E36 M3, from dual purpose to track only

[aeronaut]

I'm almost convinced.

[aeronaut]

And, guess what I got today. A real Elring HG, from Pelican Parts.

Yaaaa!!! I have 3 Victor Reinz to send back to FCEuro.

ElringHG.jpg

[aeronaut]

7 days for VAC to turn around the S54 pump upgrade (including shipping to/from). So good on that.
But, they sent me the wrong cams.
And got my shipping address wrong 3 times (caught it and fixed it 3 times before they actually shipped).
And do they upsell like crazy. Painful.
So. Ug. VAC.

[GG///M3]

Hrmmmmi


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[aeronaut]

Finally getting to put this thing back together.
VAC modified S54 pump system, test fit:



Although there is VERY LITTLE clearance between the oil pump bolt (now a bolt after VAC mod) and the end of the oil pan. I need to double/triple check that.

Now, back to VAC.
I was convinced through various conversations and feedback on this forum that I don't need fancy expensive springs for my Schrick cams (264/256).
But I don't want to crack this engine open again for a long time, so I thought I'd replace the OEM springs.
BUT, VAC has OEM-style springs with "about 10lbs" more spring rate than OEM. Right there on their website, it says those springs work with the 264/256 cams. The sales person also said they'd work (after trying hard to sell me $900 springs.) And they're about the same price as OEM springs from the discount places. So, why not?

Well, they don't work. My machinists measured them, and with the lift of the 264 cam, they bind before reaching max lift. Thank you machinist for not trusting me (ie VAC).
UG.
Another mess up by VAC.

[fbirch]

Wow, that's a serious flaw that could have cost you big time!

[aeronaut]

Wow, that's a serious flaw that could have cost you big time!

It could have been ugly. I had considered installing the springs myself after getting the head back from the machine shop. So, I *may* have caught it, but very well could have broken something. VAC isn't impressing me.

Getting things back together, finally.
All new chains, lower guides, main seal, VAC rebuilt/upgraged S54 pump and plumping.





And the gratuitous left over bolt. I'm sure there will be more.




Very little wear on the guides....



Except in the area at the top of the adjustable guide, so I'm glad I dug in here...



And, my stewart water pump bearings feel a little lumpy. Surprised. Ordered new one. I'll see how long Stewart takes to honor their lifetime warranty.

[aeronaut]

VAC is a mess. I'll avoid.

Me: my machinist said those springs will bind with those cams.
VAC: you may need to add shims. Or buy our $900 springs.
WTF???
Anyway, they're charging me 20% restocking fees for something they recommended and my machinist won't install.

F VAC.

Head back from machine ship. 0.004" skimmed.

[aeronaut]

Steering limiters installed.

IMG_20200228_141841.jpg

[BlackHawkRacing]

I hear two types of stories from VAC, "everything went smoothly" or "this has been an absolute fucking nightmare". Glad you caught the issue before it turned into the latter.

[GG///M3]

I hear two types of stories from VAC, "everything went smoothly" or "this has been an absolute fucking nightmare". Glad you caught the issue before it turned into the latter.

Same


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[aeronaut]

My friends have been having fun with my VAC stories. So that started a bunch of this...




But the best...hilarious...



- - - Updated - - -

And yea, I broke down...



Head installed and torqued. Cams, set VANOS, and maybe transmission attach tomorrow. If I get that far and my friend is at the shop, maybe even pop it in the car.

[aeronaut]

Anyone know the seated (closed) height of a valve spring with OEM retainer/seat (S50/52)?
Probably something around 35-36mm, I think.
I'm just doing some mental math on various valve springs for future reference (I've already made all the decisions for this build).

[GG///M3]

I’d do a search in the FI section as I remember it being covered there at some point


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[aeronaut]

Thanks, I did a generic search but I'll poke around over there.

[aeronaut]

264/256 cams installed, accessories starting to get bolted back on.
Tune, from 22RPD, supposedly will arrive Wed (he was a bit non-responsive over the past week, but if it arrives Wed all is good).

Tomorrow, hopefully VANOS install, finish up accessories (water pump & PS pump), bolt on flywheel and trans, and MAYBE get it back into the car.
First event next weekend, hopefully!!!! A dozen non-engine things to do, so it's gonna be close.

Thanks to all that have helped over the past few weeks answering random questions!!

[GG///M3]

264/256 cams installed, accessories starting to get bolted back on.
Tune, from 22RPD, supposedly will arrive Wed (he was a bit non-responsive over the past week, but if it arrives Wed all is good).

Tomorrow, hopefully VANOS install, finish up accessories (water pump & PS pump), bolt on flywheel and trans, and MAYBE get it back into the car.
First event next weekend, hopefully!!!! A dozen non-engine things to do, so it's gonna be close.

Thanks to all that have helped over the past few weeks answering random questions!!

I’d personally go with RK tunes . Way more experience then Zack


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[aeronaut]

It was a tie between those two. When I talked to RK Tunes, he kinda backed away from what his website says about free revisions because "it's OBD1", 22RPD didn't.

[GG///M3]

It was a tie between those two. When I talked to RK Tunes, he kinda backed away from what his website says about free revisions because "it's OBD1", 22RPD didn't.

You might want to also look into Klassal(not sure that’s the proper spelling), and Trm as well.


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[snakebit8]

My personal experience has been great with 22RPD. I've likes his tunes better than several others I have tried. He is a crazy busy guy at the moment so sometimes it takes a second to get him on the phone but he's been great to work with in my experience. This of course does not diminish the other tuners and their ability, I just wouldn't dismiss Zack so quickly. I needed an update recently and we got it setup and done in 15min, super happy with the results so far.

[MINIz guy]

RK Tunes is extremely busy as well. I've had to wait 5+ business days at times for an email response.

[aeronaut]

So I can't "threaten" Zack that I'll turn to RK if he doesn't get this done in time, crap!

[aeronaut]

I know it doesn't look like much more was done on the engine, but VANOS back in and timed. A few sensors and accessries back on. I had hoped to get the trans on today and maybe the whole thing back in the car, but nope.



Semi-custom steering column, I thought I'd save money over buying a replacement OE column (u-joint was blown). But, it wasn't worth it really.



And, I'm looking at the MRT roll center correction pieces. I'm not sure why they necked this lower bolt/nut down to 11mm. Seems marginal.

[mslevin]

Any plans to dyno the car? I also have a 22rpd-tuned 264-cammed, S52 (+ longtube headers, 3.5" MAF, 21# injectors). I did 238whp, and expected more. My plan is to move to OBD2 and retune.

[aeronaut]

I will.

238 sounds pretty good with that cam and stock pistons, depending on which dyno.