pharmboy

Hello to all,
I have a 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 and am considering an engine rebuild and simultaneous AC upgrade. It has been burning oil at a rate of 250miles per quart. Compression test was good but leak down was poor. I don't have
specific numbers. There is smoke only during initial start up. I'm considering
a engine rebuild with possible performance modification but I'm concerned
about long term reliability and difficulty tuning. What engine modifications
should I consider and what are the pros and cons of each.

Thanks

logan2z

This sounds like you're describing my '87 3 2 before I had the engine rebuilt - right down to the oil consumption.

I had a full rebuild done about 5 years ago and it's been running like a top ever since. The car uses less than a quart of oil every 3K miles. The only' upgrades' I did during the rebuild were 964 cams and a Steve Wong chip - both worthwhile in my opinion. And if you need a new clutch then this is the time to do it as well - the engine needs to be dropped in an '87 to do a clutch replacement.

Best of luck.

race911

You don't mention vehicle miles. Might be as "simple" as a top end (valve guides) and it being an '87 you might find a Kolbenschmidt alusil P/C set in there (the factory cheaped out, being squeezed by the exchange rate).

There aren't any smog legal, if that's important, performance modifications which won't add $5-7-15K to your total otherwise.

Cars are valuable enough to warrant doing it right.

pharmboy

Thank you for your thoughts
The car has 126K miles and runs great as far as I can tell.
I don't know if the power is down as I don't have access to another 3.2
to compare performance. Valve seals were installed 5k miles ago without
a benefit to oil consumption. How significant was performance improved with the 964 cams
and new chip? Also the idea to rebuild engine to euro specs crossed my mind.
Your thoughts?

pharmboy

Forgot to add that this is in Florida and smog legality isn't a top priority

griffiths

There are 100's if not 1000's of 'what to do' with your 911 Engine Projects out there. As Race911 noted the mileage can kinda guide you.

I've played around with my 87 for 10 years now, learning the hard way, what works and what does not; presently it is apart in my shop getting a few 'fixes' to help with its current 3.5 lit jugs, 9.5:1 pistons, 8 psi of boost.

As far as engine, this is interesting read:
Ralph Hollack's Engine Rebuild

Air Conditioning wise... first you need integrity (no leaks and reliable), then you go for upgrades in lowering temps, read The Mr. Ice Project

pharmboy

Thanks griffiths

pharmboy

I'M reading your The Mr. Ice Project now
Wow