catuck

I need some help on a big decision. I am replacing my engine and have been shopping for a 3.0 or a 3.2. I now have two I am seriously considering:

3.0 with 10k on a rebuild with shaved heads giving it apx 9.8:1 compression, 964 cams, ported manifolds, SSI's and sport muffler. PMO's may be swapped for the CIS.

3.2 all original w/ motronic and leakdown numbers:1-15 2-15 3-20 4-25 5-35 6-10. I have a set of SSI's I will use with a Bursch muffler. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

TIA

Bill Gregory

On 3.2 and earlier engines, leakdowns of 10% or less are considered normal. If those values are percentages, I wouldn't put it on my buy list. SSI's on a 3.2 engine will work, but they the pipe diameter is almost too small, so you won't get the benefit you might get hooking SSI's up to a 3.0 and earlier engine.

catuck

Thanks Bill, I had reservations with these leakdown numbers but I have heard leakdown tests are not very reliable. If compression test numbers are good would you still take it off your list?

Thanks,

Bill Gregory

Chris,

What bothers me about those leakdowns is the spread from 10% to 35%. If they were all in a narrower band, say 10%-15%, that might be a different discussion (although on 3.2's and earlier, 10% or less is still better). And yes, the compression values are another part of the health equation. If the 3.2 is really a serious contender, if you can, I'd get it to a mechanic you trust or to another highly recommended, and have the leakdowns done again. When I got my C2, I bought remotely, and the first "recommended" mechanic came back with leakdowns in the 40%range! I found another shop do the the test, and they came in signicantly lower, plus the shop picked up some leaking hoses the first place didn't. So, second opinions can be useful.

catuck

Great advice Bill, thanks. I found another 3.2 with leakdown numbers 10% all around but it has over 80k miles. I'm thinking this is the engine for me but I still have to ask if its better than a rebuilt 3.0 with 10k and some performance mods that probably give around 220hp vs the stock 231 of the 3.2. Also, you say SSI's are not optimal for the 3.2, but will they give any gains over the stock exhaust?

Thanks,