964 Project Engine - ideas wanted

billjam · billjam's Garage

A partly dismantled, mostly complete 1992 3.6 964 engine (type M64/01) has found its way into my garage and is about to become my next project.
I have modified and rebuilt several 3.2s and 3.3 turbos (engines and cars) but the 3.6 is new territory for me so I am looking for some ideas for modifying it.
At present, I haven't decided what car it will end up in - that's next year's project, but I am considering a 914 (lot's of work and a bit of a challenge) or a nice mid 80's Carrera (much easier of course).

My aim at present is to build an engine with a bit more power than standard that will be suitable for street use and occasional club events. That means no over-the-top (= expensive) mods, but I am prepared to look at EFI and headers.

I don't have injectors, ECU or engine harness. A few other intake and fuel injection parts might also be missing, so I will need to spend money in that area regardless. Therefore, it might be an option to go to a new EFI system. The twin distributor looks like it has been full of water for a while and may need a bit of work and one of the fuel rails is bent, although most of the fuel hoses look OK.

Some hints on what to watch out for with rebuilding this engine would be appreciated (where it is different to 3.2 and 3.3 engines).
Some ideas on which cams, which headers and which EFI systems will be usefull at this stage as well so that I can start some serious shopping for parts.

Looking forward to some suggestions.

This is how it arrived home (in the back of son's Suzy).

Stocktaking in progress ...

gizmofixer · 11-17-2009, 06:15 AM

hi bill
i'm looking for an engine fan p/n 964-106-015-31 from 92-94 3.6 manual trans if your project doesnt use it.
(with or without alternator/shroud)
thx --paul
dakota928@yahoo.com

billjam · billjam's Garage

Paul,
Can't help. I am missing the fan, alternator and housing so I am in the market for these parts as well.

Don Settergren · Don Settergren's Garage

Post this question on the engine rebuilding forum for lots (LOTS) of advice. As winter looms in the US, I wish you a great summer!

billjam · billjam's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Settergren

Post this question on the engine rebuilding forum for lots (LOTS) of advice. As winter looms in the US, I wish you a great summer!

Thanks Don, I'll do that, HERE, with some more info.

It is always 930-driving weather in Perth.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I 3.8 p/c? How about going to carbs?

I have seen an old school 3.6 with carbs - real neat if it goes into an early car.

George

SchnellerBitte · 02-21-2010, 07:07 PM

Alternator vent kit! And as I said in a different thread, get rid of the secondary muffler. Sounds better, and gives a noticeable boost in acceleration.

Pull off the rear underbody aero panel or you will get too much heat in the engine bay (that panel I think was made for 150+ mph driving or something!).

You can ventilate the airbox pretty easily simply by drilling a few 2 in. diameter holes in it. I actually think Porsche did something like this on later cars. But be very careful - the airbox uses metal clips on plastic connectors, and they can only take so many removals before one of the plastic clips gives out and goodbye airbox. No way to clip it on any more. At that point you can pay through the nose for another airbox or build or buy a custom intake...

You have a standard 964? My mechanic wants to lower my RSA, but I think in your case you would need full suspension work to make it worth your time.

Headers I think are great on this car, but that gets rid of the heater block or whatever it's called (can't recall...).

Chips are cheap. Go on eBay and grab an Autothority for $50. If it's not any faster, at least you'll get better throttle response (from what I remember).

Get some decent, fat tires and widen the front more than the rear. The Porsche guys got scared and build too much understeer into the 964. And you would be surprised at the number of wheels out there. I got a beautiful set of 18in wheels from a Boxster for about $350 apiece.

All I can think of for now. I have owned this car almost since it was built, so I'm not even sure what I've done to it

SchnellerBitte · 02-21-2010, 07:10 PM

Sorry that I wrote quite a bit that doesn't apply to your project. I hope it helps someone...

J Richard · 02-21-2010, 08:33 PM

For a 914, I'd skip the trouble of the injection and go for PMO,s headders and if thats not enough maybe a set of cams. You'll get more power out of this setup than messing around with the injection, better throttle response and it would be a blast in a light chassis.

roadsleeper · 02-21-2010, 09:48 PM

billjam - I had the 3.6l in my bull-market 964 project car rebuilt into a slightly OTT 3.8l, but had some hindsight thoughts into a milder engine which I would have been happy with, had I started the project during the bear-market.

I would definitely switch to Motec since you are missing the ECU and engine harness. That will give you access to lumpier cams, individual throttle bodies, and even a higher pressure fuel pressure regulator / larger volume injectors. Besides that, try a cat-less aftermarket exhaust if your local regulations permit it.

You should be able to see a conservative 270-280 crank hp with the above mods, which will definitely make a lightened 914 haul ass...