KirkF

Sounds like I can buy your car at a discount!

When I rebuilt my motor i checked into the 3.8 option. I decided it was way too much $$ for very little in return. (aside from the bragging value). A 3.8 increase alone isnt going to do much for power.

Kirk

LastMezger

I'll take $29,000 CDN. They cost more up here.

N51

And so would I. You're asking $25k USD for a '91 that needs $4500 USD to freshen the top end. Plus, has a history of collision damage.

Then you contemplate building a 3.8l. That'll take all of $10k to do it right. Then you dream of Speedlines(don't we all). Another $6k. All USD's.

Based on your first thoughts, Indy's talking logic. Based on your following thoughts, he's made some good observations. :-)

It is interesting to note your strong sentiments toward a '91 Porsche, while you enjoy an '06 650i.

As you say, you're only 31. Plenty of time to renew your relationship with another Porsche. Best wishes on your decision, but I'd be casting a critical look at that BMW. Then with the Porsche, fix only what is broken and drive it.
It really is a beautiful car!

Noah

LastMezger

the 650 is long gone and it was a company car just as the X5 is.

i didn't realize the rims were so much $$$. same for the 3.8 (i've done a few searches subsequent to making my remarks). i hail from corvettes...damn they are cheap to upgrade and repair.

In all seriousness the cars are more money up here. take a look at the junk on trader.ca. I bought the car out west because its super nice. at the end of the day if i can't get reasonable money for it i'll keep it.

i do rather like it.

Dwane

If you wanna sell your wheels I'll trade you my 16's plus some cash.
That can get you started on your project.
The tires only have 5k on them.

axl911

When you said "most cylinders are OK but 3 is 24-40% down and 4 is up to 90% down. Auguste was saying that the valves were seating just by rocking the engine and thus giving an almost perfect result as well", what did they mean? What were wrong with the valves?

I am curious as to why rocking the engine would cause the valve to seat.

LastMezger

I'm not a tech guy by any means. From what I understood the valves aren't sticking so it doesn't take much for them to seat properly. As the guides wear this won't be the case and the engine will lose more compression.

Maybe someone that knows more can elaborate.

like I said earlier...the car drives perfectly but has a rough idle.

cobracarrera

This was the best answer given. KEEP IT I SAY.....Everyone is always sorry at the end that they sold their car.. unless you are going to spend more and upgrade the ride and get something right away.

TR6

This particular buyer is in the driver's seat (no pun intended) on price negotiations due to the leak down test results, the history report showing previous collision damage, etc. If you make a deal with this guy, you are going to take a beating on the deal, and he is accumulating lots of ammunition for negotiations. I think that unless you REALLY need to sell the car for financial reasons, you tell this potential buyer that you've changed your mind and just keep it and drive it for a while. Just take a deep breath and walk away. This will give you a chance to 1) enjoy the car for a while, 2) decided what the car REALLY needs in terms of work, if any in the near term, 3) have some time to re-think your wants and desires with regard to houses and cars. It all comes down to re-evaluating the validity of the reasons that are driving you to sell it right now.

Just my initial thoughts intended for entertainment purposes only. No liability is expressed or implied should you follow my obviously flawed advice.

Indycam

"I'm not going any lower and I'm leaning towards just driving it until it becomes a major problem."
Nothing good will come from waiting .
The cost for fixing the problem will only go up .
The cost could go way way waaaaaaay up .
Lucky for you , you know that the guides need work .
Fix them before the valve and or seat gets beat and or burnt to death .
Fix them before the valve head snaps off .
Puting off the needed repairs = you nuts !

Indycam

"I am curious as to why rocking the engine would cause the valve to seat."
The valve stem is pushed back and forth when the motor is rocked back and forth .
When the stem is in the right spot , the valve and valve seat get together and seal .

Peter Badore

Has a compression test been done in addition to the leak done test? A 90% leak down is obviously very severe and a properly done compression test should confirm the problem cylinder. I am surprised that the engine runs as well as you report with the amount of leak down. I am wondering if the leak down test was done correctly.

axl911

Indycam,

"I am curious as to why rocking the engine would cause the valve to seat."
The valve stem is pushed back and forth when the motor is rocked back and forth .
When the stem is in the right spot , the valve and valve seat get together and seal .

I'd like to understand what is the problem with the valve here. It's obvious that there is a leak in the valve seal. You think the valve bent, cracked, or burned? Worn valve guide would not show up in a leakdown (unless it wobbles so much), and the engine only need 1 quart of oil every 2K miles.

LastMezger

The story has an ending...I agreed to sell it.

Thanks for the lively input.

Bearclaw

To the same guy you had been dealing with...?

Just curious.