I Bought A Super Cheap Mystery Engine

[@TopDeadC]

Try Holy! uk.weareholy.com/topdeadcenter Get £5 off your first Holy order with code 'TDC5' Get 10% off any following Holy orders with code 'TDC'

[@flaccreal]

when is the TDC 5w30 gin coming out

[@mikenco]

I want to try it, but comparing the ridiculous prices compared to a squeezy bottle of premium "orange squash" type concentrates, it's so expensive. @HOLY > try the "On That Ass" model, let us try it cheaper first, so we know it's not just cheap squash, mixed with sherbert... I would pay £10 to try 10 flavours (inc shipping, single drink sample sachets?).

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

HOLY is FAR from heealthy... In fact the sweeteners they use are some of the worse! If you drink a lot, this will poison you! Just so you know!

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

Who TF thinks that naming their product "Holy" is a good idea?

[@velinmihaylov7999]

You should definitely build it on this channel. the vibe would be similar to Big Time. People would never be sick of your chemistry and explanaitions

[@mattparkin7224]

Affects the algorithm too much - there's a reason second channels exist.

[@zer0bre]

Yes but there's already way too much hate for BMWs on these channels. for some reason, people just don't like BMWs. 🤷‍♂

[@danielseelye6005]

​@@zer0breIt's not so much the Beemers (though their build quality taking a dive over the years isn't helping) but more the stigma brought up by Beemers drivers that tars the whole marque.

[@Schwanzedad]

@@danielseelye6005 Modern BMWs are actually quite reliable. There is a reason Toyota put one of their engines into the Supra

[@lbnewell23]

That’s why we love this channel because it’s still the same comedy as autoalex but it’s nicer and nerdy too

[@piyushshinde3925]

You guys already own cool cars. I would love to see you fixing and modifying your cars. Don't have to buy new cars for every video. Would love to see your 8 series content

[@willforster]

Agreed!

[@TomFirth]

I think that's part of the aim for @twodeadcenter but they're busy boys.

[@connoreyestone3186]

If you didnt know they have a second channel where they will be posting more about their personal cars (8 series) called Two Dead Center Oh they mentioned it at the end whoops

[@ottermanuk]

Half the reason i stopped watch auto alex was because it was a new old car every damn video lol

[@JP_A3]

@@ottermanuk and it was a bmw every time

[@alexs9110]

I love the way you’ve put your KZbin award up on the wall with the TDC tape 😂😂

[@baoboumusic]

Haha nice! 2:33 I'd missed that until you mentioned it :)

[@tinncan]

I was wondering if I just hadn't noticed it before...

[@aaronkumar2841]

Sam here. I had to look twice

[@Fabulousprofound168]

It’s actually taped on the door of the loo 😅

[@alexs9110]

@@Fabulousprofound168 that’s even better!

[@jefez75]

as a not too automobile-savvy kinda guy, I always liked your guys' explanations of how things in cars works (i.e in 2:14 about the engine), always nice to have someone who is knowledgeable enough explaining, and that's one of the reasons I like your videos more than the other two

[@finnsloan586]

100% agree, the lay explanations as we can along are really helpful for those not super in the detail.

[@winzracingNZ]

Trying to tell us a port job is over 2 grand though. Fuck me. If youre a real race car guy and you're paying that your a fucking rich mug.

[@winzracingNZ]

​@@finnsloan586how many car videos can you watch and be told kindy level car stuff before you turn off car channels mate? You must be real new to cars and you tube I guess

[@filipeferreirac]

Same, I appreciate that they get a bit more into the meat and bones of it and show the work.

[@centralintelligenceagency9003]

The thing about the sharp piece is wrong though, it leads to more turbulence.

[@jonohealey9531]

This is how car stuff should be done on KZbin. All the big guys start like this and then change it to unrelated stuff when they get popular.

