My first E30, its taken apart....help pls.

[vr2jetta]

I just picked up a 90 325i and the head has been removed. The PO said the timing belt went out so he took it all apart and bought a used head. Thats where I am at. Since I will be waiting on a few bucks to buy the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and head set, I was thinking of doing a little porting on the head. Would this be a good idea? I have searched through the FAQ and searched "head" on the search function but saw nothing about this. I dont want to go crazy but just want it to flow a little better than stock since it is allready off, and I have some time. Thinking of just port matching the intake and exhaust ports. Also, do I need new head bolts or can I use the old ones? I have a haynes and chilton (came with the car) but havent picked up a Bentely yet. Any other suggestions before I start diving into this thing? BTW, $425 for a 2 door red 325i with decent paint and interior aint bad, huh? I will get pics up tomorrow.

[RobE30]

From what I've gathered on here head porting is unnecessary. When searching try being a little more specific ie. head porting....

[Hallen]

I bit of porting doesn't hurt, but it doesn't get you a lot. Probably only really necessary if you are adding headers and other mods... but that's my opinion.

Yes, get new head bolts. They are not that expensive and they really shouldn't be reused.

[vr2jetta]

I see mixed reviews on head porting. I think I am going to port match the head to the intake/exhaust manifold and put this thing together. As far as power differences go, I wouldnt know, never drove an E30 before, so we'll see! I wasnt sure about the head bolts either, most VW bolts are stretch bolts so I figured BMW ones were too.

[strad]

Stock head bolts are one time use, torque to yield. They should not be re-used.

[vr2jetta]

Pics!

[slo325i]

Bring her back to life man. She deserves more than that for sure....

[vr2jetta]

I'm gonna give it my best! I am sure I can put it back together, I am just afraid I am going to miss a part in and F the whole thing up. I HATE finishing someone elses project but this deal was too good to pass up.

[vr2jetta]

So, is there a special tool for the head bolts? I was using the old bolts to clean out the threads in the block and was just using a 6 pt. 11mm. It seemed to fit fine but I wanted to make sure before I messed something up.

[strad]

Yeah it's a Torx socket. (if you have Torx head bolts -- you should for that model year). edit: it's an E14.

I would use a tap to clean the threads. It'll do a much better job, which will give you more accurate torque when you put the head back on.

[vr2jetta]

I'll see if I cant pick on up when I get the socket, and yes, its a reverse torx.

[twothrees]

Do you have a Bentley for your e30? There is a specific sequence to torquing the head bolts with a torque angle.

Did I see your rear plastic bumper broken? I believe there is a decent rear bumper cover at the new salvage yard in Mobile off of a silver e30. Its off the service road, north of Moffet. Contact bejbis for salvage yard parts. I think he visits these yards every week and knows whats available.

[romeomike]

This one's easy to do and cheap

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=11-42-9-059-338-M9&catalog_description=Seal%20Kit%20for%20Oil%20Fi lter%20Housing%2C%20325%2Fi%2Fis%2FiC%2FiX%20(1987-91)%2C%20M3%20(1987-91)

Costs $12.75 (stack up $75 in parts orders and shipping's free)

Just did this. It gets rid of an annoying oil leak from the plug on the bottom of the oil filter housing. It will be easier to get to with your engine apart. A 17mm six-point socket highly recommended to get the housing off without rounding off the bolt.

Good luck with your project.

[vr2jetta]

Do you have a Bentley for your e30? There is a specific sequence to torquing the head bolts with a torque angle.

Did I see your rear plastic bumper broken? I believe there is a decent rear bumper cover at the new salvage yard in Mobile off of a silver e30. Its off the service road, north of Moffet. Contact bejbis for salvage yard parts. I think he visits these yards every week and knows whats available.

I have the Haynes and Chilton, they actually were in the car when I bought it. I know how valuable the Bentley can be, I have 4 of them for my VW's, but it gives me the torque sequence for the head. I plan on getting it after a while but the crappy books can get me by for now. King tut has the Bentley so I can double check with him on that. Yes my rear bumper is broken. It looks "OK" for now. I know there is a couple E30's at Butlers here but I didnt pay much attention to them because I didnt have this then. I do go quite frequently so I will check next time I am there. I know there not red though. I would actually like to re-clear the deck lid and a fender, so if I find a front valance and bumper I can do it all at the same time. I dont have a paint gun yet, but I did just buy a compressor, so I am halfway there. As of now, I am port matching the intake to the head, while I wait on the head set to arrive. From the old gasket I have been using as the template it appears the old head was port matched as well, or maybe the head the PO purchased was off an E........ I might want to check on that. He said it was an I though. Do the older I's have different heads? I'm starting to ramble...........

[vr2jetta]

SOAB!!!! 2.7 eta right on the side! I am sure this is not the head I want. From reading the previous threads they do not flow as much as the I heads right? Damnit. Let me read up some more and see what I can find out.