General questions and discussion - '87 323 SL

[atomant48]

I know of a turbo version like yours that had the E5T and gearbox swapped for a B6T with its gearbox. As far as I know it was a straight swap but this was many many years ago. But you might have trouble as from memory the driveshafts are bigger on both the turbo versions. So a straight B6 and gearbox might slot in. But you’ll miss the Tick tick of the chain ��

[JKuhn]

It seems we'll be able to salvage the head. As per the advice in a BMW owners club on Facebook, we've been soaking in paraffin and blasting it with carb cleaner. There are now 3 bolts still in the head, and they do move a bit.

Edit: If needed, there is an E5 head at a local scrap yard. I didn't think I would find one, but I did.

[FE3-323]

excellent progress. keep at it!

[JKuhn]

Time to get the rebuild (and gasflow) going.

[FE3-323]

got the remaining studs free?

[JKuhn]

They're out.

The block is now at the engineering shop for a rebore, and the head is also in for a gasflow. I got some replacement head bolts today, as 6 of them had damaged threads.

[FE3-323]

by gas flow do you mean port work?

[JKuhn]

Yes.

We're not getting bigger valves, as that would incur more costs and I can't go wild. But the ports will be done.

And speaking of costs, I noticed little oil spots in the shade net "garage" where my Z3 stands. Turns out it's one of the rear shocks. WHY NOW?!

[FE3-323]

quite curious to see the end result!!

[JKuhn]

I'll be sure to post pictures here as well. It's just going to take a while, as project cars always do.

Here's a quick snapshot of what it looks like right now.

[FE3-323]

old school goodness! nice that you have window vent guards too

[JKuhn]

Just a quick question.

1. Single 32/36 (Weber knockoff)
2. Single 36 DCD7 (genuine Weber)
3. Twin carbs (seemingly off an E5S, just spoke to someone and he just has to check if he still has them)

I currently have the 32/36 knockoff (with an old RWD air cleaner that I modified). I can get the 36, and if they're available I can get the twin carbs. Bearing in mind I want any mods to be decently stealth, which route should I go?

[atomant48]

Twin carbs and get the head skimmed while you’re at it. It will fly.

[JKuhn]

To be honest, I'm hesitant to skim more than what's needed. I know it will raise the cr, but I want to preserve as much metal as possible in case I need it later.

I'll see if I can get those twin carbs though.

[FE3-323]

skim it to the recommended OE max. usually around .25mm you can ALWAYS resurface it in the future past that mark. its not uncommon to see up to ~.5mm shaved in situations.
general resurfaces hardly remove any material.