[@SaffronWorldCR]

TDC so far it's been my favorite channel, actual car mechanical stuff and cool projects, I may even ignore the fact they're working on another BMW 😂

[@andrewsnaith7647]

As someone who loves cars but doesn't know the ins and outs of how they work, the simple explanations on how the engines etc run is really interesting and helpful, love it. New fave channel, keep it up lads 👍

[@felixburman5988]

I'd love to see a "podcast" style video where you lads rebuild the engine in real time while discussing car stuff and what you are doing to the engine. I know you have just launched the podcast but it could be a bit of fun

[@discordye4825]

2:34 I just noticed the "taped up" KZbin award...😂😂😂😂

[@tedmulholland5967]

It works so well 😂

[@5tevenH]

Needs an m50 Inlet manifold or itbs to get the most out of it. I was playing with these engines 20 years ago and managed 230bhp out of the m52b28. You'll want s50 exhaust manifolds too

[@beanmw96]

Needs schrick cams, M50 inlet, B30 injectors, B30 bottom end and a custom high flow exhaust manifold making. Also a lightweight flywheel wouldn't go amiss.

[@5tevenH]

@beanmw96 well yeah obviously, but he thinks his ported and polished inlets make it a race engine 😆 🤣 😂

[@JW-qf2fx]

@@5tevenH well it was modified and used for racing.... theres race engines which tend to be fairly stock that get a small bit of work/bolt ons and race, and then there is full blue printed and billet stroker race engines that are VERY expensive... most racers would never have gone racing if theyd had to wait for the second option!

[@maxly501]

​@@5tevenHi mean, it kinda is a race engine with the head worked that way, especially on an N/A engine

[@beanmw96]

@@5tevenH Yeah it was actually used in racing lmao...

[@bunkaaa8726]

I didnt think I could enjoy TDC more, but this engine tear down stuff with these two is genuinely entertaining. Top (deadcentre) stuff!

[@dodderss]

Yes! Love to see more of the white E36

[@Speedymats]

for sure

[@InDubioProDuriore]

Me too!👍

[@trendinguk]

NOBODY SPEAK TO ME NEW TDC HAS DROPPED

[@AnnoyedCamping-ws2wf]

Dhead

[@calibrazxr750]

Then stop writing comments and watch the damn video, you melt.

[@trendinguk]

@calibrazxr750 imagine being that hurt over a comment that has NOTHING to do with you 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😂😭😂😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😂😭😂😭😂😂😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@calibrazxr750]

@trendinguk imagine being such a loser as to assume someone is 'hurt', because they showed you up for the tw@ you are. Incidentally, when you comment, it is to do with me. Me and everyone who reads the comments. Seriously, did you even know where your local school was?

[@calibrazxr750]

​@trendinguk you truly are a complete melt. 😂😂😂

[@pearsy85]

Loving this type of content, need more like this in the UK. Look forward to seeing this running! Just an FYI - Vanos is variable cam phasing, VTEC is variable lift cams with two different profiles. (Variable valve Timing & Electronic lift Control). BMW's version of VTEC is called Valve tonic. Sorry to be a geek 🤓

[@hackengineering5586]

Geekery is always good. Although Valvetronic works in a very different way (again) to Vtec, giving constantly variable lift on the inlet cam.

[@pearsy85]

@@hackengineering5586 Yeah the valvetronic is a fascinating system, only just found out about it.

[@ChrisB200SX]

@@pearsy85 there is an (MotoiQ?) article on the Nissan VH37 cam control stuff, it's insane, so much valve control it doesn't need a throttle body!

[@pearsy85]

@@ChrisB200SX That's sounds like a great geek-out vid! Love this sort of technology! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@DangerousDac]

Honestly? This isn't AutoAlex, you haven't gone heavy on the beamers, and I saw you get that White BMW over on CarThrottle so I'm happy to have it show up here. The only reason we're sick of BMW's is because that's almost literally all AutoAlex had for years.

[@ReviveAndDrive-mk1]

Yes and every other car brand is shit 😂 so tired of AutoAlex 😂

[@devoxin_]

Literally this. Not to mention, this channel just explores the more interesting parts of the automotive world which is what keeps it feeling fresh and enjoyable. For me I didn't mind Alex's content, but when BMWs became all the channel ever starred, it just started to feel the same each week, nothing really to look forward to. With TDC at least, their content keeps you guessing and that's part of the appeal, amongst a variety of other factors.

