Need some advice!

[dillon7]

ok so I'll just cut straight to the chase.

I bought an e30 with a broken timing belt. I got the valve cover off and immediately noticed a broken rocker arm. I'm assuming it has bent valves as well.

So my options are:

1. replace the head the another 325e head (not doing the stroker)

2. swap an engine

Guess my options for the swap are another eta engine :zzz:
or an i engine or possibly at m50.

I'm pretty tight on cash so that's always deciding factor.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Swanny]

I have an e head if ya need one!

[dillon7]

I have an e head if ya need one!

pm me with info and price!

that's probably what I'm going to do as long as the pistons are fine.

[Swanny]

Def the easiest.. Pm coming your way.

[dillon7]

with the 88 model having a different redline than previous years does that mean I can only use an 88 325e head for a direct swap?

[dillon7]

never mind answered my own question.

so now should I just go ahead and do the 325i head? It seems like that would be easier to find than an 88 325e head.

[cmcgrogan]

the i head is probably your best bet. a simple upgrade if you have to replace the head anyway. it will cost you a bit more, but there are more cams, better designed head if you are in the redline a lot.

[dillon7]

I'm sounding like an idiot. But since the super eta already had an i head on it wouldn't just any i head bolt right up without anything else?

[TobyB]

Take it apart, replace the broken and bent parts, put new valve stem seals on
all 12, lap the valves if they're looking ugly, and drive it.
$2-300, MAX, but quite likely $150 WITH the head gasket kit.
Checking the valve springs (uprating to i spec?) would be worthwhile.
Oh, spring for a new belt and tensioner, too.

Really. If the backs of the rocker rod supports in the head survived, the head's almost certainly undamaged.
The tops of the pistons will have knicks in them, but unless they're pounded, they'll
be fine. That's what I'm racing right now. It's slow, but it works.

Really. A bit more work, a lot less money.

t

[dillon7]

Take it apart, replace the broken and bent parts, put new valve stem seals on
all 12, lap the valves if they're looking ugly, and drive it.
$2-300, MAX, but quite likely $150 WITH the head gasket kit.
Checking the valve springs (uprating to i spec?) would be worthwhile.
Oh, spring for a new belt and tensioner, too.

Really. If the backs of the rocker rod supports in the head survived, the head's almost certainly undamaged.
The tops of the pistons will have knicks in them, but unless they're pounded, they'll
be fine. That's what I'm racing right now. It's slow, but it works.

Really. A bit more work, a lot less money.

t

Thanks for some helpful information.

The pistons have nicks in them and a rocker arm was completely broke off so I kinda assumed my head was toast.

So what I've got so far is that I CAN'T just swap a 325i head on without doing intake and ECU?

[Swanny]

Oh you totally could, but to get the most out of the I head you need those. If not it'd act exactly like your seta.

[dillon7]

Oh you totally could, but to get the most out of the I head you need those. If not it'd act exactly like your seta.

Oh ok perfect. I just need to get it running again, I'll
Worry about power after that.