engine and drivetrain Engine + 5-spd choices

[BVNitta]

As I currently suffer from a surfeit of hobbies, I considered taking the easy way out by buying - yes buying - a hi-performance engine and a 5-spd conversion for my '76 2002. Didn't want to go too crazy - maybe 150hp tops. I looked up two vendors - Metric Mechanic and Korman and found a huge variation in pricing. The MM 2200 Sport good for 155HP was around $4K engine. The Korman Stg 2 good for 150HP was 2x that. Similarly, the OD 5-spd trans from MM was about $1800 and the Korman 5-spd advertised was 2x that.

Two comments/questions. Why this large difference in these two vendors ? Part of it could be what other additional components Korman may provide (header, intake, carbs, distributor ?) that MM does not ? If true, buying HP is significantly more expensive than I thought. Are there other reputed (lower cost) vendors, then ? While the lowest cost option may be (other than do nothing) to buy a kit and perform the rebuild oneself, this may not be feasible given all my other time commitments.. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Bhima

[Guest Anonymous]

A competent engine builder that builds competitive engines can put together a strong 2002. Main ingredients are carb(s), cam, headers and compression. Side drafts or 38/38 downdrafts work great and a 292 schrick cam with 9.5 compression pistons, a little head work and a Tii exhaust header should get you in the ball park of 150Hp that you can drive forever.

I would sugest you spec it your way and have it built locally your way and not pay for all the mag adds the two you mention pay for.

Have fun

[TobyB]

it's in the $3k range for machining and parts on your good core, and you'll get it how you want it,

and someone you know will back it up if you need help or warranty work.

Plus, it's more fun.

Toby

[BVNitta]

Thanks guys. Would you recommend a stock 320i 5-spd with a retrofit kit ?

Bhima

[Guest Anonymous]

I had a 5 speed installed and it rates with the best things I have done to my 1600-2. I installed (within my wrenching capability)a 392 limited slip rear end which gives the same end to end drive ratio as the 320i 5 speed set-up from the factory. The set-up gives you 3 good highway speed ratios with the final overdrive ratio great for cruising with the rpms not too high to hear your stereo. Of course sidedrafts without an intake plenum ar pretty noisy since you can almost look into the carb throats and see the valves open and close. Hey part of the fun!

[BarryA]

what you'd pay at most competent shops for a drop it off, pick it up and install it turn key engine with similar performance.

By way of comparison, two plus years ago I had a fresh engine built by a competent local shop using my original block, a good 8 bolt crank and flywheel and E21 head - with a Schrick 284 cam, balancing, new pistons, full head rebuild with minor porting, and all the internals replaced (cam chain and gears, oil pump, etc, etc) the total came to just under $3500 (I supplied the crank, head and flywheel, pulled and reinstalled the engine, and already had a Weber 38/38, tii exhaust manifold and distributor).

If theres a nearby shop that's been around for a long time whose work you can trust, you'll save on shipping and have somebody local to go to if you have problems - on the other hand, using somebody with extensive M10 experience (2002 Haus / MM / Korman, etc) should mean you'll get an engine built by somebody who truly knows what they're doing).

[Jack]

Ray Korman re-built my turbos motor. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, it is great. I'd recommend that you speak with Ray about the cost differences for both the engine and trannie. He can absolutely tell you why. He's a fine man and runs a great shop, IMHO!

For an alternative in your area (the Island) Eric Kerman (edk40@aol.com)has a good rep (I've not had him build anything for me personally). Bill Williams has two of his motors.

[BVNitta]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I had a good chat with Eric Kerman. Will let you know how it goes.

Bhima

[Guest Anonymous]

Check out Top End Performance at www.racetep.com I've heard good things about them.