320i to 325i

[aaz1400]

Hi,

im going to build a project e30 but trying to find the right shell is hard enough.

what do i need to change if i buy a 320i an want to put a 2.5 in, is all the brakes, suspension, fuel lines etc the same.

thanks

[snoops]

AFAIK everything is the same apart from ECU? plus if its a single pipe exhaust 320 then the exhausts are different

[aaz1400]

thanks mate theres alot more standard good condition 320i's out there than 325i's.

[Jamese30]

It depends which models you are starting with. In esence as the blocks are the same (M20) it is a bolt in fit. A later 320i (facelifted) with a 2.5 engine fitted and simply by connecting your 325i ECU will give you a 325i - keeping the 320i 'box will also give you closer ratios.

I have a 1986 320i and rebuilt this to a 2.7 spec (using early 325i parts - 1985 chrome bumper and 525e parts) and this involved changing the gearbox, as the 320i 'box did not have TDC and speed sensor pick ups, also the propshaft - where I had to custom make the centre mount to the body. If I had used the later 325 engine I could have kept the gearbox as these sensors are on the front of the engine, however I had to make do with what I had.

Everything else will be the same except (fule lines, fuel pump, engine mounts...) the 320i uses drums at the rear as opposed to the 325is discs.

I would highly recommed the conversion though....anymore advice drop me a PM

Good luck,

[Brianmoooore]

325 is a completely different car to the 320!
Different front suspension struts and brakes, different rear brakes, smaller, weaker diff., weaker gearbox, different prop.
On the other hand, ALL tourings have suspension and brakes up to 325 standards (apart from the front springs on four cylinder models). Touring shells also tend to be in excellant condition.

[munky30]

ALL tourings have suspension and brakes up to 325 standards (apart from the front springs on four cylinder models). Touring shells also tend to be in excellant condition.

Nobody told me that! So I have 4 pot springs on the front??

[aaz1400]

oh so there is quite a bit of work then if i wanted to convert it think ill keep looking and see what comes along. thanks tho

[mrLEE30]

and of course convertables mr moooore 320 has running gear for 325