M10 head

[Jparkr]

off the top of anyones head how much would it cost to rebuild the head on an M10 (fuel injected)??

[winstontj]

$500-$600

double it if you add cam & "race" parts

[Jean]

About $250-300 plus parts is what I got quoted by local head/machine shops.

[winstontj]

When you go to a machine shop look to see the types of motors they have laying around. Look for forign imports (european AND asian). Look for Honda motors, Acura motors, BMW, VW, etc. Avoid a shop that rebuilds big american powerplants exclusivly as they may not have the experience with the heads, tolerances, etc.

Not exactly sure where sac is... but I can give you some shops around the east coast area if you need that are reputable and do work for many VERY well known (unnamed) performance shops. Expect stock parts to run you $200 to replace most everything.

Also remember that the minute you put a strong fresh head on the stock bottom end you're going to wish you did a full build...

[Jean]

I am just hoping that a head rebuild will improve idle, and "smoothness" and willingness to rev as the head I got on the car right now is really full of carbons. I am not even sure if a 3 angle valve job will do anything, any input on this ?

[winstontj]

I would do a compression test. You can buy a compression test gauge from any McParts store for $20. PULL ALL THE SPARK PLUGS and crank it over. you are looking for an even number across all four cylinders. If one is lower than the rest then you have a problem with that cylinder. Next put a bit of oil (a tablespoon) in each of the spark plug holes and redo the compression test. Compare numbers. If the numbers jump up evenly across the motor you need rings or the rings are wearing. If the numbers are even your rings are OK or even good/very good.

Poor valves or leaking valves will smoke on decel. Try driving ~50mph and downshift into third and take your foot off the gas. Does a huge cloud of smoke come out the tailpipe? Have you adjusted your valves recently? Replaced the eccentrics? Properly adjust your valves then do the compression test a third time. Compare numbers and see if it gets better. When you pull the valve cover does it look nice and clean (maybe a brownish/yellowish/goldish tint) or does it look like TONS of flakey buildup caked onto everything?

Why do you think there is carbon buildup in there? Also rebuilding the head will solve this problem but there are other ways like the SeaFoam everyone raves about, Marvel Mystery Oil, CD2 detergent oil addative, etc. Run a few addatives through and see if that helps before you begin a ~$500+ head rebuild. For under $100 you can replace your rocker eccentrics, nuts & bolts, buy a compression gauge and give your car a complete tune up. Try that first IMO.

Good luck & report back on the condition under the valve cover and compression test numbers.

[Jean]

winstonj, I can't pressure test the head because it's out of the car, it's a spare head that way my e30 is atleast drivable. Head on the car is covered in black buildup although it does not smoke on hard acceleration or deceleration. The extra m10 head that I bought is much much cleaner than the one on the car.

I haven't found SeaFoam yet.

[euroshark]

I got my M30 head redone for $180 minus parts... Same shop that does Bimmerhaus's engines.