[longhornchris04]

Well, an engine is clearly more than just its displacement, but here are a few insights.

1: an SC motor conversion to a 3.2 is (most often) done by replacing the 95mm pistons & cylinders with 98mm P&Cs. This combination is commonly referred to as a 3.2 Short Stroke (3.2SS). The Carrera 3.2 uses 95mm P&Cs with a different crank & connecting rods. Thus, it has a longer stroke with the same bore as an SC.

2: Larger displacement produces more power, but large bore -short stroke engines tend to be able to run higher rpms vs. small bore - long stroke engines which tend to produce more torque. This has to do with the ability of the engine to handle internal stresses... and assumes same/similar materials and appropriate camshafts. Short stokes are under less stress at high RPMs than longer stroke engines.

3: Camshaft & induction are still going to be the driving factor. A 3.2SS and a 3.2 with the same camshaft and Carbs (for example) should be nearly identical. The difference in engine geometry would become apparent if the camshafts were custom chosen.

4: The 3.2 had better head geometry than the SCs. Now, its possible to port the 3.0 heads to the 3.2 specs (or better). Additionally, while this makes a difference, its marginal and easily overwhelmed by other factors.

As to your original question - without knowing the internals its tough to compare your 3.2SS to a stock 3.2, but I can say the following:

1: If you've got CIS still, the stock 3.2 will be better performing -- Bosch DME is better than CIS, especially for performance.
2: CIS requires "mild" camshafts -- Thus your limiting factor on performance will be running out of breath (camshaft) or valve float - not connecting rod strength.

I have to go to work, but if I think of anything else, I'll come back.