It's time for a Built Motor - need experienced input

[McBobby Jr]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

It could help, but if I was doing cams I'd want a built head too.

If I had a built head I'd want a block and assembly that could take the abuse.

This is what makes building these engines so expensive, it's always one thing leads to another. Personally for me if I go for a built engine, I'll go all in and have the tens of thousands ready. Hopefully everything goes well for your build Jimmy.

[M3ZCPNYC]

Scared to do a built motor I hear bad things and once you go that route something happens it's all over and most places don't warranty their work so...

[TopJimmy]

BMB Billy has my core S55 motor apart and all looks good! Ready for the refresh and build-up!!!

[chetrickerman]

His clean room is very nice

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by chetrickerman

His clean room is very nice

I was up to see Billy's shop today. This guy must be the secret guru of engine building because there were no less than 10 hot bimmers in the parking lot for engines. The shop is clean and Billy is very knowledgeable.

The block and heads are fully disassembled and are going out for a good sonic cleaning. It's amazing how good shape this ex-spun motor is in. The cylinder walls still show crosshatch and there's no wear notch from the rings at the top of the bore. The head has no evidence of valves being tapped, and the runners are only mildly crudded up.

Next up...true the top of the block and CNC the head.

[chetrickerman]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I was up to see Billy's shop today. This guy must be the secret guru of engine building because there were no less than 10 hot bimmers in the parking lot for engines. The shop is clean and Billy is very knowledgeable.

The block and heads are fully disassembled and are going out for a good sonic cleaning. It's amazing how good shape this ex-spun motor is in. The cylinder walls still show crosshatch and there's no wear notch from the rings at the top of the bore. The head has no evidence of valves being tapped, and the runners are only mildly crudded up.

Next up...true the top of the block and CNC the head.

Looks like the motor is in excellent shape. Its always cool to see your motor as its being built.

[Bluer2]

you gonna get some Kratos Evo turbos with this motor? or you gonna slap those chinese turbos back on?

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by Bluer2

you gonna get some Kratos Evo turbos with this motor? or you gonna slap those chinese turbos back on?

[Monster truck announcer voice]
KRAAAAAATOOOOOOSssss!!!!
EVO-EVO-EVO!
Sunday-Sunday-Sunday
Well, not this Sunday, but it's part of the old Atco Raceway chant...

The VTTs GCs got sent back for a replacement and Tony just refunded my money...and no replacement. I guess I got snubbed by the "soup nazi" at Vargas. He did me a favor and pushed me away. Kratos here I come.

[papasmurf_m3]

So awesome Jimmy!! Stoked for you brotha!! Seems a lot of S55 guys with built motors coming out of the woodworks.

On a side note. I heard you can buy a brand new bare block from BMW for 3500 bucks!?

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by papasmurf_m3

So awesome Jimmy!! Stoked for you brotha!! Seems a lot of S55 guys with built motors coming out of the woodworks.

On a side note. I heard you can buy a brand new bare block from BMW for 3500 bucks!?

I heard about that price for the block-only, and a complete short-block (with crank, rods and pistons) for $8,500. Then Carbahn short blocks start at $13K.

My builder said the difficult find is the head, since the cam journals frequently take damage during failures. Since the journals are part of the head once it's ruined you would need to have it rebored and a custom cam made.

I got SOOOOOO lucky to get a good rebuildable core motor for under $5K, but it did involve a blind gamble by buying a motor unseen from the other side of the country.

[gman_newyork]

Originally Posted by papasmurf_m3

So awesome Jimmy!! Stoked for you brotha!! Seems a lot of S55 guys with built motors coming out of the woodworks.

On a side note. I heard you can buy a brand new bare block from BMW for 3500 bucks!?

BMW just raised the price to $3,800.

[McBobby Jr]

Originally Posted by gman_newyork

I don't want to come across as an assh@le but my wallet has been hit hard along with the learning/experimenting. You can decide if you want to believe me but I cannot share everything as I've signed non disclosures at times and am not willing to risk my legal liability.

The S55 is in another state currently and I'm not going to ask the builder to share sound clips until the car is delivered in June. I will say it's not American muscle sounding nor Supra with big camshafts as I would pass just due to my dislike of that type of sound.

You free to disclose your build? I'm still curious about those Schrick Cams, would like to hear what you have to say.

[M4rtinJ]

Anyone know the part number for the short block from BMW ? Interested in ordering one for myself

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by M4rtinJ

Anyone know the part number for the short block from BMW ? Interested in ordering one for myself

A new Short Engine costs $19,000 plus tax.
That comes without a head.
You can buy my whole engine cheaper!
https://parts.bmwnorthwest.com/p/BMW...002433194.html