compression test

daveed · 05-31-2010, 03:42 PM

Don't know if I should have posted this in the sticky but how many of you would get a compression test from a mechanic done before buying an e30?

I'm asking because I just spoke to a place that charges about $80.00 for an overall inspection and an additional $90.00 for a compression test. I kind of thought they'd do that as part of inspection.

NOTORIOUS VR · 05-31-2010, 04:16 PM

meh.... i personally wouldn't do it, but then again if you know what to listen for you can hear if the motor is low on compression curing cranking and when it's idling.

But if it give you piece of mind I guess you could do it if that's something that worries you.

mirek · 05-31-2010, 04:17 PM

I think a compression test is worth doing, i wouldn't pay 90 to do it, you can do it yourself,

daveed · 05-31-2010, 06:15 PM

lawl @ mechanics... $90.00 for a compression test seems pretty high for what should take a mechanic 15 minutes right?

I also checked out a european (bmw/mercedes etc.) specialist shop and they said they wouldn't do a automatic to 5pd swap because it's too "time consuming" and the bill would be huge. If some rookie mechanics on the web can do it, why can't they?

noid · 05-31-2010, 06:44 PM

Do a leakdown test not a compression test (http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=210) and contact RMP motors or Bimmersport they are site sponsors and will both be able to do a transmission swap for you no problem.

daveed · 05-31-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noid

Do a leakdown test not a compression test (http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=210) and contact RMP motors or Bimmersport they are site sponsors and will both be able to do a transmission swap for you no problem.

Unfortunately I am not based in Ontario.

HavocSteve · 05-31-2010, 08:17 PM

Do the swap yourself.

http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=112

Comes with photos and everything needed to do it properly. All it takes is time and patients.

Brent · 05-31-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS VR

meh.... i personally wouldn't do it, but then again if you know what to listen for you can hear if the motor is low on compression curing cranking and when it's idling.

But if it give you piece of mind I guess you could do it if that's something that worries you.

X 2, get it done if it makes you feel more comfortable with the sale!

daveed · 05-31-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HavocSteve

Do the swap yourself.

http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=112

Comes with photos and everything needed to do it properly. All it takes is time and patients.

I'd love to but I just don't have the space (for more than a day or two), tools, and experience. I like to think of myself as an intelligent guy, but I think this is just a bit too challenging for me. I mean, I'm willing to try doing a t-belt replacement (and I will, rather than pay $500+) but this is out of my league. It's a shame because there are a ton of autos out there.

HavocSteve · 05-31-2010, 09:17 PM

It's not so bad. At first my car seemed like a HUGE challenge, and I've never worked on a car in my life. But jump in there, you will be surprised how much you can actually get done. If you spent 2 days doing it, I'm sure you would be tired but you might get it done. As long as you have another car in order to buy new bolts and such, shouldn't be to big of a task. Took me 3 days to bend and cut my floor and have it waterproof. Lots of info these forum peeps have that they are more then willing to share. (Which is awesome).

daveed · 05-31-2010, 09:51 PM

The last three E30s in the classifieds in my area have been autos

daveed · 05-31-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HavocSteve

It's not so bad. At first my car seemed like a HUGE challenge, and I've never worked on a car in my life. But jump in there, you will be surprised how much you can actually get done. If you spent 2 days doing it, I'm sure you would be tired but you might get it done. As long as you have another car in order to buy new bolts and such, shouldn't be to big of a task. Took me 3 days to bend and cut my floor and have it waterproof. Lots of info these forum peeps have that they are more then willing to share. (Which is awesome).

bahh... maybe in the future, I'd have to invest in some tools and get some practice so that I don't hit a wall mid-job. My whole interest in cars stems from the recent development that I'd rather buy an older car that I like and do as much of the work as I can rather than dump a bunch of money into a newer car that I'll be indifferent about. The issue I'm having now is that the 5spds seem to be picked up quickly, while I'll probably get a better deal on an auto since they appear to be less sought after.

HavocSteve · 05-31-2010, 10:52 PM

True, I paid nearly 10grand for a used '04 SX 2.0. This car cost me 900$ and maybe 200$ overall in cooling fluid/brake lines, sheet metal ect. Also when it's all said and done, I know I worked hard for my car to get it to the road point, where all I'm stuck on is brake line which I'll get my father to do tomorrow since he has his days off now. Trust me, working on it can be fun when your learning something new, I had fun for the first 2 days doing my floor but after I just wanted it finished but it was a huge learning experience. Pretty much can fab anything now with sheet metal ahahaha.

noid · 05-31-2010, 11:13 PM

You can definitely do it, remember... if someone else can do it so can you.

Download the bentley manual http://rapidshare.com/files/360399828/e30_bentley.rar

and use the guide havocsteve linked (http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=112)

plus http://www.rtsauto.com/?p=115

and call it a day

HavocSteve · 06-01-2010, 12:06 AM

My car had the 5 speed swap done also, I found the auto pedals in the truck when I bought it LOL.