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Hypothetical Engine Rebuild

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    #1

    Hypothetical Engine Rebuild

    Hey all...

    Was hoping for some input. My E30 is presently an Eta with 423K km on it. Runs amazing.

    I was scoping some local online buy/sell ads, and a guy has an Eta engine available - 320K km, wants $150 - complete, minus the trans.

    Now, I've been mulling having an extra engine around in case something bad happens with my current one, since I do DD it... a lot (up to 60K km per year).

    Since I'm not in a dire need to put this engine right in, I'm envisioning (at least) doing a decent rebuild of the engine. Since I'd be able to take some time to work on it... what areas should I address to make sure that when this engine gets installed, I'll get a good bit of use out of it?

    I'm certainly of the mindset that if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right.

    I'm also not entirely against doing some kind of engine build (stroker, turbo)... but keep in mind the following:

    - I DD my car every day, so reliability is essential - I've had virtually no problem in 3 years, and I want to keep it that way.
    - For my driving needs, I personally find the Eta to be a great engine - I wouldn't mind having a little more fun/power, but I don't need anything crazy, stupid or expensive and certainly not at the expense of the first point.

    Thanks!
    Estoguy
    1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

    Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives
    Tags: None
    #2
    New bearings, gaskets, seals and rings
    89 E30 325is Lachs Silber - currently M20B31, M20B33 in the works, stroked to the hilt...

    new build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505

    Comment

      #3
      The eta responds extremely well to a chip. If you like the eta concept, chip the stock engine and enjoy it. There should be plenty of good short blocks out there still in good shape with all of the swaps occurring.

      I have always found the cam and rockers to be the weak link on the M20. They get galled up as the miles rack up. If you do a minor refresh on a bottom end, a set of rod bearings and rod bearing bolts are good to do while you are in there.

      Comment

        #4
        Galled up? Not sure what you mean.

        Thanks for the input digger... exactly what I was looking for. Ball park, if I do this myself, what would this run me in terms of parts and labour time?

        Yeah, I have been thinking chip too... leaning towards SSSSQuid as they do tunes for 89 and 91 octane... I'd rather pay for 89 than 91. ;) Pity they can't/won't do tunes for 87. LOL

        I do like the Eta - love the torque and I get good economy... my 3 year average is about 7.7 L/100 km (about 30.5 MPG US, 36.6 MPG UK).

        Thanks again!
        Estoguy
        1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

        Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives

        Comment

          #5
          he means the lobes and rocker pads wear.

          check out ECS, Pelican, FCP etc for parts list they do topend and bottom ends seal gasket kits, then get bearings etc
          89 E30 325is Lachs Silber - currently M20B31, M20B33 in the works, stroked to the hilt...

          new build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505

          Comment

            #6
            I would just do an E to I swap. They're easy and lots of fun.

            Comment

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