turbo conversion

[Guest]

hi there
i have a 1985 3.2 carrera with a blown engine and may have the opportunity to buy a turbo engine from a low mileage 84 car.
just a thought but are there major implications in swapping and if it is straight forward would i need a turbo gearbox or could i use my 915. obviously i would need the engine harness and associated ancilliaries but would there be anything else?
i can have mine rebuilt for about 3.5k or just buy a second hand one which may just be a lot easier!!
any thoughts would be appreciated or advise if anyone has done it in the past.
cheers
steve

 

[bones]

The problem with buying a used unit is you don't know what you are getting and I would steer clear unlees it is rebuilt and comes with a warranty. If you are confident in the rebuilder do a comprehensive job and have piece of mind. You would need the turbo trailing arms (check for cracks on used ones) and brakes at least, the installation should be straightforward. 915 s have been used on Turbos but if you like to launch in first you will wreck it. Some guys in the states use 915s with turbo motors but modify their driving to suit. Four gears are plenty for the power of the turbo engine.

 

[Ian Donkin]

Whilst anything is possible, isn't it a little more complicated that this, e.g. Motronic on the 3.2, CIS on the Turbo etc?

Might be worth talking to Colin Belton at Ninemeister (in Warrington, so not too far from Leeds) - when I had a 3.2 he was dabbling with 993 conversions into them and he generally seems to know what he's about http://www.9mracing.co.uk/html/index.php. His telephone numbers are 07000 930930 or 01925 242342.

Good luck
Ian

 

[Guest]

thanks chaps

i am now thinking it may be a better option to have mine rebuilt. it sounds bottom endy but still starts and the oil pressure is still up. i have just read somewhere it could be the timing chains that have gone slack but having only blown 4 cylinder engines i'm a bit unsure and it does sound similar when warm. when cold it doesn't sound bad!
it always smoked a bit on start up (as they do) but also intermittently on idle mid journey.

i guess if the bearings have gone it isnt completely destroyed so it may be the best option.

thanks again
steve

 

[bones]

Steve if the main crank bearings were gone you would really know about it, are you sure your smoke mid journey isn't a rich mixture, valve guides are a known wear issue on 3.2s Ring your reg secretary and ask him to put you in touch with a club member who has an 'ear' for 3.2s and get it checked out and yourself informed before telling a workshop to strip it.

 

[Guest]

Hi Steve

I recently had my 3.2 Carrera engine rebuilt aa I was not able to find an engine to do a straight out and in. The cost of a rebuild will be less than buying and fitting a replacement engine.

Only downside is that you'll have to run it in for 1,000 miles.

Good luck in what you decide to do.

Regards

Phil

 

[Guest]

hi phil

if you don't mind me asking where did you get yours done and was it blown or just tired?
the 1000 mile run in will be hard but i guess you have to do it right otherwise it's back to square one!

cheers
steve

 

[Guest]

Steve,

when you said you had a blown engine, I thought you meant turbo'd anyway. Makes a very confusing thread to read then. Need to go and rest.[]

Unless you really want a turbo in a narrow body, sounds like it is going to be expensive, and I am not sure that you would ever get the money back, should you sell ina couple of years. I would be cautious.

hugh

 

[Guest]

if anyone fancies a project i may sell it as it is. the rest of the car is in very good condition but i have just been offered a newer car and may buy that if i can sell mine.

sensible offers will be considered.

regards
steve