What to do?

[e30Alex]

Hey everyone, had 2 major issues with manifold studs on my m30. Anyway long story short, the heads coming off so that the studs can be sorted.

While its off im obviously going to rebuild it, and get all the flat bits refaced, but im just wondering what 'cheapish' mods to do? I think im going to get a kent cam, and im going to have a go at porting/polishing. Has anyone any advice, or has anyone done these before? What power, in theory, should I expect? The engine is out of the car, and is an M30 3.0 litre (dont laff all you 3.5ers!) Cheers Alex

[Toby_Unna]

to be honest, don't bother. by the time you're bought the head gasket bits, head bolts, machining etc you might as well just get a 3.5 lump, esp if the 3.0 won't be in there long term (there is no point doing this conversion and keeping the 3.0 in there long term, it's a lot of work, money and extra weight for 20 or so bhp.)

my 3.5 engine came complete with everything for £100 and has been very very good. i have never taken the head off or touched the internals and it's coping with a turbo and 330bhp pretty well so far

i'd normally say do what appeals to you, but in this case i can see no reason to spend cash fixing a 3.0 M30

[e30Alex]

Cool, cheers for that Tony