Time to refresh and upgrade the M20. Looking for feedback on both.

[Poorhouse]

I need to order a midpipe. You like the DEC over Magnafliw?

[r-mm]

Totally appreciate those tips. All of the above on their way from the two bimmerheads kits (head/block).

Engine remains in the car. My strategy is to replace the entire exhaust ahead of the pull so I have nice new bolts to remove when it comes time to pull. Have ireland/ebay SS catback on hand and a DEC cat on order.

[325e '87]

If you’re doing the coolant hoses then I’d imagine you’re removing the intake manifold (I know your engine is out of the car, but still). I don’t see the manifold gaskets and oil return tube o rings, and when I had everything done I had to wait a week because I forgot to order the thermostat housing gasket.

I’m not trying to be nit picky, it just sucks to forget the little things.

[r-mm]

Does anybody know how to attach this all to my car? I was going to use Elmers :)

Some solid packaging design...

[r-mm]

Very nice! Cirrusblau? Mine too. 89 sedan.

[325e '87]

Those are beautiful. Mine isn’t quite that clean but I am prone to spend a few hours here and there taking stuff apart, cleaning, brushing, and polishing random things under the hood.

[r-mm]

Some nice engine bay inspiration pics from a 325is that went for $19750 today on Bring a Trailer

[r-mm]

I generally agree with you but getting dirty oily alum to look good and stay that way is tricky. I do not want it to look ‘custom’. I have ordered a few textured silver powders to try. I was quite pleased with how I was able to simulate zinc yellow chromate with powder and hope to get reasonably close to simulating vapor honed cast alum.

Coil bracket is fake. Jack pad is real.

[325e '87]

Powder coat

I know its a personal preference thing but I’ve never seen coated or painted intake and valve covers that really make the engine bay look so much better than just clean and bright aluminum. Some folks do have pretty engines but I think the raw aluminum looks best.

[Northern]

yeah, the big hole.

The load leveller will make your life much easier.

Before I had one, I would attach just the black piece of the stand to the engine while on the hoist, then attach the orange stand to the black part, and slowly wrangle the whole assembly down on the wheels. Not pretty, but it works.

[Poorhouse]

Yeah there is a threaded hole back there I used.

[r-mm]

Is this the place to attach a chain from the rear of the load leveler?

[r-mm]

Time to refresh and upgrade the M20. Looking for feedback on both.

Where did you put the rear attachment?

[Poorhouse]

It was my first time so take with a grain of salt, I think the load leveler is essential. It is a tight fit coming out with the transmission.

[r-mm]

Any tricks to getting the M20 out and mounted that a hoist and adjustable stand cant handle? I don’t have a load leveler is it a must ?