Picked up a 87 325i vert!

[goldenE30]

Hello r3vers, so i bought this 1987 325i vert on May 24th 2014for my first little project car. I got the car really cheap and with minor defects. Biggest ones being horrible interior and a blown engine all thanks to the PO over heating it, says the temp gauge went out. Heres some pics:

Only 148,xxx miles on it





Blown Engine w/o the head on, PO's mechanic left it off when inspecting the block.

Im definitely going to need to look for new interior later down the line





Theres a few cuts in the top from a cat climbing on it, any suggestions on repairing that? (stitch?)



The owner before the PO had installed Momo Steering wheel and shift knob




Heres the new engine, well used engine my dad and me got from pick n pull (m20b25)








Dad and i are waiting to put the engine in after we change the timing belt, get a new clutch in there, and some tranny mounts, any other suggestions while i have the engine bay empty?

[Calypso Moor]

take the whole engine apart and clean it, replace any damaged bits, new engine mounts, clean (repaint?) engine bay, check your steering rack for leakage and replace if necessary if not, clean. replace hoses, replace all filters.

you may as well replace that top, it really isn't that difficult, pretty straight forward, if you need help once you get to the replacement (if you so choose to replace) and are willing to drive down to tracy, I can help you and have a can of the Landau Dap that's near impossible to get in CA.

[jeffnhiscars]

I'd lose the aftermarket bungy straps and go OE