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

[vr2jetta]

1 264 200......2.7 eta. Will this work if I absolutley NEED to use it?

[jmc1590]

Before you get too far off on a tangent, verify exactly which head you have. Look at the casting # on the intake side. If it ends with 200, it is an early eta head, with smaller combustion chamber, valves, and ports. You don't want this head. If it ends with 885, it is either a super eta head or a "i" head. They are identical. (Same ports, same valves, same chamber size.) If it is a 885 head, the differences between the two are valve springs (the "i" has duals, the s-eta singles), and cam (the s-eta has a 256 cam, the "i" a 264, if I remember correctly.)

If it turns out you have the s-eta head, add the inner valve springs, and change to a "i" cam and you're set.

[vr2jetta]

So after a little research it appears that both the "E" and "I" heads have the same size valves. 42mm Intake and 36mm exhaust. Is it just the ports that are different? Could I port the shit out of the eta head and get the same results as I would out of the I head, or is there other factors that make them different, like combustion chamber sizes?

[vr2jetta]

So, after some thread searching and parts searching, I am going to assume the I head is the better of the 2, considering eta heads are going for ~$35, and I heads are around $150-$200. I can visibly see from the intake gasket I removed the ports are MUCH bigger in the I head.

[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.

[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...........

[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.

[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.

[vr2jetta]

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

[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]

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.

[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.

[slo325i]

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

[vr2jetta]

Pics!

[strad]

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