m60b44 build (for e34)

[david_540i]

Hello,

I'm starting a m60b44 engine build for my e34 540i, since there is little information about these hybrids I would like to share the information and experience here,
Right now I'm gathering all the parts, I have a very low millage b44 block and my heads are currently being rebuild at a machine shop,
I have all my gaskets and other stuff, just need some timing chain parts and i'm good to go, I hope this is the right place for this thread
david

[raudonis]

if it is a real build, you need b40 heads. Intake and exhaust ports and valves are the same size, but combustion chambers are smaller enough to give you a worthwhile bump in compression.

[JGood]

Make sure you plug the pressurized oil passage on the b44 block where the U-guide goes. Other then that, it's all 100% bolt on.

[david_540i]

if it is a real build, you need b40 heads. Intake and exhaust ports and valves are the same size, but combustion chambers are smaller enough to give you a worthwhile bump in compression.

It is a real build since i'm using the better m60 heads, i'm hoping to pick up the heads from the shop tomorrow, I wil be using the double valve train and chain, also I will be using the miller WAR chip with this set up, a lightweight flywheel and a clutchmasters m3 clutch with 5speed manual box, :D
I'll post some pictures tomorrow
Has anyone ever seen a dyno from a setup like this?

[raudonis]

I strongly suggest VEMS over "WAR chip". Full standalone ECU will always work better than something that is semi-Motronic. Unless of course you can buy and tune something better than VEMS in Belgium.

[david_540i]

I strongly suggest VEMS over "WAR chip". Full standalone ECU will always work better than something that is semi-Motronic. Unless of course you can buy and tune something better than VEMS in Belgium.

I know, you are right but I have this miller chip laying around anyway so I will be using it, I have a wideband sensor too to get a basic tune for it, hope it works, I like the idea of a standalone but I'm far over budget already, just spend another 400euros on just timing chain and guides, is there a cheap but good standalone solution?

[david_540i]

Just picked up my rebuild b40 heads from the shop, they look nice and shiny
All 32 valves are angle grinded, all outlet valve guides replaced and all stem seals replaced, both heads are resurfaced too because one was a little warped the guy said, think my compression will be too high now?

Really excited :p

[JGood]

Just picked up my rebuild b40 heads from the shop, they look nice and shiny
All 32 valves are angle grinded, all outlet valve guides replaced and all stem seals replaced, both heads are resurfaced too because one was a little warped the guy said, think my compression will be too high now?

Really excited :p

How much material was removed? You can buy slightly thicker m62 head gaskets from BMW, +.3mm.

From my calculations, the m60b44 is 10.81:1. With the thicker gaskets, it would be 10.47:1. I didn't CC the heads for those calculations, I just used available info.

[The Dark Side of Will]

10.8 should run great on pump gas... no problems at all.

[david_540i]

How much material was removed? You can buy slightly thicker m62 head gaskets from BMW, +.3mm.

From my calculations, the m60b44 is 10.81:1. With the thicker gaskets, it would be 10.47:1. I didn't CC the heads for those calculations, I just used available info.

So I will be fine, I already bought my standard sized headgaskets but shall I get the thicker ones? I don't know how much was removed but I can cc the heads because the cams are still out, if anyone can tell me how to do it.
I will use premium pump gas only, RON98, I think that is the same as 92 pump gas in the USA.

[david_540i]

Just got my new flywheel and clutch, its a sprunghub clutchmasters m3 clutch and a lighter solid steel flywheel specifically designed to use a m3 clutch with a m60 engine mated to the 5speed manual box

[david_540i]

I did some more work on the engine, cleaned the block, installed the cams, opened and cleaned all 32 valve liters (what a work :O) spray painted the timing covers, and tapped and plugged the oil line, here are some pics of the progress,
I do have a scratch or two in my bores, what do you think of the them? it looks worse on the pictures but on one bore I can feel it with my nail.

[david_540i]

the engine is slowly coming together, heads bolted down, all new chain and guides installed, now waiting for the post for my gasket paper to arrive so I can make the gaskets between the upper and lower covers,
My new chain is really really tight, so tight that its even very hard to get the left timing cover on, the chain has no slack even without the timing chain tensioner installed, is this typical and normal for a new chain?
Any tips on preparing the old valve covers for painting? there is a thick nasty layer of a wax like paint on them, super hard to remove :o