3.2 rebuild vs 3.6? - Page 3

gliding_serpent · gliding_serpent's Garage

Quote:

Quote de gliding_serpent

...with some light mods, 250hp is quite accessable with a 3.2. The 3.6 964 is 247hp.

I doubt that any 3.6 dynos as low as 247, light mods on a 3.6 and you are pushing 290-300 hp...

Porsche 964 FAQ

"6L M64 engine was the first Porsche engine that was produced as a single engine for all worldwide markets, with 247 HP (net)."

Now Porsche may be conservative, snd i agree it is easy to bump up 3.6 power... My point is that the decision is a far easier one to make on the 3.0 and early engines when it comes to power to rebuild cost ratio.

Jgordon · 02-13-2015, 06:18 PM

I'd vote rebuild the 3.2 to a 2.4 or 3.5. Lots of fun, you end up with a known, zero-miles engine, and it's unique as well. Build to your fancy.

gliding_serpent · gliding_serpent's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgordon

I'd vote rebuild the 3.2 to a 2.4 or 3.5. Lots of fun, you end up with a known, zero-miles engine, and it's unique as well. Build to your fancy.

If my cylinders are toast, I will be all over it. But my compression and leak-down was decent so I will probably just hone. But then twin plug and overbore gets you into 3.6 cost territory fast...

Jgordon · 02-14-2015, 05:44 PM

No need to twin plug or overbore. Agree on machining costs, they add up really quickly. A 3.4 is plug and play. Off with the old cylinders, on with the new. Not sure about 3.5. A 3.6 involves some transmission mating, a bunch of electrical (I believe) and some other work. Add to that the unknown of buying an engine which could turn out just as used as your 3.2. From a peace of mind factor alone, I'd rebuild (3.2, or 3.4/3.5), unless you know of a 3.6 with a guarantee from a very trustworthy source.

3literpwr · 02-15-2015, 04:09 AM

Refresh the 3.2 and do this... Carrera Supercharger installed

Maxhouse97 · 05:19 AM

Another thing to consider is the character of the different choices. For example, a stock 3.6 will be that torque monster, where as a rebuilt 3.2 with cams/twin plug/LWFW/Headers (and even webers/ITBs) will probably have a more snappy feel akin to early MFI engines. In my opinion, it's not just about the numbers, but what the engine will feel like.

It's for this very reason that I am planning a rebuild where I will focus my resources on the intake side (ITBs) and plugs, and not on displacement. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have it all (3.5L with ITBs, or even 3.6 w/ ITBs) but I think my budget will force me to make choices. If you lighten the car, you can get close to what an early car feels like. But if you want a muscle car feel, then maybe the 3.6 is for you.

Bird911 · Bird911's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgordon

No need to twin plug or overbore. Agree on machining costs, they add up really quickly. A 3.4 is plug and play. Off with the old cylinders, on with the new. Not sure about 3.5.

A 3.5 involve case machining, so more expensive than the simple 3.4 piston/cylinder swap.

doublebuffle · doublebuffle's Garage

G_S, you have a great attitude about this. BZ.

I have been reading attentively your posts here; one question: You seem to be looking for a cost effective 3.4 route. I understand you're looking to hone the existing cylinders. Will you be using JE 98mm Pistons? They are listed on PP for about 1.1k USD. Will you be looking at 9.5 to 1 or 10.5 to 1?

gliding_serpent · gliding_serpent's Garage

Quote:

G_S, you have a great attitude about this. BZ.

I have been reading attentively your posts here; one question: You seem to be looking for a cost effective 3.4 route. I understand you're looking to hone the existing cylinders. Will you be using JE 98mm Pistons? They are listed on PP for about 1.1k USD. Will you be looking at 9.5 to 1 or 10.5 to 1?

Not so sure about the great attitude. I might buy a ticket to Seattle where i bought my car.... Some catching up to do.... ;-)

I am not looking to go 3.4, and i don't think i will need to, but i might do it should i need to replace my 3.2's. I will know soon. Fun to research.

If i had to go this route i would either go euro compression 3.2, or euro compression 3.4. Twin plug would be nice, but $$$ and changing the original engine too much. With that money i would just get a 3.6.

I did i quick search on JE pistons a few days back. Lots of options, great prices. I came across opinions that they had less durability than say Mahle ($$$), so were best for race cars. I will do some more research.