Just another 325IX repair thread (Now with more TURBO!)

[ThatM20Guy]

How hard was the tank to get off? Sounds pretty simple and looks simple enough. Was driving mine around earlier today and smelled gas in the cabin after getting a full tank so I might have a rust hole in the same spot as you :(

[driftxsequence]

Thank goodness for friends with lifts. This was a heck of a job.

Mostly because the shop decided they knew better and welded the exhaust as one piece, rather than listen to me and make a joint so my life wouldnt be a living hell.

ANYWAY! After hacking that off it was a straight forward job. Remove the driveshaft, remove the filter, unhook everything up top unbolt and she came straight down. We transferred everything over and even wire brushed and painted the hard line that feeds to the drivers side.



Lets see if we can find the leak.....




yep, that'll do it. When I would fill my tank more than 3/4 of the way it would leak out there. This would instantly fail when the DMV attempts to pressurize the tank.




Next up the passenger front had a bit of a clunk. Turns out the inner tie rod developed enough play. The PO must have diagnosed this in the past because I had a spare in my parts box. Woohoo! A few extra minutes on the alignment rack and she drives straight as an arrow.



Next up on the maintenance list is a full rear brake refresh to get the emergency brake functional. Then autocross prep the suspension

[ThatM20Guy]

Nice! I'd say my dad and I get about half of our stuff from rock auto. Cheap prices and never let us down.

[driftxsequence]

New tank! Hopefully this allows me to finally pass inspection...Rock auto has them for an amazing price

[2002jm]

pictures don't work

Looks like you are sending half a picture:). nevermind; now it works:)
jm

[driftxsequence]

Thanks! Comments like that make it feel like worthwhile taking the time to document and post this stuff. I appreciate it.

Based on this picture, the runner should fit NO problem in relation to the shock tower. Also, the Evo turbo I plan on running spins opposite of standard turbos which should put it closer to the block than the shock tower.

[2002jm]

thanks,

Will have to watch to see if I want to do this to my ix...really like the way you are putting in pictures for every step of the engine build..
thanks,
jm

[driftxsequence]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171859914648?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

Found mine used

[2002jm]

turbo

Where did you get the turbo manifold? Will be watching this project!!!
jm

[driftxsequence]

One step at a time...

[driftxsequence]

Turbo M20 parts list:
Find Stock 325ix block [acquired]
Find Stock 325i 2.5 rotating assembly [acquired]
Buy Stock manifold turbo adapter [acquired]
Buy piston ring kit
Buy bearing set
Buy MLS headgasket
Buy arp rod bolts (suggested)
Buy 460cc RX7 injectors
Buy air to water intercooler (in an attempt to keep AC)
Buy clutch kit
Buy Megasquirt PNP

to-do list
Clean block [done]
Disassemble, clean and rebuild head
Inspect rotating assembly for wear
Drink Jager [done]

Mother Nature wasnt too kind, but it was the only chance to get it done so I took a bath with my block today. *Note the canopy was broken :(



The block cleaned up really well, I patted it down dry and then rubbed some vaseline on the bores. The cross hatching was still pretty visible. Do you guys think it needs honed?





oil shaft bearings look good I think...







This is a pretty sight....and if it doesnt fit...we'll make it fit!

[stonea]

You can use the eta crank and rods with the 325i pistons. I think that gives you like a 9.4:1 compression ratio or something like that. If you're rebuilding the engine its not going to cost much more to stroke it to a 2.7 so I'd just go a head and do it.

[driftxsequence]

I'm very frustrated. I've been trying to read up on stroking this spare engine and I cant seem to come to a conclusion on what will work. Finding a SETA is proving to be difficult on my budget. This is a turbo application so I dont need anything super high compression here. I'm a bit worried about trying to use a M50 crank due to the spacer requirement. I wouldnt know where to find one. Then I still need to get a set of 2.7 130mm rods.

I have access to a cheap 325e motor so I could acquire the crank, and rods.....the question is can I use the 325i pistons and call it a day? With my budget, and plan it might make more sense to just keep the stock 2.5 bottom end.

On a good note, the car has been running great. I just took the steering wheel out to send to stitched for recovery!

[Fucatypr]

Keep up the good word..Sub'd

[driftxsequence]