How about an M20 build thread

[turbodan]

Pics & video please?

I need to find a good way to attach the camera. Tape doesn't work. I may try zip ties.

[turbodan]

Shame I didn't get any video this evening. This thing is sick. 65-85 in third takes two seconds according to the datalog, and at 85 its only at ~5100 RPM. Peak power is in the vicinity of 6500, so its got plenty more left at that point. I would really like to wind it out further but its only about a tank of gas into the break in period.



Look at those IAT's. Almost entirely undisturbed.

[turbodan]

Went out for a full stress road test with the prospective buyer last night, which was a great deal of fun. Motor was running great, making plenty of power. Max boost was 1.4 bar. After an uphill pull past 130 in 4th gear, we headed back to the home base and stopped for gas on the way. Checking under the hood at the gas station revealed a small amount of coolant purged from the reservoir. Not an explosion of coolant, but enough to indicate a head gasket leak. Due to these circumstances the sale fell through. There was not enough time to fix the HG and the possibility that there is an issue with the block deck or head surface as well, so it might not have been a quick fix anyway.

Its not the worst thing in the world really. The car is worked out. A head gasket is an easy fix. I didn't want to get rid of it anyway, especially with a new motor and a solid driveline and chassis. I will throw a good old stock composite gasket in there, maybe with some stainless o-rings in the block to cut down on this nonsense. I've had enough of these MLS gaskets. This one apparently never sealed. I won't know where the failure occurred until I get it apart, but short of a defect in the surface of the block, this gasket was bogus.

[T_C_D]

That sucks!

[turbodan]

Sucks for Trey. He seemed to be having a blast. Just when he was starting to get stoked on the deal this happens.

[TheE28Ranch]

Sucks for Trey. He seemed to be having a blast. Just when he was starting to get stoked on the deal this happens.

Yeah, I'm a little suspicious that you squirted some water from a hidden bottle onto that inside fender well when I was filling it up with gas and wasn't looking - you had seller's remorse even before I handed the check over! Haha j/k! Thing ran like a raped ape though. It was an experience and adventure I won't soon forget. Easier to express in hoots, howls and twisted grins than words!!

Oh well, fun times, and nice to meet Dan in person, his wife, and cute-as-a-button daughter Maria. A mini 5er Fest it was. Get it sorted out and we can see what happens next year. I don't know though, seems like it's too much a part of you to let go.

And the silver lining? I'm driving a loaner E34 M5 touring (conversion) back to MI, compliments of my kind-hearted aunt and uncle. Now they have room for another X5 or the like in the garage of their Santa Fe vacation home. Everybody's a winner!!

[turbodan]

Sorted it will be. I'll just have to borrow one of those Isky o-ring groove cutters. The composite head gaskets always seal, and the orings should provide enough support to keep things in place.

Would have done that already if I didn't have the MLS gasket sitting around.

[Bill in MN]

Dan

I've got an O ring tool you're welcome to. Hopefully I don't need it soon