Introducing CARM3N, my new to me project. 1991 318is with a non-running S52 mounted.

[Institutionalized]

Hello, I made what is likely a silly purchase but let's all find out together. I purchased someone else's non-running project. I have a lot of different parts with it, including an extra transmission, multiple Intake Manifolds and a red label OBD1 (I think) ECU tuned by Kassel Performance.

My plan is to do a parts inventory, then inspect the cylinders, oil them directly then do a compression test and try to get it to fire. The coils look to be hodgepodge of different ones. I am looking at getting a set of Turner MoSports or Dinan as they are WAY cheaper than Bosch. Is there a preference on this forum regarding aftermarket coils? NGK or Bosch Plugs?

Do you see any issue with firing the engine without any coolant/radiator/loop? Not planning to let it run.

Any help or guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you,
-I

[JasonWilson48]

1) Welcome, and it's only silly dependnig on how much you paid. There are risks worth taking for non-running projects if it is cheap enough to give you a buffer for fixes. Best case, you have all the parts, and it starts right up. Worst case, the engine is junk, all the spare parts are junk, and the chassis is rusted to shit.

2) No issues with trying to get it to fire without coolant. Just don't let it run for more than 30 seconds to a minute.

3) Wtf is that mint colored valve cover?1? That is definitely a CHOICE by the PO lol.

Good luck, and make a project thread so we can follow along.

[TobyB]

Totally agreed- if you paid half of what a running car goes for, why not?

thoughts on a 'dry start'-

crank it without plugs until you're sure you've got oil pressure.
Take the accessory belt off so the water pump isn't spinning dry
(coolant is also a lube for the seals)
and
why not just hook up a radiator of some sort? Then you can play...

t
would buy that for a dollar!

[2mAn]

Excited to see how this goes!... Good luck!