Have questions on a M6, need help.

[BoostedE21]

Hey guys. I may have a chance to get a M6 for cheap, but the current owner let the motor over heat and ran it till it stopped (not from seesing). He brough it in to a shop. My questions are:

1). how bad could the block be damaged?
2). The head is most likely worpped.
a) how much is a new head?
b) how much is a rebuilt head?
3) can you shave the M6 head and maybe use a thicker head gasket?

Thanx for all the help!

[KC Ron Carter]

Original S38 (Also known as M88 and M88/3)- Straight 6 DOHC 24V Solid Lifter Valvetrain and Individual Throttle Bodies. 1979-1980, 1986-1990. 146kg 321lbs
Used in M1, E28 M5, M6, SA E23 745i
3.5L (277-286bhp)



Blocks are very tough.

The heads can be reworked.

Since valve guides on the S38 engines can not be replaced, valves with oversized stems must be used in cases where wear exceeds factory specifications.

If needed, the replacement head prices are hard to get.
Try here:

tech@vacmotorsports.com

S38 Reconditioned Cylinder Head
#VAC-RCH-S38 Call
call (215) 462-4666 or toll free (866) 714-2002 for a personal upgrade consultation!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cylinder Head

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Stock Reconditioned Cylinder Heads
VAC Stock Cylinder Heads are reconditioned to better than stock spec by maintaining close tolerances and utilizing state of the art engine equipment. All engine work is done in house, where we can optimize Quality Control.
Our Stock Cylinder Heads feature the following:
Full Radius Valve Job using Serdi Equipment
New Valve Guides
Reconditioned or New Valves
Balanced and Blueprinted Valves
Balanced Springs
Resurfaced Face
Core Charge Required

http://www.vacmotorsports.com/cgi-bin/view_item.pl?item_id=1


Pair of stock cams for S38 (was involved in engine failure, light damage visible (will need polishing), sold as is) $150 for both
S38 head (was involved in engine failure, all valves bent, no visible damage to head, sold as is) $500

http://bmwturbos.scottiesharpe.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=811

At this stage it is important to pop the head off and give a close inspection of the pistons. If they are not holed, cracked, or badly dented up you can clean them up and just have the head redone at a cost of around $3.5K (assuming welding and some valve replacement). An S38 head that just needs guides, three angle grind, and mild porting will cost $2500.

If you do in fact need pistons, a set of JE's will run in the $1200. range. OEM BMW pistons are abut $300. each! And, with only 103K on the existing engine you most likely can get away without boring (if your cylinder walls escaped being damaged by valve pieces).

As with any rebuild you will have to decide how far to go. The farther you go, the more money you will spend. A basic rebuild where you do most of the tear down and assembly will run in the $7k range. I know, because I've done it. Philo, Ken H., Ian M635csi, WJosh, and Rich in Houston are all in the midst of it as we speak. With the exception of Ken H. all of the above people are in that $7k range. Ken H. is probably gone triple that with custom everything and a turbo... but he's going for 600+ horsies.

http://745i.no-ip.org/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1367

11 3 170 US S14/S38 (M3, M5, M6) valve adjusting tool, includes shim kit (you only pay for the shims you use) $65.00 $750.00

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/mall/toolprice.htm


US Version Euro Version
Engine Code: S38 M88/3
Gearbox: 5sp OD 5sp Close Ratio
Diff Ratio: 3.91:1 3.73:1
HP: 256 w 286 wo Catalyst @ 6500
lb-ft: 243 251 @ 4500
Camshaft: 11-31-1-309-694 11-31-1-306-891
Compression: 9.8:1 10.5:1
0-100km/h: 6.7 6.0
Curb Weight: 3420?lb 3153 lb (535i 3020, M535i 3064, +44Auto)
1551 kg 1430 kg
Height: 55.7 in same as 535
Fuel: 16.6 gal same as 535
Headers: different headers equal length headers
ECU: different program program for free flow exhaust/higher compression/cam
Timing Chain: single row double row

Cheers,
Richard
74 3.0S (Since New!)
86 535i
This info and more can be found at:
Richard Nott's BMW Database: http://www.gis.nsw.gov.au/staff/rnott/bmw/bmw.html

[BoostedE21]

Hey thanx for the help, The valves are fine, I was just wondering what I can do to save the head and IF the head can be saved by shaving it.? Also, not looking to spend ALOT of money on this.

[funkmasta]

I have a complete S38... You can probably recoupe most of your cost by parting out your current motor... let me know. 89k on the S38.

[BoostedE21]

How much?

[BoostedE21]

WOW, 80 views and only 2 people replied

[DanE36325is]

an S38 isn't insanely difficult to find. i wonder how difficult using an E34 version would be?

[The Beastmaster]

My question is, if the PO let the car overheat, what else did he neglect?

With these 6ers, you can put a lot of monwy into them and will not get your money back when and if you sell the car. These cars are a labor of love, admired by a few who can appreciate the timeless beauty of the car.

[BoostedE21]

I understand but labor will be free, just want to know if the head can be shaved.