Is this engine bad??

[e30forlife]

Ive got another thread going about "did I make a mistake" but wanted to know what you all thought about the engine.

I didnt clean it and its been sitting for 1.5 years.

Pics are big but HiRes.

view them at my website

https://www.webspeakmedia.com/engine-photos.php

[woodisgood]

It may be possible to save it but way more work and money than swapping in a different one. That thing looks pretty bad.

[e30forlife]

Well I have a good one that was running out of another 325ix. Just need someone to put it in......

[jlevie]

That much rust in the cylinders probably means that a re-bore and new pistons will be required. I doubt that the cylinders will clean up with just honing and still be within the wear limit.

[cheapshot]

Either way that motor is going to have to come out so why not replace it. If you have a way of getting it to Greensboro, NC, I can hook you up with a shop that I bet will do it for 4-500 bucks. I read your other thread and would love to help but I am southern VA. Greensboro would be about a 3.5 hour drive for you. You could always rent or borrow a car hauler and save some cash. It would take them a few days to do it but would save you a bunch of cash. This shop is e30 friendly and are currently working on a couple e30s now, including an m3 turbo.