axl911

What's a better engine? I realize there are lots of info missing, but based on the two below, which would you choose for a street car?

1. 964 engine with 3.8 piston/cyl, 993 sport cams, B&B header + exhaust, and chip to manage all that.

or

2. Early non-vram 993 engine with vram added, 200cells dach cat, stock chip.

--anthony

ilko

On paper #1 will give you more torque, but it will have to be tuned properly. If done right, that'd be the one I'd choose.

Bill Verburg

Better for what?

there is one highly regarded school of thought that likes the 964 bottom end w/ 993 top end sport cams, mechanical lifters, etc for track use. 993 maf & electronics, vram or not doesn't make too much difference for a track engine that is spinning 6k + most of the time

another school prefers the more rigid 993 crank even thought the rod bearing area is smaller, top end as above

and a third school says Gt3 bottom end, some nice aggressive p/c & cams w/ 6 throttle body intake & Motec engine management

B&B headers are fine but nothing special, stock 993 headers will flow as well but are somewhat heavier. Unless you use cams that are lumpier than RS/SS exhaust just needs to flow reasonably well.

axl911

Just for daily street driving.

I would have though the Vram would be better since it bump up the torque of the 993 engine nicely.

But then again change the MAF in the 964 3.8 to the 993 hot film and that may make it a very worthy engine.

Quadcammer

I'd go with the first option, although I don't think you'll see a huge difference in the two.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

True words from Mister Verburg,....

It really depends on how the car will be used (street-only, DE events, or racing), one's budget, and engine life expectancy.

Engines that will see north of 7K require some different hardware and some oiling modifications to live. Street motors that never see beyond 6500 RPM don't need all the spendy stuff.

Currently, all of the Mahle 102mm (3.8) pistons require different rods so that must be incorporated into the budget for that configuration.

The bottom line here is that either configuration will make decent power (280-310BHP) and if properly assembled, will last a very long time.

VNTGSPD

For a STREET car, I'd go with #2. It sounds like a solid, stock, low maintenance engine with ample power.

The racer in me would want #1, but sometimes these custom setups are lacking in refinement or durability, especially if not done absolutely right.

I must be getting old...

Bill Verburg

I'd probably go for #1 myself. the 3.8 will enhance torque as much as vram on a 3.6 only it will be throughout the rev range and ss cams aren't particularly lumpy so they won't take away much if any low rpm torque

#1 would be a lot better if the cr was known to be 11.3 and w/ 993 top end.

TheOtherEric

I'd go with #2 because who the heck knows how well engine #1 was built. Maybe the builder cut some corners or was incompetent, who knows.

CalvinC4S

#1 with a diet coke.


Only if the through bolts have the late o-rings.

race911

I didn't see the reference to buying or building, but I'm sure there would be a caution from our experts on slip-in v. machine-in 3.8 conversions.

e3photo

I would vote for #2, but then I am biased.

I am currently building a similar one, except with the varioram I chose to add RS intake valves, and RS cams. I also plan on having Steve Weiner chip it.

A #2 combo platter.


Emerald

axl911

Thanks for the inputs. I currently have the #2 right now. But I have a soft spot for a hot rodded 964 and is considering #1. The 3.8 would be a slip on, but this is a street car.

Ed Burdell

All the moving internals on the 993 version got lighter, yes? And with the varioram...Option #2 would get my vote. Better gas mileage to boot.

dtm407

none of the above.

short box transmission

3.8 rebuild not worth the cost for 20 HP

doug