3.2 '86 HP increase

[jeffbottman]

First, I searched the archives but couldn't find the info I seek.

My '86 targa has a Steve Wong chip, M&K pre-muffler and 1-in, 1-out muffler, which are great baseline improvements.

My question: What are the next logical group of improvements to enhance performance by a significant amount, while maintaining reliability? I'd guess this involves some combination of increased compression, displacement, twin-plugging, cam change, and chip mapping. Any views of particular combinations of these changes, or anything else?

Thanks, Jeff

[stlrj]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

My '86 targa has a Steve Wong chip, M&K pre-muffler and 1-in, 1-out muffler, which are great baseline improvements.

If that wasn't enough, there must be something seriously wrong with your engine.

[Tippy]

Pieced together stock 930 turbo bits!

[Joe Bob]

Suspension tweaking and driving classes.

[McLaren-TAG]

You've pretty much exhausted the low hanging fruit... like others have said, learn to drive the car to its limits or focus on the suspension because further engine upgrades are going to be expensive and net you little in additional power.

[Sboxin]

Agree with others . . . OR - - - sell it and buy a 964 or 993 or 996 Turbo . . .

Regards,

[livi]

Weight reduction.

[scarceller]

Shorter transmission gear ratios. But this cost $$$

[CCM911]

Keep what you have and put on some seriously sticky tires, maybe some performance brake pads, send your struts out to be rebuilt, replace all of your suspension bushings....then invest in some track time.

I think that as our cars age, it may be more prudent to get our rides baselined as stuff wears out.

That will provide a reliable driving experience.

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

First, I searched the archives but couldn't find the info I seek.

My '86 targa has a Steve Wong chip, M&K pre-muffler and 1-in, 1-out muffler, which are great baseline improvements.

My question: What are the next logical group of improvements to enhance performance by a significant amount, while maintaining reliability? I'd guess this involves some combination of increased compression, displacement, twin-plugging, cam change, and chip mapping. Any views of particular combinations of these changes, or anything else?

Thanks, Jeff

It appears the previous respondents are missing the point above - Jeff is willing to spend the coin to get the gain. So who can address his question on engine mods?

[Rodsrsr]

I would say his list is spot on, but by the time its finished he could have purchased a nice 3.6 for less. Or as Tippy said, join the boost club.

[TT Oversteer]

The problem with the 3.2 is the smog cams. Cams with more overlap will not work with the fuel injection. If you make it breathe you will get a lot more power and throttle response but it will be at the expense of emissions and fuel economy. Some cams with aggressive valve overlap, 46mm PMO carbs or EFI, and headers with a sport muffler would make it scream. If you want to go even further you will need higher compression and dual plugging. It gets very expensive quickly. Or, as others have suggested, add a turbo.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

First, I searched the archives but couldn't find the info I seek.

My '86 targa has a Steve Wong chip, M&K pre-muffler and 1-in, 1-out muffler, which are great baseline improvements.

My question: What are the next logical group of improvements to enhance performance by a significant amount, while maintaining reliability? I'd guess this involves some combination of increased compression, displacement, twin-plugging, cam change, and chip mapping. Any views of particular combinations of these changes, or anything else?

Thanks, Jeff

I think you nailed the progression for "significant" power: + compression, + displacement, twin plugging and cam changes are all interrelated, and because of that you'll probably do it all at once. An improved exhaust system and a re-mapped chip for the twin plug ignition will surely follow. To further refine or incorporate, you could explore ITBs and a user-adjustable engine control system.

As others have suggested and depending on your particular engine condition/value and budget, a 3.6 or an already rebuilt modified engine might be a better starting or end point.

Sherwood

[jeffbottman]

Thanks, guys, for the useful info. BTW, I have addressed the 'low hanging fruit' re suspension ... Bilsteins, euro lowered, aligned, corner balanced, Dunlop Direzza tires. The engine thoughts are dreams for the future. John Walker's shop is just a hop and a skip from my house

What set of mods is required for a turbo upgrade, or is the option to just replace the car?

[GH85Carrera]

Replace the entire car with a newer model or a turbo if you want more power.

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Replace the entire car with a newer model or a turbo if you want more power.

But I love my car . Also I see inumerable posts here by folks who have $$$ modified engines, so I'd guess I'm not the only one to consider diving deep in the pool of economic foolishness

[jpnovak]

The next simplest engine upgrade to retain NA would be:

98mm high compression pistons/cylinders (makes engine a 3.4)
993SS cams (probably won't pass smog but will work with Motronic)
twin plug heads (necessity due to bore and compression increase)
custom chip to make it all happy.

This would be a great engine.

Next from there would be to go to a bigger cam. With a bigger cam you need an new engine managment that does not use a barn-door style AFM. You could use manifold pressure (MAP) or mass air flow (MAF) as your new metering device.

If you go to a new EFI system you might as well go for the ITBs to make it really scream. Look at the recent post from D-Zug about the torque (and HP ) increase from an ITB setup.

Its a steep slippery slope. Have fun on the way down.

[jeffbottman]

Originally Posted by jpnovak

The next simplest engine upgrade to retain NA would be:

98mm high compression pistons/cylinders (makes engine a 3.4)
993SS cams (probably won't pass smog but will work with Motronic)
twin plug heads (necessity due to bore and compression increase)
custom chip to make it all happy.

This would be a great engine.

Next from there would be to go to a bigger cam. With a bigger cam you need an new engine managment that does not use a barn-door style AFM. You could use manifold pressure (MAP) or mass air flow (MAF) as your new metering device.

If you go to a new EFI system you might as well go for the ITBs to make it really scream. Look at the recent post from D-Zug about the torque (and HP ) increase from an ITB setup.

Its a steep slippery slope. Have fun on the way down.

Thanks, jpnovak, that's just the info I was seeking. Pardon my ignorance, but what is EFI and ITB?

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by jeffbottman

Thanks, jpnovak, that's just the info I was seeking. Pardon my ignorance, but what is EFI and ITB?

EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection, you have an archaic version of it now.

ITB = Individual Throttle Bodies, such as what PMO sells to replace your whole intake system..

[aston@ultrasw.c]

It's such a difficult trade-off between power, reliability and cash.

I like reliability with my power, so I went the 3.6/G50 route.

To avoid the cash issue, I never add up all the expenses!