10-30-2012, 11:18 AM
All very good points. I think I probably will just go for an "OEM" refresh for this project, and if I ever do decide to go for forced induction, I can take it back down for a thicker HG and studs.
DJ, it looks like the VAC head is $899 + $750 if you don't supply a core, pretty steep. I've seen some other places that will do a refurb for $600 + core. Hell, there is a guy selling a refreshed S50 head on bimmerforums right now for $600 still in the packaging. Definitely let me know when you're going to go up to a junkyard looking for a core though, and I'll come drink beer and help you do the job on the white car so I can get some practice in.
The general consensus is that its not a big deal to keep driving for a while, as long as I keep an eye on everything. Purchasing a daily driver and doing something "more" with the M3 has always been in the plan, so I just want to take the time to explore each option and decide what I want to do.
I could do the job in a weekend, but if I'm going in that far I have some other stuff I'd like to take care of while I'm in there. Get some deep cleaning done, replace the blown out steering u-joint, figure out why my PS rack likes to whine at random intervals etc. It might also be smart to go all the way down into the case and replace the timing chain guide (I've heard of several people trying to delicately put the head back on only to hear a tiny crack and have to place a whole new parts order.) and also check/fix the oil pump nut while I'm down there. I also have that bad exhaust connection from the headers to the mid-pipe that I'd be stupid to not fix once and for all while I have the whole damn thing torn apart. I also have a guibo and CSB already in my parts collection that need to go into the car, and my subframe/diff bushings have seen better days, as have the motor and trans mounts.
So my inclination as of this morning is to continue saving up for a daily driver to buy after the holidays, according to the original plan. (Those 04-07 Acura TLs are looking like mighty good, reliable, sub-$10k purchases right now) and then start the project, when I can take my time and put the car back together the way I want and taking care of all of her little outstanding issues in one big project, instead of throwing it all together in a weekend.
Then when I have her in eat-off-the-engine condition, I can drive my daily to work and just clean the dust off the valve cover every once in a while. :-p
(JK, I promise not to go full Goodspeed.)
DJ, it looks like the VAC head is $899 + $750 if you don't supply a core, pretty steep. I've seen some other places that will do a refurb for $600 + core. Hell, there is a guy selling a refreshed S50 head on bimmerforums right now for $600 still in the packaging. Definitely let me know when you're going to go up to a junkyard looking for a core though, and I'll come drink beer and help you do the job on the white car so I can get some practice in.
The general consensus is that its not a big deal to keep driving for a while, as long as I keep an eye on everything. Purchasing a daily driver and doing something "more" with the M3 has always been in the plan, so I just want to take the time to explore each option and decide what I want to do.
I could do the job in a weekend, but if I'm going in that far I have some other stuff I'd like to take care of while I'm in there. Get some deep cleaning done, replace the blown out steering u-joint, figure out why my PS rack likes to whine at random intervals etc. It might also be smart to go all the way down into the case and replace the timing chain guide (I've heard of several people trying to delicately put the head back on only to hear a tiny crack and have to place a whole new parts order.) and also check/fix the oil pump nut while I'm down there. I also have that bad exhaust connection from the headers to the mid-pipe that I'd be stupid to not fix once and for all while I have the whole damn thing torn apart. I also have a guibo and CSB already in my parts collection that need to go into the car, and my subframe/diff bushings have seen better days, as have the motor and trans mounts.
So my inclination as of this morning is to continue saving up for a daily driver to buy after the holidays, according to the original plan. (Those 04-07 Acura TLs are looking like mighty good, reliable, sub-$10k purchases right now) and then start the project, when I can take my time and put the car back together the way I want and taking care of all of her little outstanding issues in one big project, instead of throwing it all together in a weekend.
Then when I have her in eat-off-the-engine condition, I can drive my daily to work and just clean the dust off the valve cover every once in a while. :-p
(JK, I promise not to go full Goodspeed.)
Now: 07 Porsche Cayman S | 18 VW Tiguan
Then: 18 VW GTI Autobahn | 95 BMW M3 | 15 VW GTI SE | 12 Kia Optima SX | 2009 VW GTI | 00 BMW 540i Sport | 90 Mazda Miata | 94 Yamaha FZR600R | 1993 Suzuki GS500E | 2003 BMW 325i | 95 Saab 900S