Great up date! She will be a fast one with the engine being as good as new once it's in the car again!
Any idea what your going to use to keep the vapour blasted parts from oxidizing? (This came up in another thread but just curious what your plan is or if it will oxidize at all?)
Henna Red 323i
Moderator: martauto
No plans to do anything to be honest - I don't expect it to retain its better than new look, but I think it will look fresh for years. Have asked Michael who did the work what he thinks - will let you know what he comes back with.Jozi wrote:Great up date! She will be a fast one with the engine being as good as new once it's in the car again!
Any idea what your going to use to keep the vapour blasted parts from oxidizing? (This came up in another thread but just curious what your plan is or if it will oxidize at all?)
More progress - lots of pics.
Bleed tensioner piston -
Time to start covering it all up again
New waterpump going back on -
Bought a new thermostat - not much point putting old stuff back in when you're this far into the bowels
Putting the intake and throttle body back together -
Had all the injectors refurbed -
Gave these a bit of paint to freshen them up.
Inlet manifold back on -
Lots of additional cleaning done - the vapour blasted bits make everything else look grotty in comparison. Really need to pull the finger out and get the rocker cover powder coated now.
Bleed tensioner piston -
Time to start covering it all up again
New waterpump going back on -
Bought a new thermostat - not much point putting old stuff back in when you're this far into the bowels
Putting the intake and throttle body back together -
Had all the injectors refurbed -
Gave these a bit of paint to freshen them up.
Inlet manifold back on -
Lots of additional cleaning done - the vapour blasted bits make everything else look grotty in comparison. Really need to pull the finger out and get the rocker cover powder coated now.
Let me know what he has to say about it.kdevitt wrote:
No plans to do anything to be honest - I don't expect it to retain its better than new look, but I think it will look fresh for years. Have asked Michael who did the work what he thinks - will let you know what he comes back with.
There are a few products you can use to protect it if you wanted something.
300mm.de engine mounts going on. Didn't like the original colour on these - so redid them in a VHT paint with a metallic fleck. Not sure if it will stand the test of time, but we'll see.
With the way the budget has gone on this, some of the parts weren't vapour blasted which I would probably have done otherwise. Dave did a great job cleaning them up - but the vapour blasted stuff does show them up slightly.
Alternator bracket going on -
Alternator back on - this was originally going to be blasted, but it needed to be fully stripped down for that, and amount being spent is silly at this stage, so left it. Can always redo a few parts if needs be at some stage.
New exhaust manifold gaskets from BMWClassic.com, with the old manifold. Will more than likely put a BTB one on next year - can't justify forking out 1K for a manifold at the moment though.
Fantastic to see a load of disassembled parts coming back together
Rocker cover is always a make or break decision - so went for this weathered look.
Obviously that's the spare cover - have the other one in with Tallaght Powder Coating, should have it back next week hopefully. Went for an athracite finish, with the raised sections polished up. Clear coat will go over the whole lot. It needed to go for a chemical dipping first though - because its baffled they won't take it in before its confirmed all clean, which is fair enough. Irish cleaning services behind Dennings at the Spawell complex are doing the cleaning.
Alternator wired up -
On to the transmission - 2 new seals in the gearbox
Getting the engine ready to set up the flywheel, keeping the original one.
New Luk clutch kit and release bearing -
Few small bits needed now including temp sensors and a slave cylinder.
With the way the budget has gone on this, some of the parts weren't vapour blasted which I would probably have done otherwise. Dave did a great job cleaning them up - but the vapour blasted stuff does show them up slightly.
Alternator bracket going on -
Alternator back on - this was originally going to be blasted, but it needed to be fully stripped down for that, and amount being spent is silly at this stage, so left it. Can always redo a few parts if needs be at some stage.
New exhaust manifold gaskets from BMWClassic.com, with the old manifold. Will more than likely put a BTB one on next year - can't justify forking out 1K for a manifold at the moment though.
Fantastic to see a load of disassembled parts coming back together
Rocker cover is always a make or break decision - so went for this weathered look.
