Engine/machine shop virgin! m44b19 head gasket question!

[Venom]

Hello and a happy new year to all! 

I have a low miler e36 M44B19 that I am intent on saving as it has bags of potential.  It needs the head gasket done.  I've being doing up a list of parts that I'll need to get the job done.  Obviously I'll need to send the head to the machine shop to get it sorted before the gasket etc is replaced.

Luckily, I've never had a HG fail on me before nor have I had to deal with a machine shop before    So in light of this and as I intend to keep this car, what are the normal/recommended things I should get done in this instance?

Pressure tested/tested for cracks
Stem seals
New valves/current ones cleaned?
New valve springs
Resurfaced

What am I missing (parts or procedure)?  What would be classed as essential when getting this type of work done and what would be optional if the budget allowed?

Many Thanks! 

[Darky]

Hi

If you are going to do all that. Why not put a m42 head on.
More reliable and better for reving.

You will have to get a leak down test done
They will determine what is wrong from there.
But they will check your valves and guides but not necessary replace them.
Seals will have to be replaced to check everything and reassemble.
Polish and porting are optional.

Cheers Rohan

[Venom]

Is there much of a job putting the M42 head on the m44 block?

[Darky]

Hi
No it's quite easy.
Requires everything above cylinder block to inlet and exhaust manifold. Ie cams rocket cover etc.

Cheers Rohan

[benz-tech]

It will require using the M42 cams but the cam gears/pulse wheels and the upper timing cover from the M44 head. Otherwise, in theory, it should work. I've done the mock-ups and it should be ok but I haven't started my engine up yet either.

[Venom]

It will require using the M42 cams but the cam gears/pulse wheels and the upper timing cover from the M44 head. Otherwise, in theory, it should work. I've done the mock-ups and it should be ok but I haven't started my engine up yet either.

Very good.  Is there any where I can read about your build?  Thanks.

[benz-tech]

Link is here: http://www.m42club.com/forum/index.php?topic=18005.0
Its kinda bleak ATM, I will work on getting some updates and pictures

[Venom]

very interesting thanks for posting.  I have 2 maybe 3 spare engines.  2 m44 and one m42 so I'll be watching with interest!