As of mid-summer of 2002 most there have been some refits and updates in order to get the best operation and power from the engine. For a year the engine was strong but there was something holding it back. After careful research and testing I found out what was wrong and rectified most of it. Because of that I was rewarded with a very tractable, very strong, and supremely fuel efficient little motor. It had a very strong linear pull from idle to 5500 RPM like a small V8. In 4th gear lockup the car can actually hunker down and accellerate up gradiant hills even under heavy load, to forget about what it's like with just the driver. It can now hold its own and better against other cars that are supposedly faster. All while getting 29-30 mpg at 80 on a flat highway. 32mpg at 70. Lets just say the engine took its vitamins and grew up.
Replaced the Crane 2030 cam with the Crane H272 to alleviate the detonation problem and to make more IGN advance for more power, also gave it a very stable hot rod idle. The car has been refitted with the W-car Y-pipe exhaust with dual 2 inch 40 series flowmaster mufflers and a walker catalyst. That gave it a unique sound that isnt typical of a flowmaster on this type of motor. It also complimented the new cam very well. Also installed bigger injectors to match with the higher intake of air and better exhaust flow. So far this car has achieved a high, but not a top speed of 125+ with three people and excessive cargo on board. That is pretty good for a car like this with the standard motor. Also there was plenty of pedal left, the only thing keeping me from going all the way was the H rated tires good for 130. Car felt very stable and predictable thanks to the unique and matched suspension setup. Finding out what this engine needs was a fun and highly educating project. I did not have time to test the latest setup it at a track because a long while back I blew an oil cooler hose and the motor ran dry. I thought I caught it fast enough but I guess not because it now has a rod knock. Since it hasn't grenaded, the motor is still salvgable and I'll rebuild it again for another car, whatever that may be. I have commandered a GEN3 3400 for a very good price and that will be the replacement. Anyway the 3.2 was a very strong, impressive, and fuel efficent little motor and I feel very privledged to have built, driven, and worked with it. I'll be constructing an other page for the C-3400/V6 at a later date.
