2.8L M20 9.8:1 stroker build: my 323i reincarnated

[betz]

you end up with a really nice motor that will go for ever, and feels brand new. Also it's a total sleeper, the engine bay could look almost stock.

Honestly sounds just right to me. Very excited to get this together, thanks!

Right now I'm working on the interior a bit, since it's easier to work on that weekdays after work than the engine.

Totally transformed this carpet. Folex + scrubbing + rug doctor w/ hot water.





Up next is my black door cards, my custom sport seats, and my crack-free dash ;D

[digger]

you did the carpet cleaning while in the car?

[e30fix]

Man i love folex, used it once in a tan interior and now i use it on all my carpets. if you ever replace the dash pull the carpet and pressure wash it. youll be amazed at how much more dirt will come off.

[AC_Schnitzel]

Yuck. That carpet was filthy! Good job on turning it around. Looks like most stains came out.

[betz]

Slow progress lately. Went to a wedding, bought a 986, sold my G35, and my friends got me into Overwatch :/

Finally got the head on! Only torqued stage 1 until I decide to seal the deal. I'm shooting for dropping that sucker in this weekend.

[digger]

were both crank and cam at tdc when bolted head on?

[betz]

were both crank and cam at tdc when bolted head on?

No.. but you can rotate it after the head is on, correct?

[zwill23]

No.. but you can rotate it after the head is on, correct?

These are interference engines so you run the risk of making valve and piston contact if the head and block are too far off TDC.

I would remove the head and set the crank and cam to TDC separately before putting it back together, at least that's what I did with my stock rebuild.

[betz]

These are interference engines so you run the risk of making valve and piston contact if the head and block are too far off TDC.

I would remove the head and set the crank and cam to TDC separately before putting it back together, at least that's what I did with my stock rebuild.

Thanks, I have it figured out now. I'm going to double check one of the valves and put it back together at TDC

[sampayne]

Looking good. Can't wait to see this thing dropped in the car.

[zwill23]

^ Agreed, excited and watching closely as well :)

[betz]

Timing belt on! Valves checked out okay, sealing well.

[BUDNUNTA]

Looks greats

Going to be a sweet little car when it's all done

[betz]

Alright, alright. I didn't put the motor in this weekend...

But I made decent progress! I had to scramble around for a bunch of parts but I've got most of everything now. Have some spark plugs/ new wires, oem motor and trans mounts coming in a couple days. After work this week I'm planning on sorting out all the little stuff and hopefully I can put the motor in next weekend.

Here's the motor as it sits: 95% complete. Everything torqued down.

[wworm]

exciting!