E30 Zone

From what ive read its the same as fitting an m20 crank, probably wrong tho!

Tom

the bore spacing is the same but some maching work is needed on both ends to make it work. this all i know

I think they have a timing chain so the sprocket has to be removed or machined off the front

Realize that the rods are the same length as M52 rods --- which means the wrist pin height is different on the pistons. You're talking about adding a lot of stroke, so you'll need custom pistons, if you can't fit M52 pistons.

I guess this is the crank player6 used?

Martinaston wrote:I think they have a timing chain so the sprocket has to be removed or machined off the front

This is also what iv heard; every petrol BMW engine except the m20/m40 is chain driven as far as im aware.

m52 pistons should fit in the m20 block also from what i remember reading but dont count that one for sure

just use an eta, 324 diesel less work and very similar performace!

Hi

M52 28 crank fits but need you a spacer at the fron for the crank seal, use the 320 rods and 325 pistons you get 2.8 with no decking to the block spacer shown below



Jason

is that a 2.0, 2.3 or 2.5 block (forgive my ignorance please!)

So is the spacer bonded on ? (or welded ) to stop the oil escaping.

And what k130 asked

k130 wrote:is that a 2.0, 2.3 or 2.5 block (forgive my ignorance please!)

It would have to be a 2.5 or ETA block.

Martinaston wrote:So is the spacer bonded on ? (or welded ) to stop the oil escaping.

Interference fit.

I'd advise leaving the 2.8 crank in the M52 engine and fitting the lot.

Argos wrote:Or just buy a 328i saloon for a under couple of bags

Touring in my case. Need the boot space!
But anyway, E36 wrongness is not an option!

E36 wrongness is not an option!

cant argue with that .

Argos wrote:When you're building a 2.7 with the 81mm stroke crank there is a 3 mm gap which means you have to shave 3mm from the block face. The 3mm longer stroke on the 2.8 negates this.

if the stroke is 3mm longer the pistons will only move 1.5mm higher at TDC

E36's are so wrong even if they don't rot as much. Not wrong in a way they are bad cars to drive but the image!

E30's are high maintenance little bastard things but a nice clean rot free one is a joy to own if it runs nicely.

I have to agree with Ste though, just fit the whole engine. You get a free MAF conversion too and an extra 12 valves and camshaft. It's not tappety and fuel economy is much better too.

Sal

Having thought about it again - I have to agree, some E36's are a very nice place to be.

328i Sport, totally standard in that bright blue colour similar to Avus Blue is simply lush.

E36 M3 in Techno Violet - again totally standard is a machine and half.

But the 4 doors looks so wrong unless they are the M3's.

Alpina B8 4.6 is just porn. Almost the same engine in an E39 (B10 V8) is nearly as quick as an E39 M5 so I can imagine what a B8 would be like! If I could get hold of an nice Blue Coupe I'd take out a loan.

Still a BMW at the end of the day and they do come with more toys.

Sal

always prefered 4 door e36 myself, if they are done right can look really good, bloke down road from mes got the 4 door alpina in dark blue and looks nice, not chav atall