My Update! (cable/dsl only)

[PiercedE30]

Sigma: Thanks for the info, that is what I was looking for. I thought about going with a VANOS head, but by the time I thought about it I had already had machine work done to the head and bought all new valves for the NV.

Also, if anyone is interested I just so happen to have a set of Ti valve spring retainers for a M50TU if anyone is interested then PM me.

[SiGmA_X]

Hey Jon, this looks to be a very cool build :) For your MLS needs, call Cometic directly. Here's their contact info, and the number is 800-752-9850. It will run you ~$260 and take a week to make.

Have you considered using a Vanos head and getting a Vanos delete? I'm pretty sure they make Vanos deletes, and with the smaller valve stems, the M50TU head flows better.

[PiercedE30]

Hunter: Actually, it came with titanium retainers. Only one problem. Supertech doesn't make retainers for a NV top end. I think I may be able to have someone machine out the retainers to accept the 7mm valve stems and lockers, but I'm not sure how strong they would be. I am probably going to be selling/trading them for either stainless or hardened.

Madjurgen: MLS is going to be used because with an S50 crank, 135 mm rods, and M50TU pistons, the pistons stick out of the block by 0.9 mm, along with the 0.010" that was taken off the block. Therefore, in order to take up that space, and to get the compression down from 14:1 to 11.5:1 I must use a 0.11" HG. But no one makes them, only make 0.12" and 0.098".

Anyone know of somebody/company that makes custom MLS gaskets?

Jon

[madjurgen]

Are you planning for boost in the future with the MLS HG and ARP studs?

[BUDNUNTA]

Thats a good price on the springs. What retainers did you go with stainless, hardened? I cant decide what springs/retainers Im going to use.
Great looking project. Whenits all done it'll look so good in that engine bay.



Hunter

[cahomey]

Mmm.... sexy....

[PiercedE30]

you can get them for 550, I went with 3 day shipping which pushed it up to like 580.

[golde30]

wow. how much for the dual valve springs? i was contemplating them for a long time, then i ran out of time and my head came back from the machine shop with the stock springs:(

[PiercedE30]

Ok, got some cool stuff and an update for ya.

Installed my ARP Head studs:


Got a package in the mail:


I wonder whats in that mysterious box?
Let's find out:



New vs. Old:


Got my pistons cleaned off, took about 4 hours to get them looking this way using a degreaser, our parts cleaner bin, and scotch brite and a stiff brush:



Jon

[SandyEggoE30Girl]

My dad used to say (he was a Porsche person) "all the polishing on the outside is nice to the eye, but the polishing on the inside is what counts!"

Nice to see someone really taking time to build a proper motor for their car.
Kudos!!!

:up:

[PiercedE30]

Ok, got my non-cracked block back from the shop a few days ago. I also got it painted.




I got to checking my main bearing clearances today.




Here are my clearances:
#1 - 0.0015" (the worst)
#2 - 0.0012"
#3 - 0.0013"
#4 - 0.0010"
#5 - 0.0011"
#6 - 0.0010"
#7 - 0.0010"

Very good numbers. The recommended specs are 0.0008" (minimum) - 0.0022". The numbers are somewhat high since I was reading the plastigauge on the main cap side instead of off the crank, which would have showed the clearances to be a little bit tighter. I am going to be doing the rods either tomorrow or Monday, along with balancing the rods/pistons when one of the guys at work brings his scale to work for me to use.

Jon

[PiercedE30]

Ok, quick update from this past week.

Got my crankshaft in:



The car looks like it has hydraulics:

I put my old suspension on it and it looks like stock ride height with a motor in it, too bad there is no motor in it.

And a few pictures of our shop car:


Yes, that is a 5-lug swap. A closer pic:


Took us all of like 5 hours to do (once we had all the parts off of cars ready to go in).
I will be assembling my head this week (minus the intake cam) once my valve springs arrive. I will also be assembling the short block once it comes back from the machine shop. Then I get to order a head MLS head gasket from VAC and assemble the motor. The only thing after that is to order the Schrick intake cam and save up money for my ECU.

Jon

[f u z z]

you still need to meet the fuck up with me. i will take you for a ride in my fucked up car. it's fun on the bcaps, nothin but wheel spin.

[PiercedE30]

Yea, I didn't make a thread about the wreck. I was VERY upset about the whole deal, especially at my insurance.

[mtechnik]

Dont recall seing a post on your car wreck, sorry to hear.

Good luck with finishing up your new Alpine E30