WTB: M44 engine

[montjuic]

Alright, here goes:
I'm finally back home and addressing the heartache that has become my TI. After doing some extensive work on it over the past several months: new clutch, flywheel, steering rack, radiator, a/c condenser, front end and hood (was in an accident), window regulators, loads of things! Not to mention planning an autocross down the coast and bringing some buddies into the BMWCCA fold.......My engine seems to have blown. I drove for almost a
whole week after sorting the accident damage and...the infamous brittle, plastic coolant connector in the back broke and the engine overheated.

I'm still waiting for the final word from my mechanic. I've replaced cracked heads on previous '02 and 320i, but don't have a garage/tools/knowledge? for what it may need: a new engine. It's getting horrific compression (128/75/128/165) and am planning for the worst.

If it's not just a blown gasket, I'll need a new head and engine. Mechanic tells me that they
would flat-out replace the engine on a M44 with my mileage: 150K.

So, I'm throwing out the feelers and advice from you all. What would I be looking at
for a rebuilt engine?


Thanks for the help.
Holding chin up.....