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What Should an M20 Rebuild Cost?

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    #16
    Great question..
    Thought about this question a lot over the years...and over several chassis...

    First, Welcome to E30 ownership. Few cars can give you the driving pleasure this car can give-at any price-and I'm sure you will come to appreciate how fun this car is.

    Second..
    Power is not necessarily what makes this car exceptional. Simplicity, the balance of a nimble, light, rear driven chassis, and classic lines makes this car a great starting point no matter what the condition. Sounds like you got one with a great running motor. I, too, love the way an inline 6 sings. If your motor runs well, burns no oil, and makes no funny noises, than you also got a motor that should last for many more miles. The M20 motor is robust, and can take quite a bit of abuse, and without knowing how many miles you have...the only immediate piece of info would be when its timing belt was last changed, as a break would cause $$$$ and unhappiness. Timing belts themselves are not expensive, but the labor is, but not as expensive as a new motor. If you are planning to keep the car as is, I would at least consider changig the belt and go enjoy driving your new car....

    Now the fun stuff...
    If you were planning to change/rebuild the motor anyway..may I suggest a more immediately rewarding way to drop your hard-earned grip. For less than the price of an s10, m/s50, m20 rebuild you could make a great car exemplary. Refreshing/upgrading suspension on a tired E30 will put this chassis on par with the greats. Cleaning up a sloppy shifter will add the enjoyment of rowing thru the 5 speed. Fresh set of summer tires and maybe a set of wheels will keep the tuned suspension planted to the tarmac. All this for a fraction of what you would spend to rebuild a motor that sounds like it might have lots of life left in it.

    Now power...
    The final key in making this car ridiculously fun is more power... An m20 rebuild ain't gonna make it. Maybe 20 HP if your engine is REALLY tired...Once you get the ability to get what hp you have to the ground, and appreciate the dynamics of the chassis, you'll want to load up on this final element.... No sense in adding more if a tired drivetrain can't deliver what you already have. Your swap choice list is a good one. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages...It's up to you to research a bit to see which animal fits your ultimate goal. Then you can add forced induction for the cherry on top! YouTube is a great resource to view examples of each flavor, and maybe buy some time to hone some mechanical skills, and save you money in labor costs down the road. I've found that there a lots of E30 appreciators lurking in most cities that would be willing to help and give advice on these awesome cars (PM me if you are in the Kansas City area!)

    Welcome the the forum, to E30's, and to a lifetime addiction....

    Comment


      #17
      Originally posted by Cabriolet View Post
      s52s here are now selling for 1500, so im figuring in new HG, and head lightly refreshed.

      Don't get me wrong. i love a built M20, the sound, the torque, the period correctness. but the only drawback is hp/$
      Best options sound like a rebuilt m20 or a junkyard s52 down the road, how far can you go with an m20?
      ------
      Danny Kuntz
      incultur3, LLC
      d.kuntz14@me.com
      8058079554

      Comment


        #18
        Originally posted by Jayrockstar View Post
        Great question..
        Thought about this question a lot over the years...and over several chassis...

        First, Welcome to E30 ownership. Few cars can give you the driving pleasure this car can give-at any price-and I'm sure you will come to appreciate how fun this car is.

        Second..
        Power is not necessarily what makes this car exceptional. Simplicity, the balance of a nimble, light, rear driven chassis, and classic lines makes this car a great starting point no matter what the condition. Sounds like you got one with a great running motor. I, too, love the way an inline 6 sings. If your motor runs well, burns no oil, and makes no funny noises, than you also got a motor that should last for many more miles. The M20 motor is robust, and can take quite a bit of abuse, and without knowing how many miles you have...the only immediate piece of info would be when its timing belt was last changed, as a break would cause $$$$ and unhappiness. Timing belts themselves are not expensive, but the labor is, but not as expensive as a new motor. If you are planning to keep the car as is, I would at least consider changig the belt and go enjoy driving your new car....

        Now the fun stuff...
        If you were planning to change/rebuild the motor anyway..may I suggest a more immediately rewarding way to drop your hard-earned grip. For less than the price of an s10, m/s50, m20 rebuild you could make a great car exemplary. Refreshing/upgrading suspension on a tired E30 will put this chassis on par with the greats. Cleaning up a sloppy shifter will add the enjoyment of rowing thru the 5 speed. Fresh set of summer tires and maybe a set of wheels will keep the tuned suspension planted to the tarmac. All this for a fraction of what you would spend to rebuild a motor that sounds like it might have lots of life left in it.

