Source for replacement M20

#1

Not sure yet, but it looks like my motor met an untimely death at Sears Point this weekend. Early speculation is a spun rod bearing from loss of oil pressure in long left hand turns. (For those who don’t have one yet, I now strongly recommend a 3 qt. high-pressure accusump. It will be the first thing installed after I sort out this engine issue.)

I’m hoping the bottom end is salvagable, but if not it may be cheaper to replace the whole motor. Would people recommend a used (e.g. junk yard) M20, a rebuilt one from someone like Bavarian Engine Exchange (http://www.bavengine.com), or something else. I hate to spend the money for a factory rebuild but I also don’t want to repeat this process regularly. Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
-Joe
Future West Coast SpecE30 Racer

#2

Joe,
I would get a used M20. Try local junkyards and craigslist. Also you may want to talk to few local BMW mechanics as they may have a lead on the engine.
I was at Sears Point (CCA) HPDE last weekend as well, which E30 were you? (I was red E30).

Regards,
Igor

#3

I have always been dying to learn more about Accusumps installed on BMWs. I’ve only seen 1 on a BMW in person. Does anyone have any informational links that might have write-ups about BMW-Accusump applications and installs?

#4

Pops:

http://drautox.sphosting.com/install.htm

#5

I’ve got a 3qt high pressure version installed in my back seat. Yeah its a bit far from the engine, but there really is no other place to fit this big boy.

Its good that the rules allow for unlimited oil pan modifications, but what I’d really like to see is a rule allowing modifications to the head to prevent the pooling problem that goes on under high rpm and high-g situations. Even with my Accusump setup, there are times when the pump still starves for oil.