[@paullamb80]

TBF he also has an unhealthy obsession with the MX-5

[@nissejarnet]

FYI 3:22 for the spark plug tips to end up in the oil pan, there needs to be holes in the pistons. 9:00 thats the tightening order, you should start backwards when loosing :P 11:47 DI Engines makes carbon deposits in the intake ports and on top of the valves/stems, not really more in the combustion camber :) You also need to check the blocks deck surface, especially where the gasket blew.

[@thewheelieguy]

Everything in this comment is correct.

[@msagoo29]

Just discovered this channel and binge watched all the videos. I have to say, this is by far my favourite car enthusiast channel - these 2 are so likeable.

[@1ongava]

Didn't want this episode to end. Fascinating. Looking forward to seeing this engine build and fire up

[@OmiP42]

Yo, aircraft engineer here. 7:50 747 engine nuts/bolt wrenches are about the length of your arm

[@Tjescoo]

Why does everybody feel the need to state their occupation or whatever they believe will enhance their comment made afterwards? It makes you look insecure.

[@Tjescoo]

Why does everybody feel the need to state their occupation or whatever they believe will enhance their comment made afterwards? It makes you look insecure.

[@OmiP42]

@@Tjescoo cus that's how I know what size 747 bolts are? Not showing off or anything, just stating the reason why I know this. Chill out mate

[@kierancourtney8633]

@@Tjescooto be fair its the internet most people will just argue with you even if you are correct

[@SevCars]

@@Tjescoo Mercedes Product Executive here, I don't know what you mean by this? If we don't brag about our titles, then how will people know we are better than them?

[@DreuScuhDoo]

The guys from hack engineering seem like cool people

[@hackengineering5586]

Thanks!

[@DreuScuhDoo]

@@hackengineering5586 Of course! What I wouldn't do to get a chance to learn from you guys!

[@antoinepageau8336]

TDC and All the Gear are the only of the Alex group channels I enjoy now. You're keeping it real (for now at least).

[@danmoney9932]

Great video, really cool to see the engineers at work skimming the head. Aren't multi electrode spark plugs a bit budget for a race engine?!

[@sampag1904]

Can't wait for the zafira videos

[@WoodyAtWar]

I love these guys. As a massive car nerd even their simple and consise explanations of how stuff works facisnates me, but you get the added bonus of two genuinely lovely blokes on top to watch with interesting content. Best of the fallout of the the Carthrottle lot by far. Keep up the banging work boys.

[@PCCoooler]

FUCK YES this is the stuff! I know nothing about cars mechanically but I love driving them, and when someone explains to me stuff like this - easily understandable and fun - about how each part works and what it does and what can go wrong and how to fix it, it always makes my heart flutter!

[@rougeyrogue]

I’ve done very little work on my own cars, know very little about engines but your videos are some of my favourite to watch on YT. Geekery and fun all at once

[@alexcaberos9726]

this was a very pleasant turn ! not too detailed but enough information ! engine needs to be bolted up in a video on the main channel !!!

[@lestermikechuamd]

for the gearheads, i don’t think we get tired of watching builds especially step by step… keep up the good work lads. :)

[@Leeholtom2911]

Founder Ben at hack is a properly good guy!! He’s helped me out lots with parts for my E46 M3, they ara a class set up and extremely knowledgable 👌🏻

[@hackengineering5586]

Thanks Lee!

[@MrSteveFurness-Lappin]

I’m not a massive BMW fan, I can appreciate them. With that said I please rebuild the engine/ install etc on this channel because Edwin, you make it interesting and explain everything so I for one actually like watching that, like a younger Ed China

[@TforTomm]

I absolutely love the more in depth, technical type of video. Learning some stuff about engine maintenance!

[@richardmclaughlin362]

You guys are like the "Quality Street " of car you tube. We know its car content but we never know whats inside the shiny wrapping. ❤

[@theodorgiosan2570]

When the engine is fixed I would suggest running surface gap spark plugs. Look them up. The ones for that engine would be a Champion C53VC. They have no electrodes and are flat across the bottom with a circular gap. They are less prone to causing detonation because they run at the temperature of the cylinder head. And they usually add some horsepower because the spark isn't shrouded by the electrode. Every engine I've installed them in ran better than with standard plugs.

