Adventures in 2.7 building

[e30_Turbo]

Hello all,

Wilson and I have decided to build a 2.7 with the parts I picked up and his block that is sat in his garage.

This is a weekend/evening project and has no real requirement other than we'd both like to have it when it's done

So far we've stripped the head off as the block has issues we're yet to find, but no obvious signs of head probs and the block seems in one piece too.

So time to strip it down, clean, check and dummy build to establish what block work is needed.

So to all that have done this, any tips? do's and don'ts?

The setup we have so far:

e30 325i head
e34 525i block
e34 525i pistons (need a clean)
M20 2.7 eta crank (excellent condition, no wear at all)
M20 2.7 eta rods
M20 2.7 pistons (not needed, free to anyone that wants them, if they come off in one piece that is )

So any tips etc would be much appreciated

Mark.

[Wilson]

I'm pretty sure the block is fine, but the head could be cracked... basically when the engine was last running it sounded smooth as anything, no rattles, no knocks, started first turn, even after sitting a while and ticked over perfectly... but it produced heavy amounts of mayonnaise in the water system and pressure... Where are the 325 heads likely to crack, sure I've heard somebody on here say before somewhere near the cam isn't it??????? please advise and I will have a look....!

Only other problem is there is nowehere in the sump for a dipstick!!!

[tourer-dan]

well I've just had mine pressure tested and back from the machine shop who confirmed it was cracked.
If you have the head on the bench with the cam sprocket end facing you, mine was cracked at the back to the right of the 'cam channel'(inlet side). It was a brownish stained line which looked a bit like a distributor cap track mark if you know what I mean.
Other people on here have said they go actually on the cam bearings themselves and show as a grey line.
The chap in the machine shop said that 50% of the time you can see the damage.

I'm about to source a new casting for just over Ԛ£250. I think a second hand one would be a false economy seeing as all my 'guts' were new a short while ago.

[e30_Turbo]

well I've just had mine pressure tested and back from the machine shop who confirmed it was cracked.
If you have the head on the bench with the cam sprocket end facing you, mine was cracked at the back to the right of the 'cam channel'(inlet side). It was a brownish stained line which looked a bit like a distributor cap track mark if you know what I mean.
Other people on here have said they go actually on the cam bearings themselves and show as a grey line.
The chap in the machine shop said that 50% of the time you can see the damage.

I'm about to source a new casting for just over Ԛ£250. I think a second hand one would be a false economy seeing as all my 'guts' were new a short while ago.

Well my head is fine and Wilsons is a ok too, so we have heads to use if needed. The head that came of the block is scrap anyway as it's been over skimmed so just cam and rockers to be removed and kept.

So far we've managed to find a machine shop to do the machining and we're only a torque wrench away!!

[Wilson]

well I've just had mine pressure tested and back from the machine shop who confirmed it was cracked.
If you have the head on the bench with the cam sprocket end facing you, mine was cracked at the back to the right of the 'cam channel'(inlet side). It was a brownish stained line which looked a bit like a distributor cap track mark if you know what I mean.
Other people on here have said they go actually on the cam bearings themselves and show as a grey line.
The chap in the machine shop said that 50% of the time you can see the damage.

I'm about to source a new casting for just over Ԛ£250. I think a second hand one would be a false economy seeing as all my 'guts' were new a short while ago.

thanks, will clean it up and have a look!!!

[e30_Turbo]

Does anyone know how the ETA pistons are fixed to the rods?

Do they have curclips or are they just pressed in?

[Jimbob]

Attached with circlips mate IIRC, the pistons and block will need machining.

[e30_Turbo]

Attached with circlips mate IIRC, the pistons and block will need machining.

The 'i' pistons will need machining too?

I'm thinking the skirts need to be shaved a little, is that right?

And how much did you have off your block and pistons?

It was looking rather simple yesterday, now gettting a bit more technical!!! Always the way with cars

[Wilson]

Circlips... thats good then,

pistons need some off!!! Oh.........

[Jimbob]

Yea you need the "i" piston skirts shaved and a tiny bit taken off the block

[e30_Turbo]

Yea you need the "i" piston skirts shaved and a tiny bit taken off the block

We plan to take the bottom end dummy built to the machine shop and I suppose it will be more obvious to them when we show them whats needed.

The guy there knows his stuff and so far he's on the ball with his comments and ideas so we should be able to get it all done in one go.

Did you buy new shells for everything?

The shells I have are in excellent condition, no wear at all, same as the crank, so we were going to reuse them, is that wise?

[Jimbob]

The way I had the amount measured for the block was have it built as a standard 325i then built with the ETA crank and rods, then shave the difference. I imagine your guy will do the same.
I bought 2 sets of bearings which were like Ԛ£35 and Ԛ£40 I think, I'll check when I get home mate.

[UweM3]

I know it's all in german, but I am sure you can work a few things out.

http://wp1016621.wp027.webpack.hosteuro ... seite5.htm