Difference between revisions of "Engine Swap - M20"
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| − | + | There's no simpler [[Engine_Swaps|swap]] from the possible choice of [[Engines|engines]] than the mighty [[M20]]. While the smallest version was 2.0 litres, its full-fat form is a 2.5 litre version, which is the only one worth having. Around town it gives all the smoothness you'd expect from a straight six, and there's plenty of grunt so you won't be chasing up and down the gears trying to find the right cruising speed. But let her rip, and she'll provide as much tail-happy sliding as you want. | |
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| + | Don't be put off by it "only" having 170hp. That much power in a tail-happy E30 has caught out more than one experienced driver being too enthusiastic in the wet. Which is why it was fitted as standard in the most powerful of factory E30s, the [[325i]]. | ||
[[Image:M20.jpg|right|300px]] | [[Image:M20.jpg|right|300px]] | ||
| + | For the daring, there's also the option of rebuilding your M20 first to a whopping 2.7 or 2.8 litres. Learn more about [[M20#Stroker_Engines|building a stroker engine]]. | ||
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
=Overview= | =Overview= | ||
| + | |||
| + | The M20 swap is considered the easiest swap because all the parts are standard BMW. There's no need for custom parts, and everything you need can be supplied by one donor vehicle. The only part that may need some mild changing is the [[Engine_Swap_-_M20#Loom|loom]], and even that is specific to the age of your E30. We'll explain that later. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The M20 can be fitted to any E30, no matter whether it started life as an [[M10]], [[M40]] or [[M42]]. With the right base vehicle a weekend is enough to get everything bolted in and ready to go. You can even use this guide replace your existing M20 with a bigger version, and in that case the engines can be swapped over in a matter of hours. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The simplest M20-M20 swap will involve simply swapping the engine and gearbox. If coming from a four-pot base, you'll also need some [[Cooling#Hoses|cooling hoses]]. For a more thorough swap we also recommend replacing the [[Differential]] | ||
=Engine= | =Engine= | ||
=Parts List= | =Parts List= | ||
| + | |||
| + | Your [[Engine_Swap_-_M20#Parts_List|parts list]]. | ||
=Drivetrain= | =Drivetrain= | ||
Revision as of 21:05, 19 February 2013
There's no simpler swap from the possible choice of engines than the mighty M20. While the smallest version was 2.0 litres, its full-fat form is a 2.5 litre version, which is the only one worth having. Around town it gives all the smoothness you'd expect from a straight six, and there's plenty of grunt so you won't be chasing up and down the gears trying to find the right cruising speed. But let her rip, and she'll provide as much tail-happy sliding as you want.
Don't be put off by it "only" having 170hp. That much power in a tail-happy E30 has caught out more than one experienced driver being too enthusiastic in the wet. Which is why it was fitted as standard in the most powerful of factory E30s, the 325i.
For the daring, there's also the option of rebuilding your M20 first to a whopping 2.7 or 2.8 litres. Learn more about building a stroker engine.
Contents
Overview
The M20 swap is considered the easiest swap because all the parts are standard BMW. There's no need for custom parts, and everything you need can be supplied by one donor vehicle. The only part that may need some mild changing is the loom, and even that is specific to the age of your E30. We'll explain that later.
The M20 can be fitted to any E30, no matter whether it started life as an M10, M40 or M42. With the right base vehicle a weekend is enough to get everything bolted in and ready to go. You can even use this guide replace your existing M20 with a bigger version, and in that case the engines can be swapped over in a matter of hours.
The simplest M20-M20 swap will involve simply swapping the engine and gearbox. If coming from a four-pot base, you'll also need some cooling hoses. For a more thorough swap we also recommend replacing the Differential
Engine
Parts List
Your parts list.
Drivetrain
Gearbox
Clutch
While parts suppliers do list differences between B20 and B25 engines, there's no practical difference. A B20 clutch will work fine on a B25 engine.
Prop
Differential
Loom
ECU
Cooling
Exhaust
Upgrades
Since you've got the engine out, it's worth taking the time to upgrade these components.
