3.2 G50 Carrera engine into a 3.0 915 SC - What's needed?

[JHanson]

Hello everyone,

I posted a preliminary question to this some time ago and received very helpful answers. But now I'm close to having to make a decision.

I have a 1982 911SC with a 3.0 and a good 915 transmission. I'm looking at a 3.2 engine from a wrecked 1987 Carrera, which came with a G50. I want to keep my transmission and install the 3.2.

I'm vacillating because of a couple of things: The price seems a little high - $6,000 for a 150,000-miles engine with a well-documented and thorough top-end rebuild at around 105,000 miles. I've seen earlier, 915-compatible Carrera engines with under 90,000 miles for around $5,000. However, this engine looks very solid and clean, has had many ancillary items replaced, and most important of all would entail no shipping - it's in my town. All the electronics, etc. are included. The owner thinks the rocker arm seals need to be replaced to cure a slight leak - I don't know how extensive a job that is?

The clutch assembly on my engine is almost new. I know I'd need a 3.2/915 flywheel; I've also heard I'd need to notch my bellhousing to clear sensors for the 3.2. I'd like to find out for sure what else, if anything, would need to be done or bought for this to work. I'm stretching my budget to the limit to contemplate this swap, but it's attractive.

Thanks for any input.

[dad911]

Have you done a leakdown/compression test of the new engine?
How bad was the accident? If engine still runs, you can check oil pressure, etc.
I agree, price seems high.

[larrym]

price is not bad given that all the electrics are included and it's had a top-overhaul - a DME & wires can set ya back $1000, and a TOH is $5K++ at a local shop here, after you pull the engine - buying a cheaper never-apart engine is false economy

I'm lurking here cuz I have a similar trans mating situation and want to know about the important other stuff regarding the conversion

[JHanson]

No leakdown or compression test. The engine is out, so it would be difficult at best to hear it run at this point. I could still turn it over and get a compression check, I guess. The owner offered to help with the swap, by which I assume he's not worried about the engine's condition.

The accident was a left front hit, and doesn't look bad at all until you get close and see the wrinkled door post area. The tub was tweaked enough for the insurance company to total it. I couldn't see any way the engine would have been affected.

I mostly want to make sure I don't have any foreseeable surprises if I decide to buy a G50-equipped 3.2. Also I'd like to know where the new engine's electronics will connect into the existing system. Is it mostly straightforward, or will I be needing custom wiring connections?

Thanks again . . .

[kristan]

I did the same conversion on my car. It is fairly easy and you will like the
difference.

I think in addition to the clutch and the flywheel you also need the
pressure plate (all 84-86)
You will need a new oil line from the thermostat to the engine.
The one on the 3.0 looks like it would fit, but it doesn't.
Getting the old line off the thermostat is a mayor pain.

The fuel lines only "kinda" fit you have to keep the fittings from you old fuel
filter and mount the fuel filter upside down. I did this first but have now
replaced my fuel lines with Carrera lines.

As for the electrical wiring, you have to slightly rewire the 14pin connector inside
the engine compartment and lay the wire harness into the cabin.
I mounted the DME under the passenger seat where the ECU was.
You need to lay a few wires from the fuses and to the dashboard.

Get the tachometer from the wreck! otherwise you have to modify your
tachometer.

I could post some pictures from my conversion, if you like.

[JHanson]

Kristan, thank you. I'd be grateful to see photos of your conversion. Your SC is even the same color as mine!

[kristan]

Sorry for the late reply.



The car on ramps and jacks, bumper removed for easier removal.
Also note the HF motorcycle jack for lowering the engine.



Routing the DME harness (it fits putting it under the passenger seat)



Fuel filter upside down




Fuel filter installed. Carrera fuse holder.

[JHanson]

Thank you for the photos! I just committed to buying the 3.2, so will undoubtedly have more questions as the time to swap approaches.

[kristan]

Congratulations!
You will enjoy it. Putting in a new engine is a real fun project and it gives you such
a different quality of ownership.

The single most daunting task was getting the hard oil line off from the thermostat.
Chances are you will have to dremel the nut open and then use a chisel to break it.
There are threads about this task on this board.

I also recommend getting electrical wiring plans for both original and new engine.

Also, once you get the engine, check all the fuel and vacuum lines on the back especially
the fuel pressure line feeding into the fuel rails. This line is notorious to develop cracks and
almost impossible to replace with the engine in.

I will be away for 3 weeks, but after that I can go through my notes and documents and send you what I have.

[Roc Doc]

You'll also need a Carrera fuel pump.

When I did my swap I started with a junkyard Jetta pump which is very nearly the same thing, and then when it died I replaced it with the proper Carrera pump from our host.

[kristan]

I am still using the fuel pump from my SC. I read that when you put the engine in an older car you need a new pump, but for the SC it is okay.

What is the pressure difference?

[Roc Doc]

Originally Posted by kristan

I am still using the fuel pump from my SC. I read that when you put the engine in an older car you need a new pump, but for the SC it is okay.

What is the pressure difference?

That could be as my car is a 76 and had the 2.7, so maybe they bumped the psi for the bigger engine even though they are both CIS.

[JHanson]

Thanks for the input. Since Kristan's engine is running fine with its SC pump, perhaps there was a difference between the 2.7 and 3.0.

Kristan, I'd be very grateful for any and all information you have. No hurry; I probably won't tackle the swap until summer has tapered off.