Did I make a mistake?

[e30forlife]

I just purchased a 90 325ix with bad motor. Got it for a good deal and was able to find another complete 325ix engine in good condition.

Problem is getting it in.... Ive been quoted 2 grand for getting the engine put it in. Is this close or should I just stop where im at and sell??

was wanting to restore this car with all new interior and upgrade the outside. New paint and all. But 2k is not a good start for getting the engine in for me....

Any advice would be great.

[jaywood]

I'm sure you've though about it, but why not do it yourself?

[evandael]

I'm 100% positive you could do it yourself. Research, get a helper, and in a weekend it'll be in.

[Vince30]

You will almost always have more into restoring a car than what it will be worth when its done. If you absolutely can't do it yourself I would shop around, go to other shops and tell them what the other guys want to do it. Make them compete for your business and I'm sure you can get it done for a lot less than $2k

[Mauiwowi]

man i was in your exact spot.. except i tried to avoid the high install costs and went with private partys (e30 people from this fourm and other forums). First guy pretty much took my money over a 3MONTH PEROPID.

2nd guy got my car to this point of the engine being 3/4ths of the way in, he said hes not familiar with IXS and this is pretty much as far as he was able to get.






SO its been over a year and i have paid multiple mechanics to do it with no results.

be really carefull who you choose to do the work man. I ended up picking up another IX, it was cheaper.

[Mauiwowi]

also look around man, i cant imagine the hours for the job could be over 24 hrs ( the times the shop use to charge you) and at $40/hr shop price thats $960... keep calling places

[TimKninja]

Y U NO PUT IN YOURSELF?

or call these guys...

http://www.gutenparts.com/

[e30forlife]

I appreciate all comments.

Sadly enough I am mediocre with mechanic abilities. it was nice looking car that was a 5 speed.

What trouble do I get in when I take the other engine apart and put it with the block thats already in the car? The PO said the mechanic was trying to get new heads (my guess timing belt broke).

that way I dont have to take the engine out... Im just pissed now...

[TimKninja]

Take the old head off to inspect the damage. Post pics of the damage , we can determine if it can be saved with just a new head or not.

then if your comfortable putting a new head on go for it, if not bring it to a mechanic familiar with E30s( http://www.gutenparts.com/ for example) and have them put the new head on.

The biggest bitch of taking the head off will probably be the exhaust, as it'll be rusty.

[xphiledan]

putting in a new head is much easier/cheaper than replacing the entire block.

keep asking/looking around, you'll find someone.

[lolcantturn]

man i was in your exact spot.. except i tried to avoid the high install costs and went with private partys (e30 people from this fourm and other forums). First guy pretty much took my money over a 3MONTH PEROPID.

2nd guy got my car to this point of the engine being 3/4ths of the way in, he said hes not familiar with IXS and this is pretty much as far as he was able to get.






SO its been over a year and i have paid multiple mechanics to do it with no results.

be really carefull who you choose to do the work man. I ended up picking up another IX, it was cheaper.

It looks to me like E30s are DEFINITELY not the car for you. Why do you have one?

[BoxDriver86]

Post this in the Southeast subforum, there are several capable guys in the area who can help you out. I know for fact there is a guy in Greenville, SC who repeatedly offers to do motor swaps...

[devon.818]

Op I have an idea to get your motor situatio handled for under 200$


Go buy 2 30 packs of heinekin(has to be heinekin or won't work).
Next order subs and pizza to feed 5-6 ppl.
Now post a thread on r3v about free beer and food at your house.


You will learn something, make friends, feed starving broke e30 people and get your car running in a weekend.


Done

[BrownBeanE30]

Op I have an idea to get your motor situatio handled for under 200$


Go buy 2 30 packs of heinekin(has to be heinekin or won't work).
Next order subs and pizza to feed 5-6 ppl.
Now post a thread on r3v about free beer and food at your house.


You will learn something, make friends, feed starving broke e30 people and get your car running in a weekend.


Done

yup this does work and if you were closer id help dude

[bloodshot-e30]

get a bently manual, take head off send it to machine shop to check for cracks. if its good get new valves stem seals etc and put it back on.

if u werent so far id be down to give u a hand!