My 88 SETA

[moatilliatta]

It usually takes going through a few machine shops to get a good one. Worse if you're not sure what to look for and its always expensive to do it twice. A turn key solutions is a nice luxury though.

What engine ingredients do you have?

[It's Soda Not Pop]

the fun is in the journey, get the bits and DIY.

I'm leaning that way

[digger]

So I got a rough estimate of what a 2.9 long block would cost. Should I order one ready to go? Or buy the pistons, rods, and crank and take it to a machine shop and re-use my current head? 7-8 grand for all new or maybe 4-5 grand (guessing) order the parts separate.
What do you guys think? I know in the end it's about how much money I want to spend. Also what are my goals (street car with 10.1 comp, ITBs, longevity, etc.). I guess my real question is, is it worth spending the money to have a engine that is turn key ready or should I save the money and do it locally (because what I want to use the car for doesn't necessitate the need to get fancy)?

the fun is in the journey, get the bits and DIY.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

So I got a rough estimate of what a 2.9 long block would cost. Should I order one ready to go? Or buy the pistons, rods, and crank and take it to a machine shop and re-use my current head? 7-8 grand for all new or maybe 4-5 grand (guessing) order the parts separate.
What do you guys think? I know in the end it's about how much money I want to spend. Also what are my goals (street car with 10.1 comp, ITBs, longevity, etc.). I guess my real question is, is it worth spending the money to have a engine that is turn key ready or should I save the money and do it locally (because what I want to use the car for doesn't necessitate the need to get fancy)?

[It's Soda Not Pop]

So I finally got around to fixing my exhaust tips or more or less the axle back. It's not 100% perfect the whole exhaust really could use a overhauling. But for now it's not bad.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

Took some better pictures today. Crazy how set of wheels can transform the look of a car.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

So the wheels I ordered came in. I like them for what they are. They are not to bad for reps.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

Nice little project, did you have the head skimmed or block decked to increase compression ratio?

No I did not skim the head or deck the block. So at that point in my build I was going to turbo it. Prior to me doing the head swap I had a shop building me a 2.8 stroker with high compression. Long story short I was over promised and under sold. I did manage to get my money back and I'm still on good terms with the guy. So after that deboggle I was on the fence on what I should do. I actually had it up for sell for awhile during this time. I was going to buy a E92. Thought about it hard and in the end I just couldn't bring myself to self to sell it. Plus everyone kept asking for me to part it out. I didn't want to do that. So with new found motivation I decided to fix/replace a lot parts and components that needed it.
Even though it's still low compression it doesn't feel slow. In fact when it comes on cam (as they say, around 3500 rpms) it pulls all the way to around 7000 rpms. It is a SETA which is one of the best ways to do a 2.7i conversion. Don't get me wrong I'm going to punch out the bottom end and bump the compression. But for now it's not a bad little car.
This was long way to answer your question I know. I like to paint a picture of what I'm thinking.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

Thank you for the pics and info. I appreciate but also find it kind of wild how much effort they put into altering the design so much.

This is easier to reproduce on a bigger scale and at a smaller cost.

[bmwphatpat]

Nice little project, did you have the head skimmed or block decked to increase compression ratio?

[Northern]

Thank you for the pics and info. I appreciate but also find it kind of wild how much effort they put into altering the design so much.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

To be honest I like the way this trim and bumper fasten better. I can remove outer bumper shell and leave the support bumper bolted on if I need to remove it. Again this is not a OE piece. It's a lot cheaper option. Plus it's not as brittle as the OE piece was. So if you're looking for an all original piece to complete a show car this isn't it. But if you drive and enjoy your car and want it to still look good on a budget this works fine.

[It's Soda Not Pop]

[It's Soda Not Pop]

Bumper looks good. Any other work needed to fit it?

On their website, it looked like these bumpers were a single piece bumper/trim, but yours looks like the trim is separate like OE?
Also I guess I should ask if it comes with the trim

So the trim on the sides is attached (as one piece) and the center just slides in with 2 tabs on either side. I will say the center will sag with the heat of the sun so I use magnets to hold it (quick release). The bumper has the brackets for the side built into it. I reused the inner support beam. CATuned supplies screws to mount them together.
I can take pictures of what mean later.

[Northern]

Bumper looks good. Any other work needed to fit it?

On their website, it looked like these bumpers were a single piece bumper/trim, but yours looks like the trim is separate like OE?
Also I guess I should ask if it comes with the trim