 1990 part...i would def get a 993 3.6 the head gasket issue is a problem

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I am in for a 993 for that reason and the extra horses. I don't think you need any tranny work or brakes for street use. A lot of guys who have done this say we're fine w/o that. I'm waffling on the brakes and tranny. The tranny strengthening is about $900 if there's no other issues..so it may be worth it. It's the extra torque and I'm told you don't wanna hit the peddle from a standing stop. I've only driven one once...Moses'...and it is unforgettable...

uwanna · 04:51 PM

Back in 1992 I stumbled upon a 20K mileage '90 C2 3.6 and G50 for $6k. I snapped it up, then proceeded to figure out how to stuff this "thing" into my '80 SC . Back then there were no "kits" and adapted parts to make the swap easy.
I soon sold the 3.2 and 915 that were in the '80SC (had previously removed the 3.0 and put in a 3.2, but was not pleased with the boost the the 3.2 had given me)
Now the dilema! I soon realized the G50 was not a good fit. LOL So I bought a new in crate '85 LSD 915. Bought a new 3.2 flywheel and clutch assy. I then went about fabricating all the bits to make the adaption work. Spent lots of hours figuring out the wiring dilemas, accel cable assy, fuel delivery and countless other items. After a month or so of concentrated work, it breathed it's first breath!

It's been so long since I did this swap, that I have trouble remembering how I accomplished it all! Now 18 yrs later, I don't think I would take on the challenge of doing it again without the benefit of a "swap kit".
Final analysis: this car has been a joy to drive for the last 18 yrs and 40K miles with virtually no problems with the engine or the 915, and yes the 3.6 really gives it a kick in the A$$. A Pcar friend with an '85 Carrera drove it a couple of months ago, and stated "That thing pulls like a V8!"

As far as the cylinder head oil leaking problem, I looked up the factory service memo on the problem and it stated that only a small number of the early 3.6s had the leak problem, and they only replaced heads and barrels on C2s that showed extensive leaks. Mine is still dry as a bone, so after putting 40K on the motor, I'm not worried about it.

As far as the cost to me of doing the swap, here's my breakdown:
3.6 and G50 = 6,000
new 915 = 1,500
misc parts = 1,200
Total $ 8700
sold 3.2/915 - 4000
sold G50 - 1500

Total cost for swap $3200 , plus untold skinned knuckles and headaches from trying to figure it all out!

If you can wade thru financial and logistic problems, do it!

Lot of luck,
Grant

mercman · 10-07-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drdogface

I am in for a 993 for that reason and the extra horses. I don't think you need any tranny work or brakes for street use. A lot of guys who have done this say we're fine w/o that. I'm waffling on the brakes and tranny. The tranny strengthening is about $900 if there's no other issues..so it may be worth it. It's the extra torque and I'm told you don't wanna hit the peddle from a standing stop. I've only driven one once...Moses'...and it is unforgettable...

agreed.