Work Log: Rebirth of the Vert (Red Oktober)

[bmwpower]

As I'm in the process of pulling the motor/tranny, of course I ran into a snag...those darn manifold nuts. I'm very tempted to zawsall the exhaust just so we can pull the motor and then purchase the ebay (yikes) headers as a replacement. Any good reason not to?

cut / grind / sawzall the nuts off. Get an impact and just spin or break them off.

Then replace the studs. A machine shop can do that if needed. They'll pull the old ones out and they can put new ones in, too. You can do this yourself, but sometimes it's a PITA, especially if you don't have certain tools.

If you buy those ebay headers, won't you need to get more exhaust work to make them fit? $$$

[oekundar]

cut / grind / sawzall the nuts off. Get an impact and just spin or break them off.

Then replace the studs. A machine shop can do that if needed. They'll pull the old ones out and they can put new ones in, too. You can do this yourself, but sometimes it's a PITA, especially if you don't have certain tools.

If you buy those ebay headers, won't you need to get more exhaust work to make them fit? $$$

Eric,

The problem I'm running to is that its the lower ones for the manfold...2 of them actually...its just a super tight fit...and my big ass hands aren't exactly accomodating :)

Well I was figuring that the ebay headers would essentially be an "upgrade", but I'll have at the studs first...

Thanks for your feedback!

[bmwpower]

Do you have an impact gun?

Did you get the upper bolts of? Maybe take off the top and swing the exhaust out of the way so you can remove the engine. Not sure if there is room, but....

[oekundar]

Do you have an impact gun?

Did you get the upper bolts of? Maybe take off the top and swing the exhaust out of the way so you can remove the engine. Not sure if there is room, but....

Sure do...take the top of what off? The upper bolts are off, but the manifold is still being held by those pesky two on the rear bank...

[bmwpower]

Sure do...take the top of what off? The upper bolts are off, but the manifold is still being held by those pesky two on the rear bank...

Remove the nuts off of the manifold at the top. Move the exhaust out of the way as much as possible, then pull the engine/trans with the exhaust still in the car. Then remove the exhaust so you can remove the nuts. Use lots of liquid wrench and heat.

[oekundar]

Remove the nuts off of the manifold at the top. Move the exhaust out of the way as much as possible, then pull the engine/trans with the exhaust still in the car. Then remove the exhaust so you can remove the nuts. Use lots of liquid wrench and heat.

pardon my lack of experience with the e30, but wouldn't the exhaust get kinks in it still connect to the engine block?

[bmwpower]

pardon my lack of experience with the e30, but wouldn't the exhaust get kinks in it still connect to the engine block?

You mean the head? It's not connected to the block.

Remove the nuts from where the manifold connects to the head.

[oekundar]

Update:

Good week of work on the vert, I ended up adding new tools to the collection to get off the exhaust nuts...and today I pulled the motor out...one man style!





Engine bay looks like POOP!



You can see the exhaust over on the right...here's the setup in the garage for now...I plan on pulling the tranny off tomorrow and start the degreasing/cleaning process. I think I'll take the opportunity to have some parts blasted/beaded and powdercoated, ie, valve cover, and intake manifold. I also need to take a good look at the power steering rack...the hoses have always leaked but now is the time to change it if necessary.

The last pieces that need to come off the vert are the 2nd half of the drive shaft from the diff and the automatic shifter.

[oekundar]

Look at that GAP!!!....

[ZM Blue Devil]

c&c soon?

coming along nicely.

[oekundar]

c&c soon?

coming along nicely.

what is c&c? Thanks L...I hope to come up for the meet Vlad posted...likely bringing the Touring.

[ZM Blue Devil]

what is c&c? Thanks L...I hope to come up for the meet Vlad posted...likely bringing the Touring.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=135525

[oekundar]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=135525

Since you put it like that...yes...I have a few weeks off from my other committment. :)...starting after next saturday.

[oekundar]

Another day, another update:

separated the autotransmission from the engine



Decided to start cleaning up the block and change some of the parts that needed it, so engine goes on its side









Having an engine stand would help, but we make do with what we have :)

Also decided to pull the last part of the auto transmission out of the car:




There was/is so much gunk on this motor and all accessories...the plan is to clean most of it up prior to going back in. Got the powerwasher ready for the engine bay...the car definitely needs this overhaul.


Some of my cleaning, just some wire wheel work here.




Also pulled off the oil pan to replace the gasket, and the oil filter housing to replace the gasket, no pictures though...maybe tomorrow


Now does anyone know what this cable goes to? (I'm assuming its related to shifting the tranny)

[e30slut]

that cable is the kick down cable..when you press the accelerator all the way down till you feel that click, that the cable throwing the transmission into a lower gear. never really worked for me... Horrible ass tranmissions. zf ftl....