1987 325i timing belt snapped

[amdspitfire]

I got a 87 325i, the timing belt snapped at just 105k (previous owner decided not to change it).

How do I get this thing running again ;)?

(edited to get to the point, pics on post 15)
(edit #2, post 17)

[atomic]

I cant think to many choices

[Jscotty]

Do the M50 swap. Thats REAL racing.

[amdspitfire]

Do the M50 swap. Thats REAL racing.

and run in a modified class?

[BeirBrennerE30]

Do the M50 swap. Thats REAL racing.

Yes that would be REAL racing.... hopefully you woundnt get lapped in the first lap. Dont enegine swap an e30 for racing and expect it to be competitive without a LOT of money... depending on the engine you choose you would probably be in C-mod..

[amdspitfire]

Yes that would be REAL racing.... hopefully you woundnt get lapped in the first lap. Dont enegine swap an e30 for racing and expect it to be competitive without a LOT of money... depending on the engine you choose you would probably be in C-mod..

will it be competitive in stock class? I'm new to racing and dont want to build a beast just yet.

[PrinceE30]

Spec E30 is where its at. Rebuild the engine, cage it and go racing! (oh yea, and get your NASA license)

[amdspitfire]

ok, I got the car and took some pics, one of the rocker arms cracked off, where do I start from here?

[StereoInstaller1]

Pull the head off (TAKE PICTURES!) and have it tested for cracks, leaks, etc.
Have it surfaced, replace necessary parts, re-assemble.

See how it performs, go from there.

[Massive Lee]

... it to be competitive without a LOT of money... depending on the engine you choose you would probably be in C-mod..

Uhhh. Let's start by checking what are the other cars in C-Mod. Oups. Mostly e36 M3 monster cars with mega brakes, mega roll cages and mega engines, running on mega wheels with full slicks. And mega budget. The little e30 will be eaten alive. Not a good idea. Racing is not about big engines in small cars. It's about balance.

So, first step is to pop the head and see the damages to the pistons, valves and combustion chamber. Then see what you have to do...

Lee

[amdspitfire]

Pull the head off (TAKE PICTURES!) and have it tested for cracks, leaks, etc.
Have it surfaced, replace necessary parts, re-assemble.

See how it performs, go from there.

So, first step is to pop the head and see the damages to the pistons, valves and combustion chamber. Then see what you have to do...

Lee

So the work begins, time to learn how to take the head off ;)

[Rigmaster]

Spec E30 is where its at. Rebuild the engine, cage it and go racing! (oh yea, and get your NASA license)

+1


Don't do an engine swap and then plan on racing- you'll be frustrated and disappointed unless you crap $1000 bills and are a gifted driver.


Spec E30 is the way to go with a car like that. Hopefully the head is salvageable- but do what others have suggested and pull the head, have it checked out by a competent machine shop, then either reinstall the "rebuilt" head and run the car, or install a good used M20 and run it.

check www.spece30.com for more details on SpecE30 racing.

Bret.

[Massive Lee]

The rocker has snapped because the valve was pushed by the piston and it forced the rocker arm. Chances are that you have several bent valves. It can be more economic to find another head. Anyway, by the look of the gunk in your head, it lloks like the engine may need a little clean-up too.

[BeirBrennerE30]

Uhhh. Let's start by checking what are the other cars in C-Mod. Oups. Mostly e36 M3 monster cars with mega brakes, mega roll cages and mega engines, running on mega wheels with full slicks. And mega budget. The little e30 will be eaten alive. Not a good idea. Racing is not about big engines in small cars. It's about balance.

Lee

That was my point. I think you missread my post.

[amdspitfire]

got almost everything off minus the fan/timing belt related items. Will pull it off quick once I get a 32mm wrench.



The valve on the right side is the one that broke the rocker arm, can anything be told from this pic?


What do I do once valve cover is off?