Best bang for the buck - 3.6 or new exhaust?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

There's a lot of discussion going on here about conversions and it's got me thinking (always dangerous). I can probably handle doing a 3.6 conversion myself (with a lot of help from the local Pelicanheads). But I wonder if a super exhaust upgrade might be money better spent. If I round up a 3.6 for $7000, unload my 3.2 for around $5000, figure another $1000 for misc. stuff and do my own work, then it basically runs about $3000 out of pocket. There must be some excellent exhaust upgrades I can do for far less cash, which would net me almost as great a power increase. Currently I just have the chip, K&N and cat by-pass setup. Of course, I still have to get through emissions inspection every two years. So I have to keep that in mind. What's the best bang for the buck? If no one gives me a satisfactory answer, I may just spring for a 993.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Not unless that super-duper exhaust has a turbo bolted to the end of it.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Quote:

If I round up a 3.6 for $7000, unload my 3.2 for around $5000, figure another $1000 for misc. stuff and do my own work, then it basically runs about $3000 out of pocket.

A 3.6 would definately be a fun project. But don't forget the brakes, suspension, cooling system, etc, etc. In looking at the 3.6 conversations on this board I don't think you could get out for under $10K for misc stuff in the cost of parts alone not including any transaxle upgrades. And you would still have a used motor.

As I understand it, you will also be at a severe disadvantage with a 3.6 conversion if you ever intend to compete in lower $$$ levels of the POC.

Don't get me wrong, it would be a fun project, and the 993 is unlike the viseral feeling you get driving an early car. I think the import question is what are your long term goals with the car?

Jack Olsen · 08-13-2002, 11:20 AM

A 3.6 with headers will get you into the 270-280 hp range very easily. I don't know what SSI's do for a 3.2, but I don't think it's that much. And the torque difference is still pretty significant.

KTL · 08-13-2002, 11:33 AM

I put B&B headers and an Autothority chip on my car. Yeah, it's faster, but surely not as fast as my friend's 95 993 Cabrio. Tip. I haven't actually raced against the 993. Just going by what I remember when driving the two cars.

If I were to do it again (which I might), i'd go with the SSI's. The B&B headers with the braided stainless oil supply line seems kinda like a rig-job to me (pictures on my cheesy website). Plus the dual-out B&B muffler licks balls when it comes to cruising around town and trying to have a conversation with someone. It's not that it's loud, it's just the drone at 2K is bothersome. When alone, I could give a crap. And it snarls damn good at 6K! I just like the arrangement of the factory stuff much better.

Jim Richards · 08-13-2002, 11:43 AM

Richard, buy a 993. You know you want it. Why resist?

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Oh s*#!

Jack Olsen · 11:53 AM

You can kill the drone by converting to smaller outlet pipes. Mine has a B&B dual-out, and the resonance was making me nuts, so I had them take the huge 3-inch outlets and funnel them down to 2-1/2 (or 2, I can't remember right now). Then I added smaller tips.

Early_S_Man · 12:01 PM

Richard,

Consider the following as a 'package' ...

1. Web-Cam Inc. 20/21 cams

2. EBS 'sport' valve springs and Titanium retainers

3. SSI's with O2 sensor bung

4. Dansk dual-outlet/dual-inlet sport muffler

It might not pass the visual inspection at some test stations, but there is a 99% chance it will pass the 'sniffer' smog test!

trak ratt · 08-13-2002, 11:57 AM

Get the exhaust upgrade. The HP won’t be close to the 993 but still interesting. Save for the 993, it will have more brakes, bigger wheels & tiers, better ventilation & more. Of course you could always get a supper charger (no not a turbo) for about $3-4K & have the fastest non-wide body Carrera around.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I thought SSI's did nothing for 3.2 Carreras. I definitely notice a different exhaust odor when sitting at a red light since I put the test pipe on. I can't believe it would pass emissions, though a lot of the places around here don't bother with a visual. My test pipe has the O2 sensor in it, so that would surely fool any inspector for the visual.

My "only" hang-up (besides cash and no garage) with getting a 993, is that they are too complicated to work on. I enjoy working on my Carrera and am no longer intimidated by any task with her.

JonT · 08-13-2002, 12:30 PM

I say put a 3.6 in the damm thing. I did it because I looked at what the studs on this board have done and figured they did it for a reason because they know what's up. Jack O, Bill V, and others. The 3.6's turns these light Carrera's, SC's and pre SC cars into absolute street beasts. With a 3.6 and a little suspension work you will have a car that's competitive with any other car on the road and will crush 99% of them in a straight line or twisties. I've got a $500 (cheap!) exhaust (993 headers and cat--no muffler)on mine and it sounds infuc*&ingcredible. The stupidest things put a big smile on my face now--going under bridges, accellerating next to a wall--I just gun it to hear the exhaust wail.

Superman · 08-13-2002, 12:47 PM

The 993 is a pretty car, but too complex for my style. My style would definitely be a match for a lightened SC with a 3.6. I'm guessing those cars are indeed beastly. Lighter than a 993, with the same engine.

Hellgate · 08-13-2002, 01:05 PM

Go for the motor. I did the high compression pistons, cams, SSIs and a P-Sport muffler on my '87. The results were 247 hp, but not anywhere near the torque you would have with the 3.6.

Jim Richards · 08-13-2002, 01:08 PM

Richard, Brian993 (formerly bigB) is selling his 993.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I think the 993 is gonna have to wait until I sell my house and get one with a garage. But a 3.6 conversion is a possibilty.

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Maybe I didn't make myself clear NO NO NO. Stop egging that poor boy on.

Hell, the garage isn't even vacant from my project yet. . . . wait I have an idea . . . Hey Thom . . . got that Widebody out of the garage yet

Jim Richards · 08-13-2002, 01:22 PM

Maybe Richard's next project should be to build a garage!

Marc, I'm hoping Richard will buy a 993 so that we have a break for a month or so before the next engine drop "clinic" at your house. I know you need a break and I need some free time to actually go out and drive my car. Sunday I'm off to SW VA to hang with Rob and the WeVA folks.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Just wait 'til Doug snaps a head stud - or finds that he has already done so. Then we'll have a rebuild party. Oh yeah - he has a garage too. I need to drive my Carrera more and enjoy it and will probably be joining the SW VA run this Sunday.

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

NOW Thats the spirit . . . and if anything happens you will be near Rob's garage

Just kidding . . . you know that you are always welcome at Marcesq's Garage and Grill.