Obviously that's the spare cover - have the other one in with Tallaght Powder Coating, should have it back next week hopefully. Went for an athracite finish, with the raised sections polished up. Clear coat will go over the whole lot. It needed to go for a chemical dipping first though - because its baffled they won't take it in before its confirmed all clean, which is fair enough. Irish cleaning services behind Dennings at the Spawell complex are doing the cleaning.
Alternator wired up -
On to the transmission - 2 new seals in the gearbox
Getting the engine ready to set up the flywheel, keeping the original one.
New Luk clutch kit and release bearing -
Few small bits needed now including temp sensors and a slave cylinder.
What a top chariot!
The M30 is at home with this car as well IMO.
The M30 is at home with this car as well IMO.
Now the fun really begins -
Getting the last few bits bolted together -
Gearbox on -
In case you've forgotten what the car itself looks like -
First attempt to get the engine in. Some people have apparently fitted these without any bulkhead / transmission tunnel modification - was not expecting this to be the case with mine.
Not much spare room to play with here -
Initial stuck it into he front mounting hole on the engine mounts - doesn't allow the rad to fit. Didn't want it in that position as it sit too far out forward - but helps show the lack of space with this engine
Exhaust manifolds also hit the steering linkage - still need to pick up a slimline one. Was going with Ergen Motorsport - any other suggestions are welcome though.
...and it hits the brake and clutch lines
..um...and the bulkhead...
Looks great though
Back out came the engine -
Removed some sound deadening - will need a bit of work on that surface rust when its going for its respray. Also removed the brake and clutch line.
Fitted up the new rubber mounts - went for OEM M20 ones courtesy of Murphy & Gunn.
Engine back in - still not enough room. No chance of getting it on the back hole of the engine mount. Need 20-30mm more room to go back
So engine out again. More sound deadening removed. More work with the big hammer.
Didn't attempt a third re-fit - think it still needs a bit more room freed up though.
Getting the last few bits bolted together -
Gearbox on -
In case you've forgotten what the car itself looks like -
First attempt to get the engine in. Some people have apparently fitted these without any bulkhead / transmission tunnel modification - was not expecting this to be the case with mine.
Not much spare room to play with here -
Initial stuck it into he front mounting hole on the engine mounts - doesn't allow the rad to fit. Didn't want it in that position as it sit too far out forward - but helps show the lack of space with this engine
Exhaust manifolds also hit the steering linkage - still need to pick up a slimline one. Was going with Ergen Motorsport - any other suggestions are welcome though.
...and it hits the brake and clutch lines
..um...and the bulkhead...
Looks great though
Back out came the engine -
Removed some sound deadening - will need a bit of work on that surface rust when its going for its respray. Also removed the brake and clutch line.
Fitted up the new rubber mounts - went for OEM M20 ones courtesy of Murphy & Gunn.
Engine back in - still not enough room. No chance of getting it on the back hole of the engine mount. Need 20-30mm more room to go back
So engine out again. More sound deadening removed. More work with the big hammer.
Didn't attempt a third re-fit - think it still needs a bit more room freed up though.
Last edited by kdevitt on Sat May 03, 2014 9:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cheers - took me an eternity to pull the trigger on a swap. Wanted something that suited the car, although very nearly went for a S50 (which somehow would have been cheaper!)bss325i wrote:What a top chariot!
The M30 is at home with this car as well IMO.
Things are really picking up pace on this - will be back on the road in no time at this rate.
Dave refitted the engine again -
Still no joy - so out with the persuader again to 'reshape' the bulkhead
Then some primer and matt black paint to tidy things up a bit
Engine back in for the 4th time - and its now sitting comfortably on the correct mounting point
Plenty of clearance to the bulkhead -
...and the rad
Some slight issues have arisen - nothing critical thankfully though
Lack of room between the inlet manifold and servo. Going to go for a clio servo rather than trying to shave the manifold
Also need to remove some sound deadening from the transmission tunnel - the bellhousing is tight against it
Exhaust manifold is still catching the steering linkage - going to shave the linkage to make some room
But all in all - it looks great. Can't wait to see the new rocker cover in place
Dave refitted the engine again -
Still no joy - so out with the persuader again to 'reshape' the bulkhead
Then some primer and matt black paint to tidy things up a bit
Engine back in for the 4th time - and its now sitting comfortably on the correct mounting point
Plenty of clearance to the bulkhead -
...and the rad
Some slight issues have arisen - nothing critical thankfully though
Lack of room between the inlet manifold and servo. Going to go for a clio servo rather than trying to shave the manifold
Also need to remove some sound deadening from the transmission tunnel - the bellhousing is tight against it
Exhaust manifold is still catching the steering linkage - going to shave the linkage to make some room
But all in all - it looks great. Can't wait to see the new rocker cover in place
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gareth
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 11009
- Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: hastings, east sussex
as above. There are a few options for more clearance. Having left it too tight myself and found out what it's like to brake and swerve left... once the steering locks 
I added another modified engine mount rubber at 90° on the o/s engine mount, to prevent the engine moving over.
