New Built S65 Engines (4.1L and 4.5L) from CarBahn Autoworks

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

I have the E90 S3R.
Just got an oil report back from blackstone, and it isn’t pretty.
Waiting for a follow up report before I get too excited.

The mileage on the engine is 100,000 km or 60,000 miles, so well within their advertised longevity for built motors.
Having 2 M3’s, I had neglected to do an oil change on this one for about a year, because I was focused on the other for resale. Since I now have a baseline, I can trend the concentrations of metals and I confirm any issues.

When I purchased the car, I did leak down and pressure tests, all excellent. So in one year, I can’t imagine why I would be even considering rod bearings or God forbid, a head gasket.

Anyway, it’s an ongoing process, that I’m happy to share, especially if people are considering the amount of money these engines cost.

Show us the Blackstone UOA. It might not even be rod bearings, and could even be the mains.

[TomHudson]

Stop, you’re making me cry ��,

The only reason these bearings would fail prematurely, is if I had a coolant leak internally.

Either way it’s good income for Jay at Stance and I’m happy to do whatever it takes to get the car sorted....it’s only time and money !

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Redd

Curious why the new 4.1L capacity when Carbahn already have a 4.2L kit available?

Issues with the 4.2?

Two different engines for two different purposes. 4.2 n/a and 4.1 for forced induction. There is likely some minute, but important detail that dictates the .1 liter difference which also shows up in the differential volume in the larger bore option. Likely, stroke difference if I had to venture a guess.

[jcolley]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Two different engines for two different purposes. 4.2 n/a and 4.1 for forced induction. There is likely some minute, but important detail that dictates the .1 liter difference which also shows up in the differential volume in the larger bore option. Likely, stroke difference if I had to venture a guess.

With 98mm cylinder spacing, the factory 92mm bore doesn't leave a lot of wall. Bump it up to 92.5 for an overbore just to get clean Alusil and leave strength for an F/I application.

Now, go to 94mm...really thin walls. Maybe fine for N/A, but pushing cylinder combustion pressures up on F/I, there's very little real estate for head gasket to seal.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by jcolley

With 98mm cylinder spacing, the factory 92mm bore doesn't leave a lot of wall. Bump it up to 92.5 for an overbore just to get clean Alusil and leave strength for an F/I application.

Now, go to 94mm...really thin walls. Maybe fine for N/A, but pushing cylinder combustion pressures up on F/I, there's very little real estate for head gasket to seal.

Ahhhhh, great info. Thanks!

[TomHudson]

Steve Dinan redesigned the 4.6 stroker with low compression pistons for 4.5 displacement specifically for forced induction. Apparently FI on the 4.6 wasnt working out well...
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[TomHudson]

So another blackstone analysis sent out..

Idle control valve decided to crap out after just replacing the thermostat and starter...

These things are fu**ing expensive.

[wyatth]

^ Yup, expensive POS’ they are!
So let me know when your S3R E90 is FS.

[TomHudson]

I just checked on-line for Dinan rod bearings.
They want $6000 us for bearings and valve springs!
Waiting fir a quote on rod bearings only.

Recommend 75,000 miles to do this service.

I’m not there, mileage wise, but there’s no fucking way I’m spending 10,000 CAD on that.

I’ll post the blackstone reports as they come up.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

I just checked on-line for Dinan rod bearings.
They want $6000 us for bearings and valve springs!
Waiting fir a quote on rod bearings only.

Recommend 75,000 miles to do this service.

I’m not there, mileage wise, but there’s no fucking way I’m spending 10,000 CAD on that.

I’ll post the blackstone reports as they come up.

The springs will take a bit of work and parts... Not sure if you need them though.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

I just checked on-line for Dinan rod bearings.
They want $6000 us for bearings and valve springs!
Waiting fir a quote on rod bearings only.

Recommend 75,000 miles to do this service.

I’m not there, mileage wise, but there’s no fucking way I’m spending 10,000 CAD on that.

I’ll post the blackstone reports as they come up.

Just get some aftermarket rod bearings like BE or VAC and have Jay install em for ya. It's not a big deal. If you are seeing other parts of the engine wearing then, I really don't know what to say aside from good luck...

