Wow it's summer already and I've been lagging on driving season prep. Vintage was not a reality this year unfortunately. Besides pulling the transmission to replace bearings and shifter seal, Ive been working on the rest of the body kit (rear valance and wing), pulled the rear main seal as I see oil in the bell housing and underneath, and still plan on pulling the oil cooler off and going with the standard filter housing. Also plan on a new oil temp and pressure sensor location. I was running them off the back of the head but cant seem to keep that sensor block I have from dripping. Still need to figure out the best way to install the Hartge exhaust tip, looks like will need to get creative with the curved pipes from the muffler to the tips on the SS Euro muffler. Might need to cut the curved pipes off and weld on straight pipes to attach the Hartge "vacuum cleaner" tip. From the pictures I've seen the tip sticks out a little further than I am used to so will have to have the valance on first, and see how the fitment looks and what needs to be done.
The rear main seal is recessed in the carrier so it has been replaced at one point. I may consider setting it flush with the carrier install so it is not in the pre existing spot on the crank. It also looks like I used a little too much sealant on the rebuild so will be careful not to have too much buildup.
It's bearing removal time. The 265/5 has a smaller diameter input shaft bearing so the puller that comes with the case splitting kit could not be used. After talking to Sam L about them he suggested cutting them off to not put any extra lateral pressure on the shafts. So with the dremel tool started working on the input shaft one and the lay-shaft bearing.
Inner race needed to be a little more careful. Cutting at an angle really helped.
Top one off, working on the lay shaft one. This bearing is in bad shape, not as much room on that one so taking a little more time.
Looks like more oil is dripping from the upper timing cover where the bolts for the tensioner are. So plan on pulling that off too and re sealing. I will also re torque the head. I dont think the head gasket is leaking but not exactly sure. I used the "thicker" OEM BMW gasket with the ARP studs so will give a re-torque sequence a try while Im futzing with things.
Since Ive pulled the long tube headers off, I was considering installing the Hartge Short tubes. After looking at the current configuration with the mid pipes that came with them I think I will have to have some custom mid pipes made up which will be a challenge at this point I will hold off on. I decided to send the long tubes and mid pipes I have out to be heat coated.
Planning on a new clutch while I am at this point. The release feel on the old one was a little strange, like it was slipping a little bit. If I went to "dump" the clutch, it was still a smooth release which I know is not right. So a new clutch and release bearing going in when I put it together. Going with the M5 clutch this time around.
Last but not least, Auto Solutions shifter is on order for the g265! I was not too excited about the aluminum console loose shifter feel even with new bushings.