Uprated engine mounts and/or the cups that sit over them are a good idea.
I added another modified engine mount rubber at 90° on the o/s engine mount, to prevent the engine moving over.Uprated engine mounts and/or the cups that sit over them are a good idea.
Sole founder of Fe2O3-12V it's a lifestyle
LSD rebuilding / modification services provided, PM for details
LSD rebuilding / modification services provided, PM for details
Thanks gents - will pass on that message. Am presuming a BTB manifold has reasonable clearance to start with?
Quiet day on the updates front - I did manage to collect my oil filter housing, fresh from vapourblasting by Michael at vapourblast.ie
Interestingly (and unfortunately) I just needed to buy a brand new oil filter housing for my M3 - a garage overtorqued a bolt for the alternator and cracked it, so I had a brand new part to compare against. It really is as good as new.
In response to how to keep it new looking - Michael came back with the following:
Quiet day on the updates front - I did manage to collect my oil filter housing, fresh from vapourblasting by Michael at vapourblast.ie
Interestingly (and unfortunately) I just needed to buy a brand new oil filter housing for my M3 - a garage overtorqued a bolt for the alternator and cracked it, so I had a brand new part to compare against. It really is as good as new.
In response to how to keep it new looking - Michael came back with the following:
vapourblast.ie wrote:As regards keeping the finish, as they are aluminium they will degrade over time, just as they did from the factory, but when this happens a drop of Aluminium polish should bring them right back up.
Quite often I often spray WD40 onto parts that have been blasted. This protects the finish pretty well and then when it's "show time" a drop of carb or brake cleaner and a clean rag will get the WD40 and accumulated dust off.
Bit of a change of focus with tonight's updates -
I did a recolouring on the interior a few years back - I was very impressed with the results at the time. A combination of factors have resulted in me re-doing it though. When the car was sat up during my few years in Sydney the interior wasn't cleaned at all, and there was some slight cracking on the leather - nothing major, but it had gotten a bit tough. I also have done a heap more interiors at this stage, have the appropriate fillers, compressor, spray gun and sealants, so can get much better results.
My iPhone has decided to revert to woeful quality photo resolution - so apologies in advance.
Here's the rear headrests as they were - (think someone pointed out they're actually cabrio ones. Can do a swap some day when I've un-bankrupted myself)
This is after 3 coats of colour, and three of sealant
Got the full seat back done - you can see how the rear bench behind looks in comparison.
Need to take the front seats apart to do them properly - a job for the weekend. Also collecting my rocker cover on Saturday, so am looking forward to seeing how that came out.
I did a recolouring on the interior a few years back - I was very impressed with the results at the time. A combination of factors have resulted in me re-doing it though. When the car was sat up during my few years in Sydney the interior wasn't cleaned at all, and there was some slight cracking on the leather - nothing major, but it had gotten a bit tough. I also have done a heap more interiors at this stage, have the appropriate fillers, compressor, spray gun and sealants, so can get much better results.
My iPhone has decided to revert to woeful quality photo resolution - so apologies in advance.
Here's the rear headrests as they were - (think someone pointed out they're actually cabrio ones. Can do a swap some day when I've un-bankrupted myself)
This is after 3 coats of colour, and three of sealant
Got the full seat back done - you can see how the rear bench behind looks in comparison.
