Dilemma

[Chigga]

I've run into a dilemma that I'm having a hard time to decide, as some of you know, last year I spent good chunks of money in hoping of fixing my knocking noise, from all sorts of gaskets to OSV, vanos transmissions etc, but later the problems came out to be lifters, and we also found out the valve stem seal is leaking oil slowly in cylinder 6.

The plan was to just find a new engine instead of dealing with the valve stem seal, since the cost of such job is in the $3k zone.

However, after looking at all the available engines, some of them really make me feel like this emoticon :eyecrazy

At the end of the day, my goal is to have forced induction, which I swear to whichever God you believe in, could've happen by now if not because all the little issues with the engine.

here are 3 options that I'm comfortable with:

- Source a nice non-TU motor, I know they are getting hard to find with lower mileage, but they are out there, the bonus is lack of vanos, the downside is its a devil that I don't know instead the one I already know.

- Fix the lifters for now, save up for pistons, rods, either supercharge kit or turbo kit, the good is that its a motor I already know, and lots of parts are already replaced with it, downside is just all the extra money spend on fixing stuff, lifters, valve stem seals.

- LS1, I've fancy an LS1 swap for sometime, as parts are readily available and crazy power can be had for modest amount, downside is just it interferes with my car philosophy, while I love all sorts of weird swap, I have a hard time to actually do one myself.

What would you guys do?

I've given up on the S62 idea, all the salvage M5's I've seen so far all are seriously messed up.

[mattmartindrift]

2jz! $3000 motor set + trans, single turbo, injectors, SAFC (2jzs don't give a f*ck about timing until you really start pushing them) - 400whp.

[carjoe]

Since you've got all the work done in the motor, pull the heads and get them ported. Upon reassembly, do all the lifters and add snail of choice.

I like the LSx option but you've put a lot effort in this particular block. To me, it's worth keeping at this point.

Driving season is coming, better make a choice quick!

[ZeroR2]

Option 2 is your best choice. Getting a used engine is problems all over (potential). A swap is great, but the real cost of doing it is not feasible if you don't do it yourself. Get a set of headgaskets, port the heads, new seals and whatever you need. Sorry to hear of your issues. GL.

[Chigga]

Since you've got all the work done in the motor, pull the heads and get them ported. Upon reassembly, do all the lifters and add snail of choice.

I like the LSx option but you've put a lot effort in this particular block. To me, it's worth keeping at this point.

Driving season is coming, better make a choice quick!

I agree Joe! I guess its time to find a dyno and see how healthy is the engine overall, for now I'll just do the lifters and save up for winter time (again), I swear this is thing called modding a 540 takes forever! all I want is a reliable and fun summer driver, I've been wanting to track the car again, since the last time was in 2009, my hands are itchy, my helmet is dusty!

[Orxan4ik]

dont put LSx, as much as I like the outcome I still dont get along with the idea

dont put non-TU motor, even though it IS less problematic and MIGHT have higher peak power, it is still not worth the effort - IIRC swappinin TU vs NON is not that easy

fix your motor and enjoy the car (: get LSD if anything ;)

[OldSkoolBMW]

Remove cam

Tap retainer with hammer and socket.

Apply wheel bearing grease into socket.

pressurize cylinder.

Place greased socket on trouble valve

Thwack with 32oz hammer

remove keepers from grease, retainer and spring,

change valve seal..

get appropriate keeper install tool from goodson and reassemble.

[Jesus Freak]

LSx swap! It's worth it, I love Bimmer engines... But they're problematic and tanks. LS engines are bulletproof. I've seen LS' pushin 800 HP easily, and done way cheaper than modding a BMW engine

[mattmartindrift]

i've seen alot of LSx engines with valve spring and oiling problems on the road-course. Add a GTO sump to the mix and it seems to get even worse.

[Schitzo]

Before you go any further, grab a pen and piece of paper. Sit down and write down pros and cons of each swap including the cost,time and effort involved with each option.

At the end of the day, its your time, money and blood pressure.

That said, you already know what I did.

[Jason5driver]

Remove cam

Tap retainer with hammer and socket.

Apply wheel bearing grease into socket.

pressurize cylinder.

Place greased socket on trouble valve

Thwack with 32oz hammer

remove keepers from grease, retainer and spring,

change valve seal..

get appropriate keeper install tool from goodson and reassemble.

This ^.

[mattmartindrift]

Before you go any further, grab a pen and piece of paper. Sit down and write down pros and cons of each swap including the cost,time and effort involved with each option.

At the end of the day, its your time, money and blood pressure.




honestly, this is the best post yet; because, in reality it will depend on your end-goals and how much you feel you can/would spend on them.