My 1999 M3 Progress Thread

[sirhodjibob]

Are you still using stock hydraulic lifters? I went with Perrys solid lifter conversion in the S52 that is in my HPDE car and they are well worth the time to install and adjust.
https://www.alien-engineering.com/pr...nversion-shims

Yes, purchased new OE INA lifters from FCPEuro. How high are you revving your S52? I didn't go too crazy on the head because I like to enjoy the S52 and the car for what it is...anything fancier to me it just makes sense to S54 swap or buy an s54 powered car, because that's really what you're simulating. And this is still a car that, to this point, is 100% street driven.

This thread serves as such a great referece point and road map for newer owners like me. The attention to detail and listed part numbers are invaluable. Thank you and hats off to @sirhodjibob for documenting your work.

Curious... any plans to coat the headers?

Thanks! Most of all it is helping me stay organized and on track. Considered doing a jet hot coating on the headers but I have to draw the line somewhere and start putting stuff back together.

[Braymond141]

Good and tight with the return valve is enough. The oring is the same as the S54 CPV.

[sirhodjibob]

Good and tight with the return valve is enough. The oring is the same as the S54 CPV.

Thank you. Good to know about that o ring

[AJLM34A]

Yes, purchased new OE INA lifters from FCPEuro. How high are you revving your S52? I didn't go too crazy on the head because I like to enjoy the S52 and the car for what it is...anything fancier to me it just makes sense to S54 swap or buy an s54 powered car, because that's really what you're simulating. And this is still a car that, to this point, is 100% street driven.

I am only revving to 7100 rpm, it could go more but it is more than adequate for my current needs. Even though I went with 280/280 cams, there is a noticeable difference in how it revs having solid lifters.
Current S54 pricing makes them unrealistic after factoring just a basic non head removing reseal and VANOS rebuild.
If the head gasket were to go out on my DD automatic M3, I would change the lifters to solid.

[jayjaya29]

Ditch the low temp thermostat and get an 88C one.

[Braymond141]

Ditch the low temp thermostat and get an 88C one.

This. No need for this. Running your engine cooler will only cause issues on a street car. You’ll run too rich and have poor fuel economy.

Low temp fan switch is fine. Just not the thermostat.

[sirhodjibob]

So logic on the low temp thermostat was with the AC delete+Euro radiator I don't think my thermostat was ever fully opening, which I suspect may have been the cause of the issues I was having bleeding the cooling system. And the car will be getting a custom tune anyways, so should be able to circumvent the issue of it running rich.

[Braymond141]

Run the 88c.

[sirhodjibob]

Haha ok, will reuse my 88C

[sirhodjibob]

Getting the block cleaned and prepped. Used mix of a razor blade, WD40, and then my Rupes Nano polisher with foam pads to clean up.


Installed:
IWIS Racing lower timing chain
IWIS Racing oil pump chain
11311722841 - new crankshaft chain sprocket
11311703717 - chain guide rail
11311726480 - chain guide rail

Also painted the exhaust side of the block with POR15 Engine Enamel- came out pretty nice. Did not attempt the other side as it would be hard to do with the engine in the car, but it matches quite well.

Not quite Braymond141 clean but the key thing is all the old gasket material is off:



New Achilles Racing oil pump installed. Has a few upgrades over OE, including use of a hex bolt w/ safety wire instead of the nut that is prone to falling off. When I removed the oil pan the nut literally just fell off, yikes!

Also installed:
07119912970 x3 - oil pump bolts
11411703930 - Z3 reinforced pickup tube
11411703947 - pickup tube gasket
07119904527 x2 - pickup tube bolts
07119904517 x2 - pickup tube bolts

[sirhodjibob]

Elring headgasket from RockAuto on the left, OEM BMW headgasket from the dealer on the right:



The Elring has a rubbery texture to it, while the BMW feels smooth. No discernible difference in quality that I can make out in my amateur eyes. Interestingly, the BMW one has an Elring stamp on it, but then again did Elring buy Victor Reinz? Unfortunately I don't have a VR to compare.

[jayjaya29]

VR bought Elring

[E85STI]

I love seeing this stuff!. Looking awesome as usual.

[sirhodjibob]

Getting there:



Note- couldn't install the washers for the ARP headstands with the cam ledgers in place, so had to take those back out. Maybe there was a way, but not worth the hassle.

[Braymond141]

Sell me the Elring gasket you're not using please

Excellent work as always. You're almost back up and running!

[sirhodjibob]

Sell me the Elring gasket you're not using please

Excellent work as always. You're almost back up and running!

Failed to mention in the post I used the Elring! BMW one is yours if you want it.

[sirhodjibob]

Forgot to post picture of baffled oil pan install...

Installed
11131740000 x 21 (I think...)
11131435807 x 2
11131435806 x 2
23001222887 x 3 (bolts that go through the bell housing)
Elring oil pan gasket




Not pictured but I did install a Turner magnetic oil drain plug for good measure.



These studs made installing the oil pan much easier. Part number 07129904544.