rsabeebe

Have a couple cars heading out and the replacement will either be a 996.2 GT3 or a 964 with the intention of a build.

My question is specifically related to engine build (likely a 3.8) and how much I might be looking at. I know location will play a part - I'm in the Dallas area - but what is the rough ballpark on a 3.8 build with maybe 320-330hp as the goal? Trying to get a better feel for what the overall build might cost and things I might need to consider when purchasing the car.

Any feedback/insight would be greatly appreciated.

Bloose993TT

If you aren't going the Turbo route, it will most likely cost you north of $30k to get 320-330 at the wheels.

rsabeebe

i was referring to crank hp, so probably in the 280-285 rwhp range. definitely want the motor to be left NA.

Jjm4life

I still bet north of 30k to do it right

jeff33702

metalracer

There's nothing all that tricky about 911 engines, so it's not like it's 'black art'. They are, however, very time consuming to assemble and setup. Parts prices are ridiculous. Add a slight premium for really doing it right with an experienced and knowledgeable builder that insists (his reputation is at stake) on quality parts. Your end result is unavoidably spendy.

Lowcountry

http://www.autometricsmotorsports.com
Give these guys a call.

Bloose993TT

I really depends on the condition of the engine and how crazy you want to get with the "while where in there" replacement parts. I would figure $20k min and go up from there for a 3.8L conversion at a reputable shop.

mooty

3.8L is AT LEAST $30k and most likely quite a bit more.
should u find one cheaper. pls let us know.

Mikke_Possu

3.8 kit is bit expensive these days so if you can keep it 3.6 with new pistons, cams, injectors ECU, rods.... you reach the target pretty much cheaper.

rsabeebe

i have to say, i'm surprised the build is going to be anywhere from $20k at a minimum and upwards of $30k+ with things done right. that is rather spendy!
i'll scale back and start looking into 3.6 builds. the goal is simply something in the 280-290rwhp range.
the 996.2 GT3 just got a lot more appealing from a power/price standpoint.

ras62

The 3.8 conversion is a very expensive mod that doesn't really bring much benefit apart from a rise in midrange torque. Only if the 3.6 barrels and pistons are out of spec would I consider the capacity increase. My fresh 3.6 with cams and a few other mods remapped gave 280 RWHP and is hugely torquey even down at 2k rpm. Parts prices are what really sets the bill rising and each build can differ enormously on what is needed...cams, rockers, valves, springs, pistons and barrels, crank etc etc. Some engines will need all and some none at all.

cobalt

When I built my track car which was supposed to be a 3.8RS WB clone I was shocked how much it cost and what was involved to get to an honest 280+ RWHP. There are a lot of 3.8 builds with dyno sheets showing more power but these are usually done on a dynojet and are heavily inflated numbers. Most of the 3.8 builds I have driven have additional low mid range torque but power is not significant enough IMO for the cost.

Having access to engine builders who will do an A+ job building a stock bottom and top end build for me for well under $10K parts labor etc a 3.8 coming close to an honest 280 rwhp was still going to run me close to $25k possibly more and then it had its pros and cons. Figure P&C's alone will run you $4500 plus heads, machining, cams, headers, rods and while your in there plus tuning etc it adds up quickly.

I ended up with a low boost twin turbo intercooled setup that is far more power at considerably less cost. Most likely better reliability and even with a bad tune running far too rich still was seeing 335 RWHP and RWTQ on a mustang dyno. This would be at least 15-20% more if tested on a dynojet. I am currently doing a Haltec with wide band and dyno tune on a mustang dyno and should see closer to 350 hp/tq running on pump gas. I also have a short geared steel synchro 6 speed box which makes the car exceptionally fast.

rsabeebe

this is the power range i'm looking for. i'll pm you for a few details.
thanks.

Gus