Hey guys,
well I assume you guys are smart enough to figure out what happened. While I was in there I figure I'd go ahead and take pics of this badboy. Honestly I was VERY impressed with the build quality, These really were the true hand built AMG engines with HWA stamps on everything. They really over built that motor to the extreme. The heads seemed very free flowing, I doubt you could get much more power out of them with a port and polish (maybe 5HP tops). An interesting thing I noticed was the intake valves were all black but the exhaust valves were all white. I have never seen this before, I guess AMG chose different metals for the valves (usually all 4 look the same in most motors). In Addition I was pretty surprised how big the pistons are these cylinders are pretty impressive to look at for a "small" 6 banger (definitely bigger than my S50 M3 engine obviously). You can see all the various bits and what not, It is truly a great engine and I can see why they can take twin turbo setups like its nothing b/c they are build like panzer tanks, virtually indestructible.
I also repainted my valve cover w/ duplicolor silver engine enamel and put a new AMG emblem on the plastic AMG panel b/c the old one was cracked and gross. The engine looks brand spanking new now with the new silver on it (instead of that nasty faded yellowish color that all M104s have now). I highly recommend if anyone is every doing it.
Needless to say I have a brand new engine now with all new gaskets and everything which should help increase the value of the car substantially b/c so few of these cars have documentation of both engine wiring harness & head gasket being done.
Anyways enjoy the pics
