316-2.5

[scottyc]

hi there, i am going to convert my pre facelift 316 to a 325, now the engine i have is out of a pre face lift.

my question is could someone give me a run down of what i need to convert it?

ie can i use my gearbox prop ect? or if i change to a 325 box can i still use my prop?

obviously im going to have to change the loom as its a six cylinder is that just a case of plugging in or do i have to swap stuff and solder?

basically can i do do it in a weekend? by just ripping the engine out bolting new engine in and plugging in wiring harness and ecu

any help would be appreshated

[jmc330i]

You will need to use the 325 box and prop and the diff - the small case diff from the 316 will only last so long if driven hard.

Same with the front suspension - you will need the larger 51mm struts from a 325 if you want to go around corners properly. I had the smaller 45mm struts on my last converted 318 to 325 and it was very bouncy up front

I converted my touring in a day, but that didnt include swapping the front struts or struggling with the diff or prop bolts as Id already removed them to sell. These are the real buggers to undo if they havent been touched for a while - my touring fought back when I removed the diff and broke a finger or two

Wiring should be plug and play, but Ive only converted facelift cars, so Im not sure what differences the pre facelifts have.

If theres two of you and you dont have any problems (stubborn bolts etc), a weekend should be enough to get the engine in and running. Although Id plan for a little longer just in case, especially if you are new to swapping engines.

Quick tip - when you are ready to remove either engine/box, double check and then check again that you have left nothing attaching them to the car (clutch pipe, throttle cable, engine earth), I knackered a perfectly good throttle cable on my brothers car by forgetting to unclip it when we lifted the engine out Kept the car off the road for another couple days until we could get another.

Good luck