M50 Engine Rebuild Project Pics, (Lots O' Pics)......

[Dave M]

So the head went in for some work. After some deliberation (based heavily on the boards suggestions) I found a good shop and had them clean and pressure test the head, re-grind the valves / seats and install new valve seals. I think $300 Can. was a good price for the work they did. The head now passes the varsol ‘leak’ test. The machinist was extremely interested in the job and took his time. As we don’t see many 5ers in town, he has asked to see the car when I’m done. Of course, I’d be all too happy to oblige. I’ve since been back to borrow their 800 ft/lb torque wrench for the 310ft/lb crankshaft hub.


back from the shop


‘new’ block with 110K, new rings, main and rod bearings

While the head was being worked on, I had a chance to do some cleaning and minor rust treatment. Below are some random pics of the re-assembly project to-date. I don’t do dishes, but gimme a wire brush, some Marine Clean and POR-15, and miraculously I become molly frickin maid. Nothing like Scott H’s (?) bead blasted parts, but a large improvement anyhow.


As the block was used in an e36, the engine mount points were different and two of the e34 M8 holes were rusted beyond use. I tapped them out to M10 and continued.


New M10 x 1.5 threads.

Con’t

[Dave M]

More random pics of re-assembly


won’t look like that for long


POR-15 on the block with a beauty FORD grey to top it off




POR-15 high temp mat black paint

Con’t

[Dave M]

Last one






The pic of the primary timing chain and number one cam lobes are for ‘re-assurance’ purposes. If anyone notices a problem with the setup, please let me know. BTW, the cams are locked and the OT marker on the vibration damper is lined up with the timing case cover mark. As well, I provided some chain tension while installing the primary timing sprocket. I have the threaded camshaft holes as far to the left on the elongated primary chain sprocket holes as possible (as per Bentley). I turned the engine over a few times and everything lined back up nicely. No resistance or broken valves.


Cleaned up some surface rust on the crossmember and painted it with POR-15. Also installed a steering box from Bret

More to come,

Dave M

[ILoveMPower]

Awesome man, good work. The black car is gonna be runnin like a champ...

[Bellicose Right Winger]

Looks good DaveM. Any chance you could check compression at some point? It would be interesting to see the impovement your hard work has delivered.

Paul Shovestul

[Anthony (M5 in Calgary)]

Nice work. I think the passenger side engine mount bracket is on upside down though.

[Dave M]

Nice work. I think the passenger side engine mount bracket is on upside down though.

Ahh, you have a keen eye and have passed the test. Of course, I meant to do that.....yeah, I meant to do that. I had those mounts on and off so many F'in times (thread issues), I guess I turned my brain off the last time.

Thanks,

Dave M

[Dave M]

Looks good DaveM. Any chance you could check compression at some point? It would be interesting to see the impovement your hard work has delivered.

Paul Shovestul

Paul,

It will be (one of) the first things i do after turning the key.

Thanks for all your help along the way,

Dave M

[Brandon J]

Good job Dave! It is great to see that our community is able to jump into greater and more involved tasks with the e34 as well as share your expereince with us. It was funny how everyone on Scott's 535it project knew all the bolt sizes by heart to almost everything. Let us know how it turns out.