Rebuilding a M20 cylinder head... What parts are needed?

Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:33 pm

Planning to rebuild the 325i cylinder head I recently aquired.

I'm planning to get a schrick camshaft, new valves and springs. Also, all the bolts, gaskets, sparkies and clean the injectors.

What are the other key parts I should replace. I want to completely re-do this so what would be needed everything else? Like the tappets etc? Another thing would be all the pully parts... which i would also need to aquire to turn the camshaft for removal, yes?

Any help appreciated guys....

As I'm an absolute novice and want to learn how to do this (properly) I'm also going to (try to) piece up a complete guide for other novices out there as I'm sure its do-able with a good set of instructions...

Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:36 pm

Have a look here to get you started:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:25 pm

As above, but I would also suggest taking it to a machine shop to have it checked and lightly skimmed. They will be able to grind your new valves and the valve seats.

Make sure all the threads are good and check for previous work/helicoils. You can also have valve guides checked (just see if the valve moves sideways). Check the tappets for wear, the adjusters are a few quid each from BMW.

Hope that helps, look forward to reading your how to.

Cheers

Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:52 pm

JimmyC - Cheers mate, thats a good start. Will work my way though that as I'm doing the whole engine anyway.

Wocka - Its had a pressure test and been skimmed already. Apparently, grinding the valves down is easy and requires a grinding stick and grinding paste... and a little bit of careful work. I'll make the effort to make a "How-to" for the numpties like me who have no clue!

Cheers lads!

Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:57 pm

NayC

Keep us updated in how you getting along.

Pics would be great...

I havnt actually started mine but will be doing it later this yr I think.

Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:21 am

SilverShadow wrote:NayC

Keep us updated in how you getting along.

Pics would be great...

I havnt actually started mine but will be doing it later this yr I think.

Same, I plan to start soonish.... but maybe over the next few months. I need to buy some new valves and a camshaft etc first.... then all the oem parts and tools/extras. Then over a weekend, I'll rebuild it. More than likely mid september when I have a week off.... Then I can spend the time figuring it out. I also need a pully setup to twist and remove the cam. But first, I'm holding the dough for the BTB3 group buy if it kicks off as thats a top priority part atm.