Overhaul?

[PanamaE30]

So, for some reason, my dad wants to have my engine overhauled as my christmas present. I'm not complaining, but he didn't really seem all that sure about what needed to get changed, and honestly neither am I. So, what should I get changed while i've got the thing cracked open?

Way i'm seeing it... intake manifold gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, valvecover gaskets, head gaskets, throttle body gasket.. injector seals are ok, i had them replaced like three months ago. My dad was sayin piston rings but I don't see the need for that, what do y'all think? What else should i definitely have done while in there?

[chrisd]

If he's forking over, and you can get clean gas down there, go with new 9.5:1 or 10:1 pistons, pauter conrods and new rings, and a port & polish. That'll make him think twice about making offers like this! ;)

[bmwannabe]

convince him that they dont make stock parts anymore and that the only replacement is the IE 3.0 stroker kit.

[chrisd]

bmwannabe: convince him that they dont make stock parts anymore and that the only replacement is the IE 3.0 stroker kit.

You spelled "S50" wrong.

[bmwannabe]

that i did

[PanamaE30]

convince him that they dont make stock parts anymore and that the only replacement is the IE 3.0 stroker kit.

That was the first thing that came to my mind when he proposed this...

:)

[PanamaE30]

If he's forking over, and you can get clean gas down there, go with new 9.5:1 or 10:1 pistons, pauter conrods and new rings, and a port & polish. That'll make him think twice about making offers like this! ;)

depends on your definition of "clean" :)

again, thought about all that.. i dunno.

so how much is it for an overhaul normally?

[PanamaE30]

Ok, so before my old man even asks for it, I want to prepare a budget and a to-do list..

So, I'd like some assistance in listing wtf i need to replace and what recommendations there are for everything. I've never done anything like this so I dunno wtf to look for.

Basically, I just want to build a strong M20.. I've no racing aspirations for this car, but it's still gotta be able to move along at a decent clip. Oh, and a stroker kit is out (actually asked about that one heh).

So, basically I'm thinking... new valves, retainers, springs, gaskets, pistons and connecting rods.

Anything I'm missing? Any brand suggestions for the parts?

[bmwannabe]

i would actually get a decently low milage M20 engine, get it so you can rebuild it, and leave your other one in the car. youll save downtime on this. Rings, i dont know about new pistons, you might not need new ones, all seals, gaskets, ect. some of the sensors may need replaced, the valvetrain may need revamped, ect...

Oh, and when you get done, dont forget to put oil in before you start er' up.
(I once heard of a team who fragged a brand new race motor by accidentally breaking it in, without putting oil in it)

[PanamaE30]

i would actually get a decently low milage M20 engine, get it so you can rebuild it, and leave your other one in the car. youll save downtime on this. Rings, i dont know about new pistons, you might not need new ones, all seals, gaskets, ect. some of the sensors may need replaced, the valvetrain may need revamped, ect...

Oh, and when you get done, dont forget to put oil in before you start er' up.
(I once heard of a team who fragged a brand new race motor by accidentally breaking it in, without putting oil in it)

define low mileage m20.. mine has about 90k miles on it.. The other issue is that it would be hard to actually find a better M20 around these parts. And finally, getting another engine would mean more cost. Trying to keep costs down to what i really need. I don't mind the down time, i'll be painting my car when the engine is out.

[bmwannabe]

Honestly, you dont really need a rebuild then. Maybe just do the top end, timing belt, new O2 sensor, plugs, wires, oil change, flush the injectors, and be done with it. You have what i would define as a "low milage M20"

[PanamaE30]

Well, my dad wants to shell out the money for it :P

Although, you're probably right.

I'm thinking an M50 swap might be a more economically viable solution now though. Thanks for all the input.