Finally done the M50 swap...Follow-Up Pics...

[Dave M]

From this

Used/Rebuilt M50 block on pallet

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Block_Swap/M50block_1.jpg

Pull the old one, clean up the 'bay'

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Block_Swap/Engine_2010.jpg

Clean up the new block (new rings, bearings, honed) and re-assemble with new gaskets seals

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Block_Swap/Engine_3009.jpg

Fire it up to discover the cranckshaft is bent *&&^(#@$%! Tore it alldown to thebare block on a pallet in 8 hours and ship it back for replacement (crankshaft only).

[Dave M]

Time for take two. Photo of the engine being dropped in for the second time This gets easier after some practice

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Block_Swap/Mar112006004.jpg

Finally in, running well. Bad photo, but I painted the valve cover a high temp silver. Also painted the plastic covers, silver stripes and all.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Apr182006005.jpg

On the road with the 'new' 16" baskets and kumhos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Misc/Apr182006002.jpg

So far so good. I've been driving it pretty hard with dino oil to seat the new rings and have noticed a power increase over the last few hundred kms. I will try a compression test at @1000km and compare to pre-work figures.

Thanks again for all the help along the way. If anyone needs advice on a similar project, feel free to ask. I only bought one specialized tool and could have easily gotten away without it. It was far easier than I thought (especially the second time).

Over and out,

Dave M

[Johntee540]

Looks like a great outcome to a major project. you seem very happy with the results. Congrats! - JT

[DueyT]

Great work, Dave! Well done.

Cheers,
Duey

[GoldenOne]

awesome work!, did you just use the basic hi temp spray paint? Also, what did you use for the black part? paint or plastic shine?

[yaofeng]

Good job. My only comment is you could have bolted the gear box to the engine and lower it as a unit. That would have averted some knuckle bruise.

[632 Regal]

Awesome job Dave, glad it worked out after the bent crank catastrophy :)

[Dave M]

awesome work!, did you just use the basic hi temp spray paint? Also, what did you use for the black part? paint or plastic shine?

I used POR-15 high temp mat black for the manifold.

POR-15 regular grey for the block (following a good de-greasing with "Marine Clean".

The valve cover was painted with a silver household radiator paint.

Plastic covers were painted with "Plasticote"(sp?) black and metallic silver. Lots of making tape used for the stripes.

Everything seems to be holding up well.

Thanks,

Dave M

[Dave M]

Good job. My only comment is you could have bolted the gear box to the engine and lower it as a unit. That would have averted some knuckle bruise.

Yep, I recall your post which included said advice. I think I was in it for some punishment ;)

Dave M

[Dave M]

Awesome job Dave, glad it worked out after the bent crank catastrophy :)

Thanks Jeff,

If the second try turned up a bent crank, I'd be drivin a Dodge Omni.

DaveM M

[Dave M]

Oh yeah, forgot to add:

For desert, I replaced a worn tie rod. Either that or the new shoes has eliminated my 50-60 shimmy.

Happy as $hit,

Dave M

[Zeuk in Oz]

Well done ! What an accomplishment !

Just think, next time you will be even faster still ! :D