engine and drivetrain Separation Anxiety!

[jrhone]

My car is away getting some major work.  I have had some major leaks.  Oil is pretty much coming from everywhere.  Oil pan, front cover, it just seams like its pouring out of the engine.  Other than that the car is an absolute blast to drive!  So I took the car to Ken at Vintage BMW Racing and he is going to pull the head, do a valve job, put new rockers in, put in a 292 cam, then put it all back together after fixing the leaks and rebuild the Weber 38 carb for good measure.  This should add a bit more kick for power and should keep my garage floor nice and clean.  The problem, I'll be without my 02 for a few weeks.  Its been 4 days and I am already having huge separation anxiety!  Whats cool is Ken has a loaner car, its a square tail automatic...turtle like in performance, but its an 02...and its actually not a bad car.  It makes you appreciate the mods that I have done to mine.  Ireland Stage II suspension, with Bistein Sports.  Recaro seats, 284 cam, high compression pistons, 38/38 carb, Ireland headers and custom exhaust, Tii distributor with pertonix.  So I look forward to getting my trusty 02 back and continuing the modding and restoration.  Its got a few more things mechanically that I want to do and then paint!  I'm just venting and reading more stuff in the forums to get by...

[ewill2002]

Hang in there. I can feel your pain through your post. It'll be all the better when you get it back.

[Mike Self]

Try driving the automatic by manually shifting, especially between 2nd and 3rd.  It's actually quite spritely when manually shifted--not quite the same as a 4 speed, but much better than letting it shift for itself.

 

mike

[jrhone]

Thanks E!  I know you understand...I think I'll be back rolling before you...but you will have A LOT of fun with yours when you get it back!  Looking forward to getting your review on the new engine.

[thinksound_mike]

mine has been in the shop for a little over 3 weeks at this point; so i completely understand. i keep waiting for the phone to ring, telling me it's done. getting a little antsy...

[roadhog0]

I feel ya! I had to drop my car off at my parents house for a month of storage so I could move home in my truck. I miss that car now Gonna have a blast with that car as soon as I get back to it! Then I'll pull it into the garage for a motor refresh >.< Hang in there mate!

[vinntagejoe]

Hey Bro, I thought you had a set of dual 40's or 45's you were waiting to throw on there, no?

[jrhone]

I do!  its the next step I think.  I didn't want to just slap them on there...plus I like doing things in steps so I can see the differences....So put the new cam in, rebuild the head, do the valve job, fix the leaks, tune the 38/38 and see what I have...Then do the dual 40's.  If there is a problem with any of this stuff, I wanna know where its coming from.  Should be picking the car up soon!  It's ready!!!  To do the dual 40's right, I will be upgrading the ignition system, and probably an electric fuel pump...again in addition to tuning the carbs...so I don't wanna add all that to the top end rebuild.

[ndog]

skip to the 40'S  

[Dirka]

trying waiting 4 months to drive your 02... Im rebuilding the engine, did full 5 speed swap, new bushings, full coil overs, etc from IE. I have anxiety built up for months!!!!! hang in!!!!

[bourkeco]

Why new rockers??

[kbmb02]

Why new rockers??

I'll answer that one…

Here's the logic: We're working on an engine build of, basically, unknown origin and mileage. The existing rockers are the 'laso' brand (my least favorite), in a cylinder head which experienced stress during previous assembly / disassembly (as evidenced by mushroomed rocker shafts at both ends). It's not a stretch to wonder what else was sacrificed?

Add to that John's request for a 292 camshaft (with more lift over stock) and his propensity to drive the car hard…

Safe and smart, it seems, to change the rocker arms. -KB

[13]

It's been about a year now since my last drive but mine is slowly getting its swap done. I can't wait to roll the car out of the garage under its own power! Always such a joy to get your wheels back!

[creede]

I'm getting close to 4 years since I bought my first 2002, and still at zero drive time. Definitely feel your pain. Your next session behind the wheel will be a sweet one though. Hang in there. 

[vinntagejoe]

My 75 ride went through a similar rebuild over the last few months at EUROTech in mission Viejo. Top end rebuild, new shrick 292 cam new 38/28 installed, shorty manifold new SSW exhaust. Car runs real well now. The engine is ready for dual side draft upgrade but I'm holding out for an LSD upgrade first ...........time will tell