[@__a_4444]

I know a tiny bit about engines but I really appreciate you don't assume expert knowledge about ICEs, definitely makes for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. Keep up the phenomenal entertainment value lads PS I saw Edwin in the Beat one time, looked like such fun

[@NH00531]

Thank you for explaining in simple terms what the bits of the engine are doing in these videos. I’m into cars but my knowledge stops once I open the bonnet, which is a failing on my part, but I appreciate your help nonetheless 👍

[@Watchdog99]

Best automotive channel out right now. Hands down the most awesome blokes

[@186scott]

One thing i learnt doing a mechanics course if the engine dies like they have mentioned here is bore scope the cylinders if nothing is seen pull the head and check never right of an engine too early as it could be saved

[@Shaneo_RPG]

I've just bought a 328i in the UK with usm3 cams from a friend of mine, the power is stupid best of luck and i hope to see the build in the future!

[@gtj1]

It would be a crime to not put ITB's on this engine.

[@Selvanii]

I love this format where you explain stuff like teachers. We need more of that

[@BlG5M0K3Y]

Cool video, just wanted to highlight vanos only adjusts valve timing, whereas vtec changes cam profile (vtec changes duration and height of valve lift whereas vannos cannot). i-vtec is hondas version of variable valve timing :)

[@cowboyhank456]

I love how these guys take big, but very calculated risks. Clever lads, keep up the good work

[@olliewilkinson2229]

Been waiting for this to have my dinner🤣

[@lufc76]

ngl, when Edwin was on CT channel I really didn't like him that much, but I have since warmed to him and now I actually LOVE him!! lol Good work on the channel fellas, you're doing a great job!

[@billywhizz1984]

One of my 6 E36s (M52 2.5 Touring) ate all six of the plugs. 2 had virtually no electrodes left. It clearly caused damage as it burns oil now but it pulls fine and still passes emissions.

[@clonetrooper576]

I like that yall are full on cars and ethan and jack are riding bikes across the country

[@cheharrison7107]

I'm not sure I should be excited or worried to see a Jag xj40 in the background 😮 6:50

[@jean-charlesweyland129]

They are good cars you know ^^

[@cheharrison7107]

@@jean-charlesweyland129 they're bloody awesome cars, had a 93 XJ12, it's in my profile pic. If I mashed the fun peddle the trip computer read 6 mpg's! I'm only worried about seeing it on the channel in case it gets trashed! Its one of my old cars I really wish I still had 😭

[@jean-charlesweyland129]

@@cheharrison7107 I've got a 2001 XJ8 Daimler and a 1950 MKV 3 1/2l. I'm sorry I didn't see your profile picture, since people actually tend to dismiss Jaaaaaaags as bad cars for pensioners who want to look richer than they really are, I had to say something !

[@BrokenVespaPhil]

Question: Does skimming the head require a thicker gasket to maintain the gap between the piston crown and the cylinder head?

[@Jacobwlane]

Different engines have different tolerances according to the manufacturer - excessive skimming/facing can indeed necessitate a thicker head gasket, but in the vast majority of cases the amount is so tiny that it's negligible. You'd have to skim and reface a decent number of times before having to worry about it

[@BrokenVespaPhil]

@@JacobwlaneGood info, thanks for the reply. 👍🏼

[@trw8777]

Depends on how the compression ratio changes. You generally want a lower compression ratio if you're hoing to run a turbo.

[@noddey]

1:54 if it breaks off on the combustion or exhaust stroke the valve will be open, thats a 50% chance i believe. Still need some luck so it doesnt gets trapped inside, but if no turbo you have a somewhat good chance of no major damage with small pieces like this.

[@7j8x74]

guys i have to say i genuinely love your videos. always a good day when i see you’ve posted. love the content keep it up!!

[@graham1034]

While I enjoy watching the usual painful videos where everything goes wrong, it's nice to see a genuinely happy Edwin at the end there.

