Re: Going through a complete engine rebuild myself (archive)

[this is a re-post from the M5 E28 board]
Hi folks,
Don't know if you remember me ... I'm the guy that was quoted 10k to rebuild my bottom end last year by a local shop, so I towed the car home and here it sits. The head was done by Frank Fahey but I just didn't know what to do about putting it back together.
Anyway, my brother is coming over tomorrow with an engine hoist and we are finally going to pull the block out! YES! I guess I'll send it off to Metric Mechanics for the rebuild. I'm a little more then worried about putting it back together myself. I do have a highly recommended machine shop locally, but nobody seems willing to put the parts back on at a reasonable price within towing distance. (I'm in the Balt/Wash corridor)
Just thought I might ask the board if you have any advice to follow when pulling it out...tricks that might be specific to this engine? Anything I have to do with the trans to make the job go smoother. I do not plan on bringing the trans with it ... just seperate the two and leave trans in place. The head is off the block and the radiator is out of the car (also the pistons & rods are out but I don't think that matters)
I should have thought to ask sooner, but any good advice is certainly appreciated.
TIA,
Michael in MD

Michael, I am going through a complete engine rebuild on my euro m6 as we speak. Just wondering why you did not opt for send the rest of the engine to Frank Fahey. I have been debating between Fahey and another shop up in Philly - VAC Motorsports.

Per your question, all the shop manual highly recommend pulling the trans first. I yank the one on mine and just left it on the transmission jack under the car. The big trick on the M6 was all the star bolts holding the trans to the block and the tight quarter that there was to work in.

As far as any other issues. I don't recall any major issues in pulling the engine. Just lots of parts, hoses, god only know where they all go back together -- just kidding.

If you take your time, I don't think there is anything crazy about putting one these engines back together; and, for that matter back into the car. Sounds like you already got most of it apart.

good luck,

Carl

Follow Ups:

Re: Going through a complete engine rebuild myself Michael 09:38 6/13/2002 (4)
- Re: Going through a complete engine rebuild myself Neil Deshpande 23:48 6/13/2002 (2)
  - Re: Going through a complete engine rebuild myself Michael 16:14 6/14/2002 (0)
  - Adding to Neil's comment - used 3.8L for ~$6500 Dave 14:38 6/14/2002 (0)
- Re: Going through a complete engine rebuild myself Carl - 85 euro M6 14:49 6/13/2002 (0)

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