        Now power...
        The final key in making this car ridiculously fun is more power... An m20 rebuild ain't gonna make it. Maybe 20 HP if your engine is REALLY tired...Once you get the ability to get what hp you have to the ground, and appreciate the dynamics of the chassis, you'll want to load up on this final element.... No sense in adding more if a tired drivetrain can't deliver what you already have. Your swap choice list is a good one. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages...It's up to you to research a bit to see which animal fits your ultimate goal. Then you can add forced induction for the cherry on top! YouTube is a great resource to view examples of each flavor, and maybe buy some time to hone some mechanical skills, and save you money in labor costs down the road. I've found that there a lots of E30 appreciators lurking in most cities that would be willing to help and give advice on these awesome cars (PM me if you are in the Kansas City area!)

        Welcome the the forum, to E30's, and to a lifetime addiction....
        Thank you!!! I need to post some detailed pics later today or tomorrow. The owner I bought from did a lot of work on the car, new timing belt 5k miles ago, suspension, Miller W.A.R. chip, Eibach Lowering Springs, upgraded exhaust, black wheels and new tires, among other things.

        If the engine checks out healthy tomorrow I may (temporarily) turn my head towards aesthetics. Paint, interior, body kit (not sure on this one), to really make the car stick out.
        ------
        Danny Kuntz
        incultur3, LLC
        d.kuntz14@me.com
        8058079554

        Comment


          #19
          Took some pics to give everyone a visual;
          Attached Files
          ------
          Danny Kuntz
          incultur3, LLC
          d.kuntz14@me.com
          8058079554

          Comment


            #20
            Originally posted by thedmkshow View Post
            how far can you go with an m20?
            Haha, how much money do you have?! Anythings possible given a combination anything is possible with a mix of money, aptitude, and desire.


            As for rebuild costs, my opinion differs than others on here. A rebuilt head in my opinion is that EVERYTHING is new, down to the sprayer bar, guides, and rocker shafts. When you say rebuild, definitely specify your definition.
            ADAMS Autosport

            Comment


              #21
              M50 swap, not even worth the effort given all the other choices.

              S14 Swap, Awesome if you have deep pockets and patience. Not daily driver friendly.

              If you really want to swap in a engine worth swapping at a reasonable cost, go straight for a S or M 52 swap back dated to OBDI with a custom tune.

              I have also built M20's to 197HP to the wheels, but either way you going to spend roughly the same.

              If your having a shop do the work, its always worth finding the right shop and having the proper budget to see the project through,

              Personally since this is your first E30, I think you should concentrate your efforts on suspension, brakes, and maintenance.
              www.facebook.com/E30motorwerks

              Comment


                #22
                Originally posted by RobertC View Post
                M50 swap, not even worth the effort given all the other choices.

                S14 Swap, Awesome if you have deep pockets and patience. Not daily driver friendly.

                If you really want to swap in a engine worth swapping at a reasonable cost, go straight for a S or M 52 swap back dated to OBDI with a custom tune.

                I have also built M20's to 197HP to the wheels, but either way you going to spend roughly the same.

                If your having a shop do the work, its always worth finding the right shop and having the proper budget to see the project through,

                Personally since this is your first E30, I think you should concentrate your efforts on suspension, brakes, and maintenance.
                Thanks Robert. Taking it to a Bavarian workshop tomorrow, and ill post my findings following the checkup; regarding pricing.
                ------
                Danny Kuntz
                incultur3, LLC
                d.kuntz14@me.com
                8058079554

                Comment


                  #23
                  Originally posted by thedmkshow View Post
                  Ok, so I bought my E30. Engine runs beautifully and exhaust sings
                  You don't need an engine rebuild. A car this old will need some updating. Focus on suspension, replacing any worn/cracked rubber, replace all the fluids, brakes, etc... whatever is suboptimal and get this car running like it's 1995. The m20 is a great engine and it has plenty of power for anyone who plans on obeying most traffic laws. A good DIY primer would be a valve adjustment. If you take your time it sing even better and you will probably get better mpg and performance. Also, if you don't know when your timing belt was last replaced, get it done. If it's been more then 50k or a half a decade, get it done.

                  Comment


                    #24
                    Originally posted by FasterSoonerNow View Post
                    You don't need an engine rebuild. A car this old will need some updating. Focus on suspension, replacing any worn/cracked rubber, replace all the fluids, brakes, etc... whatever is suboptimal and get this car running like it's 1995. The m20 is a great engine and it has plenty of power for anyone who plans on obeying most traffic laws. A good DIY primer would be a valve adjustment. If you take your time it sing even better and you will probably get better mpg and performance. Also, if you don't know when your timing belt was last replaced, get it done. If it's been more then 50k or a half a decade, get it done.
                    The timing belt and water pump were replaced 5k miles ago; I think I'm in pretty good shape there.

                    I like your thought on maintaining and perfecting my m20. That's a more budget responsible option for the time being.

                    I'm getting some great direction, it's at the shop now for a checkup. I'll let everyone know what they find.
                    ------
                    Danny Kuntz
                    incultur3, LLC
                    d.kuntz14@me.com
                    8058079554

                    Comment

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