Hello Guys, (and Gals?)
Well its time for my very first S14 overhaul and swap project. As a background filler I own a small E30 specialty shop here in SoCal and have lots of experience with E30s, about 4 years now of dedicated E30 service work. I have rebuilt and repaired lots and lots of M20's, a few M42's, M10, M30, etc. etc.
The only direct experience I have with the S14 is refurbishing a valve cover, installing a CF air box and Alpha N system. But my actual engine experience with the S14 is nil.
This engine is for a 2002 swap project and is long overdue to start. The customer has a fair amount of budget set aside, but I understand these engine can go from expensive to bank busting in a matter of a few wrench strokes so to be honest I am nervous to start and the customer sense this. I have to break past this and get cracking on this engine project.
What I am hoping to gain from you folks here is some tips and tricks, what kind of costs I can expect during a overhaul and where you guys think the best deals are to be had. I typically use a mix of aftermarket and dealer parts in most of my work and value long term quality of repair as opposed to getting it done for the lowest price/highest profit. Also if there are brands/parts to watch out for regarding quality issues, I would like to know.
So I will kick off this thread with a picture of the engine I have to work with and what I have found so far.
Originally it was hoped the engine could be cleaned up, a few gaskets here and there and get it into the 2002. We have all the parts for the actual swap. I did a leak down test and it did not turn out good at all. With a 90psi reference pressure I was greeted with #1 @ 78psi, #2 @ 75psi, #3 @ 70psi, #4 @ 60psi. I was getting air leak down mostly on the exhuast but it was also coming from the intake and crankcase. So I am assuming valves need to be serviced, headgasket it most likely toast, etc.. So this has turned into a complete overhaul and looks like I may end up doing the bottom end. My thoery is if the head is in poor shape then the bottom end is most likely going to need bearings, and rings, and most likely pistons. See where the cost is going already? Right out the window, lol
Your advice and feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Here is what I am working with:
Well its time for my very first S14 overhaul and swap project. As a background filler I own a small E30 specialty shop here in SoCal and have lots of experience with E30s, about 4 years now of dedicated E30 service work. I have rebuilt and repaired lots and lots of M20's, a few M42's, M10, M30, etc. etc.
The only direct experience I have with the S14 is refurbishing a valve cover, installing a CF air box and Alpha N system. But my actual engine experience with the S14 is nil.
This engine is for a 2002 swap project and is long overdue to start. The customer has a fair amount of budget set aside, but I understand these engine can go from expensive to bank busting in a matter of a few wrench strokes so to be honest I am nervous to start and the customer sense this. I have to break past this and get cracking on this engine project.
What I am hoping to gain from you folks here is some tips and tricks, what kind of costs I can expect during a overhaul and where you guys think the best deals are to be had. I typically use a mix of aftermarket and dealer parts in most of my work and value long term quality of repair as opposed to getting it done for the lowest price/highest profit. Also if there are brands/parts to watch out for regarding quality issues, I would like to know.
So I will kick off this thread with a picture of the engine I have to work with and what I have found so far.
Originally it was hoped the engine could be cleaned up, a few gaskets here and there and get it into the 2002. We have all the parts for the actual swap. I did a leak down test and it did not turn out good at all. With a 90psi reference pressure I was greeted with #1 @ 78psi, #2 @ 75psi, #3 @ 70psi, #4 @ 60psi. I was getting air leak down mostly on the exhuast but it was also coming from the intake and crankcase. So I am assuming valves need to be serviced, headgasket it most likely toast, etc.. So this has turned into a complete overhaul and looks like I may end up doing the bottom end. My thoery is if the head is in poor shape then the bottom end is most likely going to need bearings, and rings, and most likely pistons. See where the cost is going already? Right out the window, lol
Your advice and feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Here is what I am working with:

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