Blown Head Gasket

#1

Hello,

I am generally new to the Spec E30 class with a project car that’s about 85% built. I purchased the car stock in March, did a lot of work, and then got it down to VIR that same month. I drove the car very hard tapping the rev limiter from Fri-Sun that weekend with no issues what so ever.

Here I am, after taking a full two month break (which I promised my wife I would do) and I fire it up this past weekend to putz around northern va and end up blowing the freak’n head gasket! Some luck to have just before sending it to the cage shop and convincing myself that there really isn’t too much more money involved!

Anyway, I was hoping to get some positive advice from folks on the forum.

My questions are:

What else should I look for while I’m in there? The car was over heated so it may have done other damage. I heard there are stronger gaskets than stock and possibly better bolts and/or studs? I looked in the regs so I think everything including the gasket must be factory stock. If someone can confirm, I would appreciate that.

Is there anything else or does someone have general list of items to do while I’m in there? How much more to get into the pistons and rings? I have not decided if I’m going to do the work myself or not…I guess it depends on the shop estimate…Any numbers to base that off of? Any kits suggested and where to get them for a decent price? If I did it myself, are there any specialty tools I would need?

The plan was to have the car at Hyperfest and also do the super comp school at VIR in July. Summit clearly won’t happen. Any info that could help me with this new project would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Justin

#2

jusilver wrote:

Deck the head (make sure the al-u-min-e-um head is flat, not warped from the heat).

Others will finish the list I’m sure.

#3

Good Luck I hope you get it done in time for VIR and if you need any help just give me a call.

-Brandon

#4

Instead of paying to rebuild your existing motor, it may be a whole lot cheaper to buy a used one and just put it in.

#5

I second the used engine. You can then take your time to build the original engine to have as a spare, or sell. Since you’re in NoVa, try my buddy at Pick-a-part in Stafford. He’ll give you a good price on a used motor.

Pick-a-part
164 Norman Rd
Stafford, VA 22554
(540) 657-7425

His name is andy.
Tell him Fritz sent you. If you need help getting it home, I have a truck & trailer. Let me know.

#6

I think it’s less hassle and I know it was less money to buy a used engine. I bought a engine/head with 72K, P/S pump, A/c comp, etc for $750 delivered to my door. To rebuild my old engine just parts I was looking at about $1k.

#7

Thanks for all of the great responses. I will certainly look into pop’n a new motor in.

#8

What a reality check - is this a cool series or what? Cheaper and competitive to just have a used engine. Nice!

#9

I bought a running engine and tranny for $150 to have as spares. For that price, I’d be able to buy 1 piston for my Porsche.