Metric Mechanic - BMW Tune Up Parts, Tools, Manuals & Distributors

This distributor has less total mechanical advance than other 4 cylinder distributors. This makes it the right choice for high compression engines. On engines with moderate compression, you can use more initial advance to pick-up lowered response with this distributor. BMW 4 cylinder owners that have converted to a 2 barrel Weber (32/36 DGAV, 38 DGAS, or 40 DFAV) should use this distributor because these carburetors came with a vacuum retard port that often people will hook their vacuum advance line to. This kicks the timing way up at idle and when you step on the gas, the timing retards back. With the engine idling, if you pull off the vacuum advance line and the idle drops, you've got the line hook up wrong (into the retard port). You need to block off the port and buy a tii distributor.

About the only BMW this distributor isn't good for is the '74 tii. The injection pump on the '74 tii was set up to run fairly rich at idle by using a vacuum retard. The engine labors so the throttle plate needs to be opened up. When this is done, the CO levels come down. Using a straight mechanical distributor on a '74 tii will cause high CO levels (6% or greater at idle).

Air filters
We've tested several different air filters for flow and performance. To date (June, '91) we sell 2 types of air filters, the MM HiFlo paper filter and the K&N gauze filter. Both these filters have a performance advantage over other filters and are fairly equal in performance. The K&N air filter is serviceable and reusable. When servicing the K&N air filter, don't overload it with oil or it can impede air flow and performance. The K&N air filter comes pre-oiled (even though the instructions say otherwise). The paper MM filter is about 1/3 the cost of a K&N air filter and flows just as well. Also, a paper filter, being disposable, is less of a mess to deal with (no cleaning & oiling).

K&N Filter Cleaning Kit
This kit includes 12oz. of cleaner and 6.5 of oil for servicing the K&N filter. A word of caution, be careful not to over oil the filter as this can greatly decrease it's actual air flow.

Many of you, on receiving our engine have asked how we manage to make them look so dressed up.

Well, the block is painted with black Krylon that can be bought almost anywhere.

The Aluminum is painted with a product called Alumi Blast. This paint looks just like aluminum, is smudge resistant and keeps the aluminum from oxidizing.

The cast iron looks like new once it is painted with Cast Blast.

So, if your engine is not being installed at our shop but you'd like the accessories (intake & exhaust manifolds, starter, alternator, pulleys, etc.) to match, you can order the Alumi Blast and Cast Blast from us.

• Adjustable Cam Sprocket
• Spanish cast bare head, fuel injected or carbureted
• Spanish cast bare head, 745i turbo
• Cam shaft repair/conversion nut
• Oil pressure relief valve shems
• High stall torque converter

• Red Line MTL
• Red Line 80-140 W gear oil