Prices for m30 what you think

[User Name 19]

Hi Guys

have just got a quick quote from some guys in aus for parts on the m30

all parts are 7075 t6 aircraft aluminuim

all up 5k nz for

H beam rods - au1200

rocker arms - 1826

rocker locks - 120

arp head studs - 450

what do you think of the prices verus what you can get from the states

[CamB 48]

Before spending $5k on anything, please follow up on this classified advert:

http://www.bmwclub.co.nz/market-place/540.html

My 2c, based on research for the mechanically almost identical 4 cylinder M10 - unless you plan on revving over 6500rpm and changing to a long duration, high lift cam, you don't need the rockers. Shotpeened standard rods will be fine for 100hp/cylinder or more, easy. I bought rocker locks largely because they make it easier to install the rockers.

ARP studs - I dunno. I have gone for standard M10 headbolts for now. I might go for ARP if I have any problems. I have had my block o-ringed and will use a standard headgasket.

[Madhatter 0]

sounds like from pure performance motorsport?

Customer service is about the worst you are likely to find ever in the history of buying bmw performance parts.

[CamB 48]

Customer service is about the worst you are likely to find ever in the history of buying bmw performance parts.

Haha, tell us how you really feel.

Now you mention it though, I have seen similar criticisms over the internets before.

[Madhatter 0]

Haha, tell us how you really feel.

Now you mention it though, I have seen similar criticisms over the internets before.

Ok, how I really think.

I purchased parts on the provisions he had them in stock and would send them out to arrive within a week.

After 2 weeks of calling him, sending emails, etc, he never returned my calls.

I finally got a hold of his mobile number by a whois lookup on his website.

Called him on his mobile, pretty much just brushed me off as some guy from qld who purchased some stuff.

Apparently, he had been busy with other customers who he supplies, he couldnt return any of my calls.

Turns out that he had the rockers in stock but didnt have any parts of the rockers instock such as the ball feet adjusters or nuts. Of course, when I told him it was a time deadline and he promised he would send them out in time, no problems because they send via a courier (they came via post), he said he could supply them, sending them out within a couple of days.

Basically it was nearly 4 weeks from the date I paid for them till they arrived, I was just about ready to fly to melbourne to sort him out because it was rubbish.

They arrived, appeared to be in good condition and I have used them, however as all my allocated holidays had now vanished, it meant that my engine wasnt built, it wasnt run in and as such still sits in pieces on the floor in the garage waiting for a time when i might get some more time off (being a manager, it can be difficult).

The parts appeared to be good quality, ive been happy with them based on physical appearence, however I havent had a chance to run them in yet.

However, this is not the end of the tale. Doug (digger) purchased a set for his motor, they arrived drilled offcentre, very poor fit on the rocker shafts, basically just poor machining all round. I kept checking back with him as he was trying to get in contact with thomas, the last time I sent him a message, after nearly 6 weeks thomas was still pretty much ignoring him, so he ditched the idea of rockers and kept his shotpeened ones.

They did have some problems with the pad compound, including people who have had them snap the bolts and come clean off the rockers, plus those who can be found with extreme wear, but he assures people it has been fixed with a different material.

So yeah, what I think is, the product appears to be good quality, however I havent actually had them running on the motor yet, but his customer service just plain stinks.

With the time he wasted, I could have waited till now to order the ppf (thats the sweden guys) as they have a set of billet rockers too, but have an established reputation within the community. I told thomas clearly I cant bag his product, because quite clearly, it seems to be of good quality, but I told him straight out if anyone asks for an opinion on the products Ill tell them exactly how you dealt with me and all the stuffing around that has occured.

Thats how I really feel

Edited March 25, 2009 by Madhatter

[User Name 19]

Thanks guys for the info might steer away from them i would rather go with someone i can trust, cause seen i want to push 650-700hp

i want something relaiable that will last long and tru cause after spending the cash think im going to keep the car around for a long time lolz

cheers guys

[Madhatter 0]

by all means, speak to thomas and see what he has to say, other people have purchased his products and he keeps selling them, so I guess they must have some sort of quality too them. Im just saying his customer service really sucks in my experience, plus others who have dealt with him. So if you do buy from him in aus, it might upset you if the customer service and communication is really lacking (probably start thinking you have done your money or something). As I said, this was last year so maybe he has upped his game, but its enough to put me off so im not going to buy from him again (besides ive found a lot of his parts like pistons and even rods are expensive anyway).

