small step to making a good car. =]

[simbas_e30]

So i took off all the stickers that were left on the car,
planning on buying some springs to lower it. and tucking the bumpers soon.

hopefully getting a new paint job.

any other ideas?

[jonmon6691]

any other ideas?

Timing belt.

[simbas_e30]

why the timing belt?

[Wh33lhop]

Do you know the last time it was changed?

[simbas_e30]

nope, but the timing feels fine.

[Wh33lhop]

nope

That's why.

[simbas_e30]

haha ok,
do you know how much they are?
is it a hard fix?

[Wh33lhop]

First thing I did on my E30 was the timing belt and water pump. If you don't know the last time either one has been done then do them both, ASAP. If your timing belt snaps, kiss your engine goodbye.

I paid about $200 for a new timing belt, belt tensioner, new accessory belts (few bucks a pop, why not), cam seal which I forgot to install, and a good water pump. It took about a weekend.

In a nutshell:
Drain coolant
Remove hood
Remove belt fan
Remove radiator
Remove accessory belts
Remove timing covers
Remove and reinstall timing belt/tensioner/water pump
Make sure timing is spot on (TDC marks line up with proper tension)
Put everything back together and bleed coolant
There are plenty of writeups if you look around, try Pelican Parts

After you're done with that you might want to do a valve adjustment, and change the oil/filter if you don't know when that was last done either, typically people use 10W30 or so in these motors but generally 20W50 is better suited to the car. Just grab some 20W50 Castrol GTX or Valvoline VR-1, don't bother with synthetic stuff in an M20.

[reelop19]

Solid advice, orrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....you could have a nice car that doesn't move from the driveway.

[simbas_e30]

First thing I did on my E30 was the timing belt and water pump. If you don't know the last time either one has been done then do them both, ASAP. If your timing belt snaps, kiss your engine goodbye.

I paid about $200 for a new timing belt, belt tensioner, new accessory belts (few bucks a pop, why not), cam seal which I forgot to install, and a good water pump. It took about a weekend.

In a nutshell:
Drain coolant
Remove hood
Remove belt fan
Remove radiator
Remove accessory belts
Remove timing covers
Remove and reinstall timing belt/tensioner/water pump
Make sure timing is spot on (TDC marks line up with proper tension)
Put everything back together and bleed coolant
There are plenty of writeups if you look around, try Pelican Parts

After you're done with that you might want to do a valve adjustment, and change the oil/filter if you don't know when that was last done either, typically people use 10W30 or so in these motors but generally 20W50 is better suited to the car. Just grab some 20W50 Castrol GTX or Valvoline VR-1, don't bother with synthetic stuff in an M20.

I have an M10.
I already did changed the plugs, oil filter, ail filter, distributor and cap, wires, oil, coolant, all that other stuff.


It runs fine, just needs some more cleaning.
Im working on that.
When i get the money i will replace the timing stuff.

[IRON-E]

I have an M10.
I already did changed the plugs, oil filter, ail filter, distributor and cap, wires, oil, coolant, all that other stuff.


It runs fine, just needs some more cleaning.
Im working on that.
When i get the money i will replace the timing stuff.

Well then, you go ahead and clean the shit out of your car so it can be that more functional and do us all a favor and burn that slow ass m10., once you're done with that comeback for an M20 swap in your clean e30.

[simbas_e30]

Well then, you go ahead and clean the shit out of your car so it can be that more functional and do us all a favor and burn that slow ass m10., once you're done with that comeback for an M20 swap in your clean e30.

i want to do a m20 swap, but dont have the money for it right now.
Im working on it though.

[JasonC]

I'd boost the m10 before doing a m20 swap.

[simbas_e30]

I'd boost the m10 before doing a m20 swap.

That has crossed my mind.
I kind of want to keep the m10. just because the weight difference between the m10 and m20.

[IRON-E]

That has crossed my mind.
I kind of want to keep the m10. just because the weight difference between the m10 and m20.

if you don't even want to take the time or money to upkeep your current M10, how are you going to be able to fix it once you put the TeRDBO and or an M20 swap?