Need to take the front seats apart to do them properly - a job for the weekend. Also collecting my rocker cover on Saturday, so am looking forward to seeing how that came out.
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e30topless
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 13598
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: surrounded by scrap
that's mad !!! with access to a 2 post ramp lower the car onto the subframe/engine it goes in so Easy and no bulkhead massaging is needed! all the steering drama's engine mounts can be done with ease (no scraped knuckles )kdevitt wrote:
First attempt to get the engine in. Some people have apparently fitted these without any bulkhead / transmission tunnel modification - was not expecting this to be the case with mine.
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Topblag
- Old Skooler
- Posts: 7095
- Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?
JFC that's madness. I've put auto boxes with engines in with two irn bru crates, two small trolley jacks, a socket set and two Ginsters pastys.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
Few more updates on the interesting stuff -
Combo of an M20 gearbox mount and bushes does the job perfectly - the parts were only borrowed though, so need to put through an order for some new ones.
Result of this is a bit more room for the servo / inlet manifold - so no Renault parts dirtying up my car anytime soon now!
Steering linkage is still very much on the tight side though -
Went to collect my rocker cover from powdercoating yesterday and it was sitting on the floor of the company, untouched - not impressed!
Combo of an M20 gearbox mount and bushes does the job perfectly - the parts were only borrowed though, so need to put through an order for some new ones.
Result of this is a bit more room for the servo / inlet manifold - so no Renault parts dirtying up my car anytime soon now!
Steering linkage is still very much on the tight side though -
Went to collect my rocker cover from powdercoating yesterday and it was sitting on the floor of the company, untouched - not impressed!
Very quick update - managed to pick up the drivers seat from Dave yesterday, so gives a chance for a good comparison with the completed passenger seat.
Also got the rocker cover collected from Tallaght Powder Coating yesterday. They weren't able to sand down the raised sections cleanly because some of the mounts got in the way, so the whole thing was done in one colour. I don't have pics - but it does look great. If I decide I really want the highlighted sections redone I'll probably paint them by hand and clear coat over them.
Not much left on the swap itself now at this stage otherwise.
Also got the rocker cover collected from Tallaght Powder Coating yesterday. They weren't able to sand down the raised sections cleanly because some of the mounts got in the way, so the whole thing was done in one colour. I don't have pics - but it does look great. If I decide I really want the highlighted sections redone I'll probably paint them by hand and clear coat over them.
Not much left on the swap itself now at this stage otherwise.
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jimbom30cab
- Tech 1 freak
- Posts: 7634
- Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: in the garage
Grrrrrreat thread !!
It's good fun getting the M30 in and out isn't it. Must have done mine about 4 times now.
The seats look fab, what was the product you used on them ?
cheers and keep up the good work
It's good fun getting the M30 in and out isn't it. Must have done mine about 4 times now.
The seats look fab, what was the product you used on them ?
cheers and keep up the good work
I'd be lost if it was me doing the engine workjimbom30cab wrote:Grrrrrreat thread !!
It's good fun getting the M30 in and out isn't it. Must have done mine about 4 times now.
The seats look fab, what was the product you used on them ?
cheers and keep up the good work
I can answer on the seats question though. Used Dynamix Dyes - BMW black with a matt sealant. Both applied with a spray gun to get a decent finish - it can be sponged on as well, but the results won't be as good. Also used a filler to cover some of the more severe cracking.
Few more minor updates from today - engine is back out again to get a few bits finished off.
New OEM brake and clutch lines fitted -
Steering linkage ground down slightly for some additional clearance -
Bit of grinding on the inlet manifold too -
New ATE clutch slave cylinder added -
Shaved the exhaust manifold flange for more clearance over the steering linkage -
Dave also spent some time working out some of the wiring. Lots of tricky stuff with the early body loom and the auto gearbox has to be bypassed also and get tach signal and fuel cons to the clocks. Lots of trawling through wiring diagrams.
New OEM brake and clutch lines fitted -
Steering linkage ground down slightly for some additional clearance -
Bit of grinding on the inlet manifold too -
New ATE clutch slave cylinder added -
Shaved the exhaust manifold flange for more clearance over the steering linkage -
Dave also spent some time working out some of the wiring. Lots of tricky stuff with the early body loom and the auto gearbox has to be bypassed also and get tach signal and fuel cons to the clocks. Lots of trawling through wiring diagrams.
