recon engines

[y8sey]

is it cheaper to buy one ready done or pay to have one done? Any ideas on prices and which firms to approach?

[E30BeemerLad]

prob cheaper to buy one already done, so long as the seller isn't hoping to recoup the individual costs of doing the job in the first place.

Much also depends on what engine it is and how sought after/ problematic they are I would guess.

Does it have to be recon or would a good running engine from a breaker do the job?

[y8sey]

i want the best result possible i thought about one from a breaker but its a lot of work to fit it to find it is no good. Mine has done 140000 and runs well but i am looking at the long term situation .

[E30BeemerLad]

Always better off sticking with what you know really. 140K is nothing if you keep it well serviced and it ain't bouncing off the limiter daily, what engine are we talking about here anyway. My comments may change if it's an M40 lump however

[y8sey]

1989 325 serviced regular i never thrash it planning to drive it down to le mans next year .

[abelai]

200,000 miles for one with good care is more than possible they are a very low stressed engine but don't forget to change and flush the coolent system every year if you can.

[y8sey]

thanks i will get that done next week anything else i should have done at the same time ?

[abelai]

The other area of an m20 engine that should never be over looked is the cam belt. If your not sure when it was changed last change it. The service interval is around 40,000 miles or 4 years but it really depends on how many times you start the engine as this is when it's under the most stress.

I have ended up changing my belt 4 times in 2 years due to various work done but they're so cheap it's not worth the risk once fitted and tensioned if you remove the tension change the belt. Some people say to change the water pump when changing the belt for this very reason.