What would you do?

[golde30]

sell the motor for big $$$.

then take the money and do a euro s52 swap. more reliable to DD, and a hell of a lot faster. u can probably sell that 2.5 motor for ~$5K...

[DEV0 E30]

Euro S50s are 6-8k for the engine alone that I've seen.

Downsize to a healthy 2.3 if the engine becomes a problem for you.

[Pedro]

Just so we're all on the same page...

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...4d017b5810.htm

How long does it take until it warms up and the slap isnt as loud?

[shiftbmw]

How long does it take until it warms up and the slap isnt as loud?

The piston slap is a lot quieter by the time the temp needle comes off the peg. By the time it's straight up, there is no slap. After 3 or 4 minutes of idling, its pretty much non existant.

[shiftbmw]

sell the motor for big $$$.

then take the money and do a euro s52 swap. more reliable to DD, and a hell of a lot faster. u can probably sell that 2.5 motor for ~$5K...

If I wanted to go the S52 route, I wouldn't have bought an E30 M3...I like the driving dynamics and feel of the S14 too much. Not to say I don't like the S50/S52, but its just not for me in this car...maybe with a 325is someday.

[shiftbmw]

that is a lot of piston slap........damn.

Yes sir, that is. Now you see why it pains me to cold start the f*cker.


Anybody have a different opinion after hearing the cold start?

[Mastrcruse]

I would say get rid of it, buy a rolling shell and put the euro S52 in it.

Or I will trade you my 112,000 vert straight up?

No really, just keep it and when you have to rebuild do it with different pistons.

[MLADEN]

Get A 500 Dollar Car For Daily And Ure Set

[Axxe]

Buy a nice iS and beat that up daily, use the M3 for weekends. Last thing you want is some make-up applying witch to rear end you in your daily commute.

[shiftbmw]

So how do you guys rate that piston slap? Is it absolutely obscene compared to other s14's you've heard? The shop that did a PPI on the car didn't seem to mind...but you never know.

If I was serious about a rebuild, it would have to wait a couple years until I'm done with grad school.

Right now I'm ok because I have a backup E36 325is(which kills me to drive...I fuckin hate that car...trade for an E30 325is anyone ;-)? I figured once I got my M3 square I'd probably sell the E36...paying insurance on 2 cars sucks, which is my major drawback...not that I couldn't do it, but its not ideal.

[StereoInstaller1]

2 words, man....Remote Start.

Luke

[shiftbmw]

2 words, man....Remote Start.

Luke

I can take this two ways...what do you mean?

[Koony]

I'd go ahead and rebuild it as soon as possible. Never heard an s14 but some of the early GM 3800's were prone to it. Damned pushrod engines. Usually called for a rebuild (or rebuilt) I believe.

Pics of e36 please.;)

Oh and I vote for the under car lights (in pink I'd say) and stickers.

[shiftbmw]

I'd go ahead and rebuild it as soon as possible. Never heard an s14 but some of the early GM 3800's were prone to it. Damned pushrod engines. Usually called for a rebuild (or rebuilt) I believe.

Pics of e36 please.;)

Well, s14's with forged pistons are known for piston slap...not a big deal in most cases. My slap is louder than some though. A rebuild is far off in the future. Rebuilding right this second isn't an option for me. I really don't think it needs an immediate rebuild. I have no reason to rebuild it until I blow it up anyways, and I think that's 50-100k out.

As for the E36, I posted picts a week ago. Look for my last post I started in members rides.

[Eric Giles]

After seeing and hearing your video, I can definitely understand your concern. Good grief! I completely understand the entire forged piston situation, but I would poop my pants if I had to crank mine and hear that every morning. I personally have only heard stock (or very close to stock) S14's running, but I can tell you they sound absolutely nothing like that.

I have answered many people asking if they should have an M3 as a daily driver, and I usually always recommend against it. That being said, I am currently in a situation where mine is being daily driven, and it gets VERY tiring. Unless you have owned one of these before, you just don't understand how very unsuited they are for daily driving.

But coming back to your situation-well, it's hard to say. Personally, I just would not daily drive that just because the damn noise would drive me crazy. It very well might last quite a long time, but I just could not deal with that.

I think I would probably find something else to drive daily.