On the rockers though, its not so much power thats going to cause you problems, but rather lift and seat pressure. AFAIK, like the M10, the rocker ratio is reduced on the m30 so the end result is that there isnt as much pressure working on the nose (and across the bridge) of the rocker, so its not as normal for them to break rocker arms. Its pretty normal for m10 motors to run at 7000rpm without too many issues it seems. So unless you plan to rev the motor, and given that you probably arent going to be running a very high lift cam, I would start to think if billet rockers would be needed anyway. Locks for sure, the springs just plain suck, but for the rockers I reckon Id probably look at buying a machined set, or buying a new set of OEM rockers and having them machined (shot peened and polished) yourself.

In looking at his rods, they appear to be similar to the eagle h beam series, I wouldnt be surprised if thats what they are. Have you spoken to the guys on mye28.com? there is a pretty active community on there, so im sure they will have an idea of the aftermarket rod options. The rods they sell are 4340 steel, pretty much like everyone else, they look a whole lot like the ones this company is selling too http://cgi.ebay.com.au/conrods-BMW-Big-6-e...oQQcmdZViewItem

So id say its a generic rod, you could buy it cheaper elsewhere (even if it comes form overseas) than buying those for $1200AUD.

edit: same rod? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/H-SHAFT-Pleuel-Tuni...1QQcmdZViewItem

pleuel tuning? in having a look through his store again though, the m30 rods he has advertised here for under $1000 AUD seem like a pretty good price. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/H-Beam-Conrods-Conn...5QQcmdZViewItem

Edited March 27, 2009 by Madhatter

[topcat 11]

Thanks guys for the info might steer away from them i would rather go with someone i can trust, cause seen i want to push 650-700hp

i want something relaiable that will last long and tru cause after spending the cash think im going to keep the car around for a long time lolz

cheers guys

looks like you will be spending alot of time and $$ at the head shop.

m30's do not flow enough to make 700 odd ponies and live long enough to be enjoyed.

sure we can boost upto 25psi and beyond,but the two valves can only do so much.

i dont want to come accross as a hater

but i think your looking at 15-20k for the engine alone

that's ok,if you are will to spend it

m

[Madhatter 0]

Sorry, but I dont know where you get that from? if anything they respond to boost quite well, I can name a half dozen m30's which make 700hp. You dont need bits made out of unobtanium and if you have a good look at an M30 head they actually arent that bad being such a big valve, big chamber head. Any motor you run regardless of what brand, single or twin cam, will still need a fair whack of boost to reach those sort of figures, 25psi is nothing abnormal, especially on a new bottom end.

I dont see where the huge cost is coming from. 20k for what exactly? I love the block and bottom end of an M30 as far as turbocharging goes, so big and chunky, its like they were made for boost.

[topcat 11]

well most of the experience comes from building one or two.

the other from reseaching forums and general guys who do the maths

of hydodynamic efficiencies and other wortds that i wasnt taught at 5th form maths

maybe 15-20k is overstated,but

basic rules do apply

cheap

reliable

power.

pick two

nice e21 BTW,

Edited March 28, 2009 by BM Weapon aka topcat

[CamB 48]

I sort of agree.

I in no way shape or form expect 200hp/litre from my M10 (which is just a 4 cylinder M30), unless I upgrade the cam and rockers and run a big honking turbo. I wouldn't be happy regularly sending 25psi into it.

So I am going to stick with standard cam and rockers and run a smaller turbo and if I get 150hp/litre It'd be happy days. Will be satisfied with 125hp/litre and up (ie 250hp).

Bear in mind 150hp/litre in an M30 is >500hp. That's a whole lotta power...

Edited March 28, 2009 by CamB