Need some advice regarding engine replacement

[SynSyx]

i appreciate the advice, and yeah i probably couldve done it myself, but i would be on an extremely steep learning curve, and probably wouldve taken a lot more determination than i can afford to exert at this particular time.

as previously mentioned, time is a factor and money is available. the peace of mind that i'll have when all this is done will be worth the ~$2k ive put into this endeavor

[e30slut]

smh.. thats all I can do is smh...

[Desaevious]

Excellent contribution to the thread.

Already been discussed, OP has the money, but not the time/space/tools.

FAG.

Fixed. Double entendres make "FUCK A GOAT" work so much better.

[z31maniac]

wow. I have never in my life taken a ca rto a mechanic and if I have, it was only for them to tell me whats wrong. Then I would go e-search and figure out how to fix it myself.

When my timing belt broke, I went and got A good used head from a forum member for only 50 bucks. No valve leaks or oil leaks at all. Compreassion was 125-130 thru all cylinders.

Then when that engine went out (blown rod) I went and got another engine m20 for $200. Put it in myself. Now, I'm alot more experienced than I was when I was 17, but back then I did that m20 swap in only 5-6 hrs. I was determined and motivated, it being my only car.

Now, since you already gave them possesion of your car dont piss em off. You want a well done job. imo you spent too much already. I imagine everything ending up at about $2800-3200...

We all could've walked you through a motor swap. buy an engine hoist and a set of tools, find a garage and give yourself a weekend... <do this next time. and you probably would only end up spending 600. Best part about it is you get to keep your old engine and build it up, or probably sell it for what you bought the new one.

just my penny's

Excellent contribution to the thread.

Already been discussed, OP has the money, but not the time/space/tools.

EAD.

[e30slut]

wow. I have never in my life taken a ca rto a mechanic and if I have, it was only for them to tell me whats wrong. Then I would go e-search and figure out how to fix it myself.

When my timing belt broke, I went and got A good used head from a forum member for only 50 bucks. No valve leaks or oil leaks at all. Compreassion was 125-130 thru all cylinders.

Then when that engine went out (blown rod) I went and got another engine m20 for $200. Put it in myself. Now, I'm alot more experienced than I was when I was 17, but back then I did that m20 swap in only 5-6 hrs. I was determined and motivated, it being my only car.

Now, since you already gave them possesion of your car dont piss em off. You want a well done job. imo you spent too much already. I imagine everything ending up at about $2800-3200...

We all could've walked you through a motor swap. buy an engine hoist and a set of tools, find a garage and give yourself a weekend... <do this next time. and you probably would only end up spending 600. Best part about it is you get to keep your old engine and build it up, or probably sell it for what you bought the new one.

just my penny's

[SpecM]

This brings it to ~$1000 for the head, plus all the parts listed above. My mechanic said he has put about 7 hours (@ $80/hr = $560) into it already, and can't really give me an estimate as to how much more time it will take to replace all the other stuff.

"all the other stuff" should be included in the head R+R, they have to be removed anyway

[SynSyx]

cylinder head plus install kit is being assembled and should be out the door friday, arriving at my door next wed/thurs

[SynSyx]

Just called Metrix Motorsports, and my mechanic

Metrix said if I place the order today, they can have it ready to ship by Friday, if not, I'll have to wait til after the weekend. Also, it comes with a one year warranty

Now, metrix also sells a cylinder head install kit:

BMW M20 cylinder head install kit includes all you will need to install a BMW M20 head. Timing belt, Tensioner, thermostat, waterpump,oil filter, spark plugs, head gasket set, and new undercut head bolts..

for $330, which is about what my mechanic was gonna charge for just the gasket set and some other stuff, so my mechanic recommended I buy this too.

This brings it to ~$1000 for the head, plus all the parts listed above. My mechanic said he has put about 7 hours (@ $80/hr = $560) into it already, and can't really give me an estimate as to how much more time it will take to replace all the other stuff.


What do you guys think about this?

[SpecM]

I say get a good used head for $100 or so, and pay them to slap it on

and talk them down on the price, everthing's negotiable

[z31maniac]

Assuming I can't find a used one, what about a head from Metrix Motorsports?:



$630, free shipping

I'd say it's a good deal, I think a complete refurb'd head even from BMA is around $800 + shipping.

[FredK]

yeah, it appears to be a stock, reconditioned head.

[SynSyx]

Heres the link: http://estore.websitepros.com/1397118/Detail.bok?no=53

Where does it say that its aftermarket modded? It appears to be a stock head in every sense.

[SamE30e]

Thats not a used head, thats a aftermarket modded head. A good thing for more power. But if you want just stock, people have them on here for a couple hundred.

[SynSyx]

Assuming I can't find a used one, what about a head from Metrix Motorsports?:

BMW 325I Head rebuilt new valve seals 3 angle valve job, and hand lapped valves.This unit comes assembled, and adjusted ready to bolt on.

$630, free shipping

[z31maniac]

Yeah, I'm with Jean. Just suck it up and pay $1250 + $300 for a used head and chalk it up to a learning experience. That is, find a used head for $300 somewhere, get it installed by the shop that has your car, and call it a day. $1550 ain't bad for all that work, and beats the hell out of stressing out over swap parts / compatibility / no-starts / etc.

This.