[TomHudson]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Just get some aftermarket rod bearings like BE or VAC and have Jay install em for ya. It's not a big deal. If you are seeing other parts of the engine wearing then, I really don't know what to say aside from good luck...

The stroker engine has specific bearings for their engine, I can’t use anything else, which I didn’t know prior to owning.
I’m waiting for a quote on the bearings only before I completely lose it!

I will monitor oil analysis and check the filter itself before making a decision.
I would be very surprised that these engineered bearings are toast already.

[TomHudson]

Originally Posted by Scharbag

The springs will take a bit of work and parts... Not sure if you need them though.

No, I don’t think I need the springs but I shouldn’t need bearings yet either!
I will be closely be monitoring it and posting results.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

The stroker engine has specific bearings for their engine, I can’t use anything else, which I didn’t know prior to owning.
I’m waiting for a quote on the bearings only before I completely lose it!

I will monitor oil analysis and check the filter itself before making a decision.
I would be very surprised that these engineered bearings are toast already.

Brutal... I'm just hoping this wasn't the reason why the previous owner sold the car. If you are going to need rod bearings, I'd go ahead and replace the mains while you're at it. Look into using an oil additive like Ceratec moving forward also.

[TomHudson]

Before I get ahead of myself, I’m reminded of the podcast of Steve Dinan on Smoking Tire.
He talks positively of the rid bearing issue and the clevite bearings they use for their built and racing engines.

He says they are more durable than stock BMW bearings and “half the price”

So until I get a quote for the bearings from Carbahn, I’ll just leave speculation alone and post only what the associated costs are.

I’ve always had an excellent experience with Dinan cars, Dinan products and service so I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt here, and await some pricing.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Brutal... I'm just hoping this wasn't the reason why the previous owner sold the car. If you are going to need rod bearings, I'd go ahead and replace the mains while you're at it. Look into using an oil additive like Ceratec moving forward also.

The mains are not a "while you're in there job". The mains require an engine out job. The rod bearings do not.

Doing the mains is basically an engine rebuild.

[TomHudson]

Ok, I’m settling down fr9m my over reaction from the Carbahn web site...

I just got a call from David Kim, their performance specialist and super nice guy..

The rod bearings are $550...

Since I’m not comfortable with the previous history, and the mileage is approaching the service interval, I will do the service.

As far as main bearings, I’m not going anywhere near that. I wouldn’t expect any issues there at all.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by tlow98

The mains are not a "while you're in there job". The mains require an engine out job. The rod bearings do not.

Doing the mains is basically an engine rebuild.

If I had a 4.6L stroker with questionable service history, yes I would.
If it was $15,000 for the overhaul kit like Tom said earlier I would definitely be doing the mains.
However if its only $550, then yes do the rod bearings and keep monitoring the blackstone UOA.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

If I had a 4.6L stroker with questionable service history, yes I would.
If it was $15,000 for the overhaul kit like Tom said earlier I would definitely be doing the mains.
However if its only $550, then yes do the rod bearings and keep monitoring the blackstone UOA.

Gotcha, we're on the same page. I misunderstood your comment.

[TomHudson]

I think when you’re into over $15,000 of work, it’s time to question the value of the project.
They’re good cars, but there is absolutely no value in it.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

I think when you’re into over $15,000 of work, it’s time to question the value of the project.
They’re good cars, but there is absolutely no value in it.

there isn't. you'll never get your moneys back. unfortunately even with a rebuilt motor...
just enjoy the car, and if the engine blows, then so be it. think about how much you invested into the dinan e36 and you ended up selling it for just a fraction of how much you spent on mods.

[TomHudson]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

there isn't. you'll never get your moneys back. unfortunately even with a rebuilt motor...
just enjoy the car, and if the engine blows, then so be it. think about how much you invested into the dinan e36 and you ended up selling it for just a fraction of how much you spent on mods.

As I may have mentioned prior, the E36 was worth more in parts. I will never make that mistake again!
I’m sure I’ll get lots of life out of this car before I consider any sale or surgery!

I spend a lot of money on my cars to “do it right” but honestly, most buyers don’t really care about that....just make it shiny and get good photos, it’s like staging a house!

BTW every single time I drive this car, I’m amazed at the performance and versatility of this car...