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jimbom30cab
- Tech 1 freak
- Posts: 7634
- Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: in the garage
which engine loom are you using mate and which plug does it have?
Not certain on the plug - but its the 535i manual loom afaikjimbom30cab wrote:which engine loom are you using mate and which plug does it have?
Oil filter housing now fitted - looks amazing.
And more wiring...
The tach signal and the mpg cons goes straight to the clocks in the early car and not through the c101 plug. So had to find the correct pins from the ecu to connect up
C103 plug soldered on...
And more wiring...
The tach signal and the mpg cons goes straight to the clocks in the early car and not through the c101 plug. So had to find the correct pins from the ecu to connect up
C103 plug soldered on...
Good progress today. Loom adapter sorted and soldered -
Auto gearbox bypass -
Coolant bottle bracket removed to fit airbox -
Engine back in - now complete with airbox and oil filter housing.
Bit of room to spare with the servo -
And loads of space between the steering linkage and exhaust manifold - approx 12mm which mightn't be obvious from the photos
Auto gearbox bypass -
Coolant bottle bracket removed to fit airbox -
Engine back in - now complete with airbox and oil filter housing.
Bit of room to spare with the servo -
And loads of space between the steering linkage and exhaust manifold - approx 12mm which mightn't be obvious from the photos
New loom is complete and passed through the bulkhead - Dave had to die grind it a bit to get everything through
Started on the hoses to the heater matrix. Changed of plan from using a tee piece and instead he is going to use a facelift M20 hose at the back and an M30 at the front. Ordered a joiner from ebay that will hopefully work.
Here are the bits -
Everything that goes back on needs a thorough cleaning - fresh rocker cover will finish it off nicely
This photo gives a good idea of the steering link clearance -
New gearbox mount and rubbers in place -
Collection of mostly new and used gear linkage parts ready to go in -
And now I'm all ready for a knob - shift lever is an E46 M3 one
Power steering pump cleaned up -
Couldn't wait any longer - Dave wanted to know if we had oil pressure!
50psi when cranking on the starter is very impressive (so I've been told!)
Spark plug leads cleaned up and back on -
Test drive won't be too far off at this rate!
Started on the hoses to the heater matrix. Changed of plan from using a tee piece and instead he is going to use a facelift M20 hose at the back and an M30 at the front. Ordered a joiner from ebay that will hopefully work.
Here are the bits -
Everything that goes back on needs a thorough cleaning - fresh rocker cover will finish it off nicely
This photo gives a good idea of the steering link clearance -
New gearbox mount and rubbers in place -
Collection of mostly new and used gear linkage parts ready to go in -
And now I'm all ready for a knob - shift lever is an E46 M3 one
Power steering pump cleaned up -
Couldn't wait any longer - Dave wanted to know if we had oil pressure!
50psi when cranking on the starter is very impressive (so I've been told!
)Spark plug leads cleaned up and back on -
Test drive won't be too far off at this rate!
Making some nice progress! Not sure how I issed the last few updates
Thanks for asking him and replying! Wonder would he do an engine for mevapourblast.ie wrote: As regards keeping the finish, as they are aluminium they will degrade over time, just as they did from the factory, but when this happens a drop of Aluminium polish should bring them right back up.
Quite often I often spray WD40 onto parts that have been blasted. This protects the finish pretty well and then when it's "show time" a drop of carb or brake cleaner and a clean rag will get the WD40 and accumulated dust off.
He since came back to say ACF50 is the best stuff - http://www.acf-50.co.uk/
Ive seen it mentioned a few times.
Im in two minds about my own engine, clean it as best I can or paint it all up.
Im in two minds about my own engine, clean it as best I can or paint it all up.
You'll have a lot less parts to have cleaned up on an M50, so it wouldn't be too onerous. Seeing how the parts turn out I'd have to recommend it - its not expensive.Jozi wrote:Im in two minds about my own engine, clean it as best I can or paint it all up.
Can you pm me his contact details or who is he and i can google him?