2006 ZCP (Clubsport/OEM+) Build Journal

[cornerbalanced]

Check that the head gasket is sealing with a leak down test. It'll be much easier to replace it while the engine is out of the car if it is indeed leaking between cylinders. A compression test won't always catch a head gasket problem.

Possible to do a leak down while the engine is removed? The compression numbers are solid enough, my plan was just to take the head off at 200k miles to reseal everything and port the head, valve job, cams, lifters. Just want to let my wallet rest for now. I figure if the car makes it to 200k, I’ll put that investment in.

[Slideways]

Possible to do a leak down while the engine is removed? The compression numbers are solid enough, my plan was just to take the head off at 200k miles to reseal everything and port the head, valve job, cams, lifters. Just want to let my wallet rest for now. I figure if the car makes it to 200k, I’ll put that investment in.

Yes, you are pressurizing each cylinder with an air compressor.

[Sharocks]

Get SSV1's while the motor is out and you have to tune.

It's worth the investment now.

Also, I wonder if that E92 used to belong to Vinny from Hoonigan lol

[cornerbalanced]

Get SSV1's while the motor is out and you have to tune.

It's worth the investment now.

Also, I wonder if that E92 used to belong to Vinny from Hoonigan lol

Totally understand why I (should) get V1s, and I tried…but ultimately, I found my BimmerWorld headers for under $300 shipped. The fitment is great, and that’s what matters to me most. Not extracting every ounce of power/performance…yet. This was never that kind of car for me. I honestly would have kept my OE headers, however after 150k miles I’m paranoid about the cats falling apart.

I know Vin relatively well—near identical specs, but not his car unfortunately…that thing was clean.

[cornerbalanced]

After rod bearing failure, my car is finally back on the road. I sourced an engine from an LCI (‘04) M3 with 120k miles. Luckily I was able to have my mechanic compression test the motor while it was still in the car. Afterwards, it was pulled and sent to my mechanic for a full refresh.

The following was done to the car while the engine was removed…

Motor:
- New OE VANOS unit (transferred from original motor)
- New OE Oil Pump Disc (transferred from original motor)
- Beisan Hub
- VANOS housing gasket
- Chain guides (Beisan upgraded & OE)
- Valve cover gasket
- Coil packs
- Spark plugs
- Fuel injectors cleaned & flow tested
- Fuel injector o-rings
- Fuel filter
- ACL “Race” rod bearings
- ARP rod bolts
- Oil pan gasket
- Oil pump pickup tube o-ring
- Front timing cover gasket
- Front crankshaft seal
- Rear main seal
- Intake boot gasket rings
- Throttle body o-rings
- Oil filter housing gasket
- Oil pressure switch
- Drive belt idler pulley
- Accessory belt tensioner kit
- A/C belt tensioner
- A/C & Accessory Belts
- Intake filter

Cooling system:
- Koyo radiator
- Fan clutch & fan
- Water pump
- Thermostat
- Radiator hoses
- Auxiliary fan switch
- Upgraded viton cooling system o-ring kit

Transmission:
- Shifter carrier cup
- Clutch Pivot Fork
- Clutch Pilot Bearing
- Clutch Release Arm Spring
- Steel (upgraded) Clutch Fork Pivot
- OE Clutch

Bushings:
- Front control arm bushings, pre-pressed
- Engine mounts
- Transmission mounts
- Steering coupler/guibo

Upgrades:
- CPI/Bimmerworld ceramic coated headers
- Dinan section 3
- New header and section 3 exhaust gaskets
- N54 header/exhaust studs
- HTE tune

Fresh engine prep’d for install, lots of components were vapor-blasted, refinished, cleaned, etc.





Engine bay cleaned & degreased.



First “actual” drive after breaking in the clutch.





I still have a lot planned for the car…this was just a pretty big setback, filled with a lot of “while you’re in there” items. Next up I plan on having the wheels refinished, fresh tires installed, paint correction & euro front bumper, and then finally tackle the rear suspension (spherical RTABs, camber arms, diff bushings & bolts, alignment).

[Loopyspec]

Car looks great and kudos on the refresh while the engine was out. Looking forward to more updates!

[cornerbalanced]

Considering selling the car, although I likely won’t. I move to London in less than a year for work and it doesn’t make sense to have a car parked in the states for a substantial amount of time. With that said, I likely can’t bring myself to write an official ad so the car will likely go unsold. I wouldn’t even know how to price it.

With that said I’m really enjoying my time with the car. Oil change and dyno-tune soon, followed by a paint correction and some rock chips getting touched up.

[heinzboehmer]

Ship it over and then drive down to the Nurburgring every once in a while

[cornerbalanced]

Ship it over and then drive down to the Nurburgring every once in a while

That’s the dream, wish it was practical to do so. Will likely end up buying a European market exclusive to have fun with while I’m over there. E90 320si, euro E36 M3…something interesting.

[Sharocks]

Keep it.

They're getting harder and harder to find.

You will make more money.

You will never get the time you invested back in the form of money out of the car.

Hence why I never sell my cars lol

[cornerbalanced]

Keep it.

They're getting harder and harder to find.

You will make more money.

You will never get the time you invested back in the form of money out of the car.

Hence why I never sell my cars lol

You’re a smart man haha. Yeah, if I sell it I know I’m never finding another spec like it again. Leaning heavily towards keeping.

[duracellttu]

Depending on how long you are in the UK, you could always sell and buy a CSL to bring back!

[Casa de Mesa]

Just re-read your build journal. Agree with the others.Keep it! It's a beautiful car, especially with a fresh motor.

And awesome about London! I've been there with work a few times, what a city. Living there would be just incredible.

[Nate047]

Keep it. Register it non op and find somewhere to park it. Or if you're going to be in the UK for a while, ship it over.

You're not going to want to drive in London though lol.

[SeñorEnglish]

Great posts - thanks