engine and drivetrain s14 Timing chain issues.

[Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo]

I have a lead on another S14 here in the land of OZ.

My mechanic has driven the car a couple of times( track) and has replaced the timing chain on it. Is the timing chain a big issue with these motors or a big isssue to fix? How often does it need to be done and is it a sign of worse to come?

He's asking the equivalent of $5700 US for the engine, gearbox, harness and ECU, which seems reasonable considering the e30 m3 was never officially sold here and there somewhat of a rarity.

Thanks

Skippy.

p.s my mechanics quote of the day "Your swapping one BMW 4 cylinder for another one, you don't need an engineers report"

[NickVyse]

recommended timing chain interval is 100k. How many miles has it done, compression test, don't suppose it can be seen running? all the usual 2nd hand engine questions apply, but having a new timing chain is probably a plus rather than indicating more worries elsewhere.

If you're buying an s14 spend several evenings reading through searches here, but you probably already know that:

http://www.s14.net

good luck andrew

[oz_tom]

Sounds like fun Andrew! Im sure when you finish it you'll want to drive it... so why not drive it all the way down the coast to Melbourne! :-P and then we can all drool over it :-D

Tom

[TMK-001]

Hey Skippy - what happened with the other one? I was interested to know if you had taken up the option...

I think get it in, worry about it down the track :-P

Hahaha. Good luck!

Todd

[oz_tom]

The other one = DCR's one???

[TMK-001]

yeah mate... the dcr one was for his mechanic.

[Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo]

After talking to the seller it turns out to be the same motor. I didn't think there would be too many of them collecting dust.

Thinking caps on, time to do some maths.

[oz_tom]

THE MATHS 101:

S14 + 2002 = MUCH FUN :-P

Im sure there is gonna be one later down the line if you choose not to get this one Andrew. Have you looked into bringing one over from the states?

Tom

[TMK-001]

There are other options to the states - HK is also another option... I have some mates from HK that I will ask to do some searching for me. I might even have a trip over myself to search for one.

Between you, Nick Vyse and a few others that I have coem across, I am hoping to have enough info on the RHD S14 install.

My goal is inside the next 12 months!

Todd

[NickVyse]

I was about to say the race is one for Australia's first M2, but I know of a company in the Midlands, UK, that built one for an Australian/it went to Australia.

Never tracked it down though - and it sounded very interesting with an M3 diff (bastard to fit) and M3 steering rack conversion (equally a bastard to do - fits ahead of the wheels unlike the easier e21 rack conversion that sits behind the wheels).

Any of you Aussies heard of it down there? It was built by Mark at Martek Motorsport near Birmingham.

Nick

[TMK-001]

There is a very nice Golf in Queensland with a M10 block with a BMW Motorsports S14 head on it.

I have heard of M2's, but never heard more than hear say like "Oh, there is one in Sydney with an S14 in it" or whatever...

I will get it done! Since I was 18 (not that long ago - I'm 22) I have been checking out bmwm2.com and been planning my install! hahaha! If I had the spare bucks, I would have got that motor, harness, box, etc. from QLD and be putting it in!

Todd

[Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo]

There are two issues I have with getting a motor from overseas.

Firstly, its an unknown, and despite the best assurances from reputable companies, if something goes wrong or i end up with something other than ordered, recourse is difficult.

Second, is the associated cost. On top of the transportation costs, are the actual packing costs, import taxes,handling, quarantine and customs fees.Not to mention insurance.

The seller bought e46 m3 running gear for his other e30 m3. He basically bought a 600 mile e46 m3 without the body. It cost him 500 pounds just to have all the gear ( engine smg gearbox suspension the lot)crated up, and yes, the box is about as big as an 02, but its still a lot to pay on top of the cost of the motor.

After all is said and done, I think the best option is to find a local one that has a bit of history( like what I've found) and try to do a deal with the seller.

I'll let you know how I go.

[TMK-001]

Sounds like a good plan. I plan on freshening up the motor at some point in time, so provided it goes, I am happy.

If I get 20,000km out of it until I can afford to get it rebuilt, I will be happy - these motors should last 250,000 before a full rebuild easily? Or Am I dreaming?

That motor for $7,200 is a great buy I think... if they install it for you for around $12,000 all up, I would be very happy!

Todd

[Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo]

Damn its tempting!

[TMK-001]

DO IT!!!!!! DO IT!!!!!!!

The more you hold out, the closer I get to doing it!