[@sampinion5796]

Check the cylinder head for hardness. When gaskets blow like that, and the engine continues to run it softens the aluminum. Can cause the headgasket to blow over again, inconsistent clamping pressure on the headgasket etc. May have been soft for a while, probably already blown a couple of times.

[@michaelcary7971]

Seriously one of the best car related channels on KZbin right now

[@SavageSmithy]

the bit about checking the oil for the spark plug tips absolutely baffled me, the only way anything could possibly get from the cylinder to the oil pan is if it punched a hole in a piston and you would DEFINITELY be seeing a lot of debris and probably bearing material too. and if that was the case then youd have absolutely no chance at finding the spark plug tips in that level of debris it wouldnt even make sense to sift through and look for them other than for the heck of it

[@CarObsession]

Nice to see you get a win after the debacle you had with the S3!

[@alistaircross9921]

I'd love for you guys to build it on the main channel, i'm subbed to both so no real impact, but i think this is top quality content.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

It's to do with the algorithm apparently.

[@HazewinDog]

love it. hope to see you get into actual racing. was so fun to see the project binky guys race too, and I´ve missed being able to watch such a thing since.

[@billymonkey111]

They don't walnut blast the inside of the head! It's the back side of the valves, which get oil on them leaking past the stem seals, without any fuel in the intake there's nothing to dissolve it!

[@lukedorney435]

TDC is fast becoming my favorite channel in the AutoAlex universe

[@caitlingriffiths9770]

Absolutely love this sort of content, easy to watch and learn alot! Excited for this!!

[@atishghosh]

Please post the build videos on the main channel here, we love all cars and would love to see more build videos.

[@nikovanderauwera2854]

Best to number the caps and put them back in the same place, camshafts wear not the same at the same place.

[@ChrisB200SX]

Hoping you haven't already put the head back on... You should actually see a small gain from smoothing off that sharp inlet port divider. Even more important on the exhaust side due to the heat. Should only need to round off the sharpness with some fine sandpaper and obviously ensure any aluminium dust or swarf is blown out or washed out. I didn't get a good look at the valves, presumably the inlet valves have a backcut on top of the seat angle?

[@centralintelligenceagency9003]

2:30 That's for hypersonic air, you want a rounded shape in that area for the same reason subsonic airplanes have rounded noses: I produces less aerodynamic drag.

[@cameronphillips2518]

I love watching car builds and I think alot of other people do to. Keep posting videos of this build on this channel 👌🏼

[@syaieya]

Its incredible how undaunting a head gasket looks when the engine is out and all the parts are available. Between a 1969 250 mercedes and a friends 1995 E320 Ive enjoyed a special kind of head work hell

[@BobsBikingAdventures]

I hope "buying mystery race engines" was at the top of your business plan for the channel, under the section, "Why this channel will be popular". Bravo!

[@henlienr22]

my first car was an E36 sedan. this will be a very interesting series i will look forward to!

[@ezrawhite8565]

ISO Edwin's Land Rover fleece, that thing is cool! Also nice to see Hack Engineering on the channel

[@hackengineering5586]

Thanks!

[@cobravello453]

i once had a misfire, went to test compression and found the centre bit of a spark plug missing. but it had evacuated the engine because with the spark plug replaced, the engine ran fine and lived on for a long time. so id say it looks like if the piece is small enough, it wont have that hard a time finding its way out.

[@paul29961]

Great video. Love the episodes when you are on the spanner’s, not so much the silly challenges.

[@davidhall2418]

I’d be interested to know if you checked the block was flat between the cylinders that had blown? Love the channel btw keep up the good work 💪

[@adamlifshack3684]

Loved this video! You guys explain all the technical bits really well

[@perish1n]

Gloves look AMAZING , had to get them ...and some tape... and a T-Shirt 😂 keep up the good work ❤️

[@LenKusov]

