Path to 3.2??

[turbo79]

Just want some informed opinions on going 3.2 in an MTX, and I know I'll get 'em here...

1. Get a used 3.0, bore it out, repair any wear on the heads (valve grind, seals, etc.) and replace all rod and main bearings, or,
2. Get a used 3.2 with a blown tranny and swap parts from my existing 3.0.

Cost aside (a little bit, anyway), which would be less work (assuming that I have a machine shop do the block work on a 3.0).

Thanks in advance!

 

[SuperHO]

it's far easier just to swap the stuff to a 3.2 and run that way...

 

[SHOtime2511]

Just buy a 3.2 and swap everything from your 3.0 over.
Replace some seals and sensors while you have it all appart.
this path is much less $

 

[rubydist]

+2 on just swap in the 3.2

 

[Wakeboy1337]

+3 on 3.2

 

[turbo79]

+3 on 3.2

Guess I'm convinced now. How do 3.2s hold up in use (thinking of what I might find out there)? My experience is that engines attached to automatics tend to run a little warmer because of the heat mass of the tranny, and heat is the enemy of long life.

Then again, if I found one with a blown tranny and 100,000 mile or so...

 

[bubba]

Make sure you put your 3l heads on there, or just put 3l cams in the 3.2 heads and cut them to make them work!

 

[Phoenix]

Guess I'm convinced now. How do 3.2s hold up in use (thinking of what I might find out there)? My experience is that engines attached to automatics tend to run a little warmer because of the heat mass of the tranny, and heat is the enemy of long life.

Then again, if I found one with a blown tranny and 100,000 mile or so...

3.0 and 3.2 are exacly the same in terms of life expectency (sp?) , grab a 3.2 , replace seals , and rod bearings and beat the snot out of it.

Like they said , if you do not wish to fab up engine mounts , from the 3.2 only use the short block , everything else from the 3.0.

 

[turbo79]

3.0 and 3.2 are exacly the same in terms of life expectency (sp?) , grab a 3.2 , replace seals , and rod bearings and beat the snot out of it.

Like they said , if you do not wish to fab up engine mounts , from the 3.2 only use the short block , everything else from the 3.0.

My 3.0 is in pretty good condition, maybe I'd have a valve job done just for a reason to clean up the intake and exhaust ports, and to get a real good compression seal.