New Engine?

[toveycom]

Hey all, I picked up a 1998 m44 engine off cl the other day that the seller said was purchased off the "factory dyno bench." He said a buddy bought it to put in a sand rail then decided not to do it. He bought it because he had a ti, but never installed it. So I picked it up for $250. Here's the thing, is there any way I can tell if the thing really is new?

Couple things:
1. The previous owner pulled a couple things off to fix his engine including the oil filter housing gasket (why he wouldn't just buy a new $2 part is beyond me), an idle sensor of some kind and the sensor that plugs into the front of the airbox. If he pulled the gasket though, it almost has to have been pretty under used. I've changed this twice on ti's and had to remove the old gasket with a razor blade each time.

2. Removed DISA valve and it looks absolutely brand new.

3. It does have a starter attached and some huge plate on the back that I assume was the mount from a dyno bench.

Lastly, my 1997 318ti has 138k on it and runs well. It's from Florida, so there are no rust issues at all. I plan on keeping it for a while. Should I part the engine out, install it in my ti, or sell it?

thanks...and yes, I'm a newbie.

[brandonm]

I would say install it! Sounds good, but have it checked out first. Better safe than sorry.


-Brandon

[djazz]

You can pull the plugs and maybe the valve cover to have a look inside. Maybe check compression? Sounds like almost too good a deal though.


I hope it's all good for ya.

[jca]

If you have the room store the engine for future use.