E30 Zone

Ok, I am the first to admit i'm not a mechanic in any way shape or form so bare with me on this one!!

Where is the best place to start in getting my engine back to a smooth quiet unit? Re-build? New complete head? Cam, rockers, gaskets etc. or just keep an eye out for a known good low mileage complete unit?

My engine (M20B25) has done 147500 with no oil/water issues at all, idles well and doesn't overheat but it is a bit too rattly for my liking! I had the oil changed and the valve clearances done a few weeks ago and it ran smoothly and quietly for about a week and a half before things started to get a bit nosier again. It still pulls strongly, has a book full of stamps and has been looked after. I guess you've got to expect a bit of wear on a 16 year old car but where do i start in replacing the worn bits?

Want to keep this car for as long as possible so all suggestions welcomed!

Cheers

The cam and rockers along with the rocker shafts and rocker adjusters wear and I'd replace those to be honest.

I fitted new everything to my 2.7 and I found the genuine rockers a apin in the arse because they stretch over a few thousand miles and needed to have the clearances set several times. The pattern rockers from GSF or ECP are a bit sturdier in design and don't seem to suffer as badly.

I would avoid the GSF camshafts though, I have a Febi cam and it's well worn with just 7000 miles on it. several lobes are really badly worn but the rockers are perfect. Chocolate cams.

The ECP cams are better.

Cheers,

Iain T

Thanks for that Iain, greatly appreciated!

Certainly a good starting point for what i'm aiming to do. Interesting point on the differences between the GSF and ECP cams as well. Thanks for the heads up!

328touring wrote:Thanks for that Iain, greatly appreciated!

Certainly a good starting point for what i'm aiming to do. Interesting point on the differences between the GSF and ECP cams as well. Thanks for the heads up!

No worries mate

Iain T

Exhaust valve guides would probably need replacing as well. Reface all the valves and lightly cut their seats and the engine will be as new.
Stripped a M20 that had done just under 200k a couple of years ago, and measured everything as I went, and everything on the bottom end was still within OE spec. Honing marks still visible on the cylinder walls.