Rebuild or new crate?

[otisdog]

I think I've worked up the courage to undertake a complete restoration of my '74 tii that's been sitting in my garage for the last 15 years. Originally Fjord, it was repainted black under warranty.

My question - do I pull the motor and have one of the reputable California wrenchs rebuild it, or buy a BMW crate motor?

[jerry]

what's more important to you: good value or retaining the original matching motor that came with the car?

actually, i'm sure you could probably get good value with rebuilding your motor, too, but buying a crate motor is generally less expensive i'm told.

personally, i would opt to try to keep the original motor, but that's just me, especially on a tii.

this ONLY applies to cars i regard as more than mere appliances.

[BLUNT]

rebuild the original motor no question. keep the matching numbers assuming it matches now

[72Fjord02]

I would have it rebuilt. The BMW reman engines are no longer a bargain like they were years ago.

Plus if you have any problems or questions, you have the shop that built it locally to work through them with.

Rebuild it

[c.d.iesel]

...if you want Quality, a unquestionable BMW 2-Year/Unlimited

Mile part warranty protection, and things like a new cam, 'new'

factory tollerance crankshaft fitted with bearings, new pistons,

all new hardware - go for the premium "Long Block" exchange

for the rest - any other 'rebuild will always have questionable

judgement errors, and for little less , or for the same money in the end.

Compare apples to apples in all the parts when comparing indy rebuild

VS BMW Exchange Long Block

[ClayW]

Sorry for the hijack.

If I wanted a BMW crate engine, will any dealer get me one? Or should I find a Mobile Tradition/ BMW Classic dealer?

I just looked up www.mobiletradition-online.com and found this link under the "engine" heading:

http://bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=2215&mospid=47140&btnr=11_2359&hg=11&fg=05

What exactly do you get for the $239.34? Even a shortblock would be a steal for that much....what am I missing?

[Craig74tii]

obviously a typo. I'm getting almost $4,500 at another vendor.

[ClayW]

obviously a typo. I'm getting almost $4,500 at another vendor.

I kind of figured that. I'd have a few spare motors if they were that cheap!

EDIT: Looks like it's fixed now.