Usually somewhat-large chunks of FOD come out of the cylinders alright on the exhaust stroke, it's only really an issue if you get something that is either A) broken off from a valve or, like, the actual CENTER rod of the sparkplug (looking at you, Ford Modular 16-valve...) or B) is big enough that it fits IN the intake valve but not out the smaller exhaust valve. Also, wide-open throttle's usually BETTER in terms of getting foreign objects out of the engine, cause if it sits there idling, there's not enough flow-through to kick whatever objects out of the cylinder again. Had a friend's Camaro with a built 350 LT1 come over for engine flooding and muffler rattle, and inside the FlowMaster I found one of the metering rod caps with a matching screw. Engine ran fine when I put those back where they're supposed to go, compression tested fine too, as long as stuff's not overly large or abrasive they can usually just spit it back out again. Side note, that's also why blown apex seals on rotaries aren't such a big deal aside from being an annoying way to blow a weekend, if you get an actual CHIP out of the seal it usually just gets spat out the exhaust and, worst case, breaks your $100 ebay turbo wheel on its way out the tailpipe. Unless it's a Renesis, in which case the peripheral-port exhaust leaves it trapped in the engine for all eternity until your rotor and housing eat each other and you gotta just throw the engine away and buy a proper, actual, oldschool 13B to put in there.

[@ShadowHawk199311]

This is the kind of perfectly nerdy content I'm here for! Great video lads!

[@MatthewsSoloChannel-f3u]

Loved this episode guys, looking forward to watching its development on the other channel

[@hughoreillyy]

Please build it on the channel! As others have said you have enough cars, lets see you work on them!

[@andrewporrelli8268]

You released the head tension in the incorrect way. The diagram you used is for tightening, not loosening. Loosening is the reverse of tightening. The rule is, aluminium heads reelease from outside to the centre and torque from the centre to the outside. For cast iron heads, revers it. Loosen from the centre out and torque from the outside in.

[@TangoGolfCharlie]

I’d like to think all of Edwins good luck with this engine was built up working on that S3

[@petrolhead81]

sooo freaky...having never been a car throttle subscriber, i went back to watch some of ethan's, jack's and edwin's old videos yesterday and itone of them was the one where he bought this car. serendipitiditityty!

[@kokeshkokesh]

I love the Play button taped to the door. Brilliant.

[@mattsmith6514]

Great video. Match that with the e36 325 inlet manifold and you're really cooking.

[@mcjjordan]

I had some us spec m3 cams in mine but ended up reverting back to standard as it lost all its low end torque - but it did sound amazing!

[@AAllinsonNN]

Tdc really is my favourite channel confirmed

[@jaysmartin]

😍 this is exciting .. do not skimp on the content during this project!

[@kaczi39]

that rally car was running on ECU Master it's a standalone ecu made by polish company. Quite popular in motorsport

[@mikenco]

Even as someone who was getting a bit bored with "blah blah, E36.." on the other channel, THIS head is a completely different story. We're now all curious to see if the porting and lack of damage, going to translate into an "underdog win"! :)

[@MartinPratt-q2s]

Every time I watch you guys… I learn something. Don’t stop educating me 🤘👌

[@MartinPratt-q2s]

…I’m nearly closer to 50 than 40 and consider myself pretty knowledgeable…

[@Greig300]

WTF is the exhaust on the Vauxhall about? 😂 at 18:00

[@user-fw4dw7tk1m]

Standard zafari 🤣

[@joshuabest100]

Peashooter

[@D17SCR]

Still got my S50 ITB setup here if you wanted it, would go real nice with the ported head 💪🏼

[@jampaste]

3:35 You've been gnomed

[@shaynedose4443]

That lian li machine is BEAUTIFUL brother

[@BonesJonesUK]

Another very enjoyable video. Well done, lads. Keep it going. You should have way more subs!

[@alandmunk3h]

Ooh yeah, if you could keep the BMW stuff to separate channel. More JDM please if you can. Also good work on getting another vid out and taking a chance on a questionable rally engine. What a win! 🎉

[@josephkelly4893]

Great video gents, timing and editing is great, killing it

[@fencal2]

12:25 LadBible would disagree

[@TheDavidb138]

Just hid in the attic away from the misses. Can’t be disturbed with chores TDC is on!

[@martingonzales7062]

TDC you should put this engnine in the microcar for a fun video and build !!!

[@vizxo9316]

motorbike engine swap would be probably a better idea for the microcar