Author Topic: CA/MA WTB - Engine Coolant Kit, complete exhaust, etc... (Read 7137 times)

Artem · « **on:** May 25, 2011, 03:45:47 PM »

Hello,

I would like to get the following for my 1991 E30/318is:

A complete exhaust system Headers to Muffler (at least the catback + cat)
A complete set of engine fittings (intake coolant routing, etc..)
A front lip for an iS (not a priority item)
Working Radiator
Brake set
Head Gasket Set (minus the head gasket)
Wheels with GOOD tires (stock BBS preferred, 15"?) - not a priority item either

I will "refurbish" my car which has been sitting for a few years, since I moved to CA, and will go through the whole thing. One of the things that happened to it over the years is that the springs got physically broken from sitting (I got used rusty springs + bilsteins off an E21 that someone told me were going to work wonders for it, complete BS, about springs anyway - either way, I was young and restless... what can I say)

Basically the car needs an overhaul, I got a couple of days to do it, so I need all the pieces ready to go.

So far, I got a set of HR springs, shocks I got on it are ok, I will replace them eventually, or maybe I'll buy new - we'll see how I feel moneywise, and if I save a bunch on the rest of the parts, maybe I can just buy a whole set.

anyone got a car they are parting out?

Anything else I should check on? 2 years is a loong time....

The car is in Mass, I am in Norcal, either of those places works, although of course, MA is easier to deal with.

Artem · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2011, 01:50:25 PM »

Anyone? I have to do this job on my break over 4th of july and want to have it all ready by then....

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2011, 02:09:23 PM »

Wish I did, but I'm out of M42 bits, unless you need a fuel tank.

If I could make a recommendation though...Pelican Parts has outstanding service; I picked three day shipping 3pm Wed afternoon EST & the parts were sitting at my front door 2pm today (Friday)...that's less than two days from their California warehouse! They told me to expect them this Tuesday afternoon due to Memorial Day weekend.

Artem · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2011, 05:36:20 PM »

Hi Dave, Thank you for a great suggestion! I have had awesome experience with pelican parts myself, but being in CA, the shipping was sort of expected to be quick.

Knowing that their shipping is quick cross country gives me a bit of a relief in dealing with them now that the deadline is coming up soon.

I was hoping to get a complete exhaust system used, just in case my CAT was worn out from sitting (completely guessing on that), otherwise I would think it would be really expensive. I think I should just check out some junkyards to see if theres any there.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2011, 07:28:17 AM »

e30 M42 parts are fairly rare in the yards. They're a pretty rare beast, all in all. I'd just run it & see what it needs. No use replacing good parts IMHO, unless you're getting a performance upgrade.

I'd be searching for a more common 325is...that'll get you some rims, maybe a temporary set of springs, spares for the sport interior, etc.

There was a thread on here about an aftermarket catalytic converter that was far cheaper than the OEM part.

Artem · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2011, 06:18:21 PM »

Thanks Dave!

I just bought a complete brake set, an exhaust system and a headgasket set. This leaves all the engine hoses and a few tidbits here and there... Good advice on running it though! I will definitely do that first thing when I get there.

Any thoughts on whether the engine seals that werent leaking would leak after sitting?

Thus far I know I have to change the oil for sure, as its about 2 years old.

Thanks guys!

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2011, 07:22:13 AM »

If it's been sitting for that long, I'd be changing all the fluids. Coolant & brake fluid in particular, but also gearbox lube, diff oil, motor oil, etc.

Artem · « **Reply #7 on:** June 01, 2011, 12:22:04 PM »

Good call! I will make a "package" for my car over here with the tools required and such, ship it over, and follow on a plane. I got a bunch of spare Pentosin fluid and oil filters, etc..

Kind of anxious to fix it, thats how insane I am

Thanks!

Artem · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2011, 02:13:54 PM »

Also, currently I looked all over and I cant find those coolant routing aluminum brackets that go around the throttlebody, and I would love to find those so I can pass inspection in CA. If you have a complete set of hoses and parts, that would be even better!

I threw them out because of my stupidity, but I really need them now, so if anyone parted an engine, please let me know!!!

Thank you!

DesktopDave · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2011, 02:36:09 PM »

Drewdown just posted a set for $4. Can't beat that, eh?

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13264

Artem · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2011, 03:45:52 PM »

Thanks Dave! PM sent

Artem · « **Reply #11 on:** June 03, 2011, 05:15:17 PM »

One more "n00b" question - would the headgasket go bad for any reason if the car was sitting for 2 years with coolant running through it once about a year ago?

I have the full set, but I would like to find out if it makes sense to do it or not, because that would save a few hours of me working all over.

Thanks!

DesktopDave · « **Reply #12 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:07:25 PM »

I'd think not, but you could run a compression check to be sure. The oil will definitely have drained from the rings though, so you'll likely get a bad reading.

Whenever I start an engine that's been stored for a while, I change the oil & gasoline first, then pull the plugs (disconnect the coil too) & turn it over by hand 3-4 times. Then I turn her over with the starter until the oil pressure light goes out. Only then will I put (new) plugs back in, reconnect the coils & start her up.

Artem · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:22:26 PM »

Damn, this is good stuff! Thanks man!

Cant wait - only a few weeks left.

Artem · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2011, 02:26:04 PM »

Hey! Just wanted to let you all (whoever read this)

know that I have completed my project almost...

One thing thats left is dialing in the power steering and getting the A/C working (as my engine is from a 1995 TI, and I didnt touch the original AC system, maybe ground down the bracket for it to fit on the engine)

BUT... I got all H&R Sport Gray Springs, all sport bilstein shocks (fronts are brand new), complete new exhaust, spare O2 sensor, brand new brakes, and a ton of other spare parts)

Now have a ton of projects, and a few issues...

I dont know if any of you had dealt with the annoying E46 problem of the subframe getting all ripped out, etc etc... But I Have a 2001 325 that I fear has that very problem, or if it doesnt, it may in the future, so I would like to repair it right and give it to a decent body shop that would install and weld the reinforcement plates in.

Another reason why I need a good body shop is to fix the E30 as well, it has accumulated minor dents here and there, as well as rust, so I would really like to fix it properly (for as cheap/quality repair as possible), so whether I keep it or sell it I would feel good about it going to a good home.