2.5-2.7

[stevetigger]

525e block with a 731 cast head.
use the motronic system from the 320i ie sensors and engine loom

But you can use the 885 stuff too!

[beavis2k4]

so i could use the 325 head but its better to use the 320 head with the 325 cam and inlet, what about a 325 bbtb or will this not fit?

What is this like??? I bet once i get it ill be thinking, why the hell did i not understand that???

I wish i could just give the car to someone, say theres Ԛ£5000, do my car up for me, but let me watch and tell me what your doing so i can learn, thats what my trouble is, i have no knowledge of engines, show me a PC and im fine though

also 731 = 320? and 885= 325? Please tell me ive got that right or i will just crack up.

[stevetigger]

Think so!

[beavis2k4]

well if ive got that right then i may finally understand 1/1000th of what everyone else knows! its just so frustrating not knowing what people are on about and then you try to make an educated guess and people tell you to shut up and dont be stupid

basically i want to know what i can do to my 325 to make it fast, handle well and make people gasp, idont care how much money i spend on it as i want to get it perfect! this engine realted question is only one of many i need answered on the engine side of things. cos once this is done then im gonna be asking bout things like suspension and brakes and bodykits and leather and lots more

[stevetigger]

Me and you are in the same boat! I want my cab to fly, dont care how much to do it! I get confused to with the numbers but it all comes good in the end!

[beavis2k4]

i f*****g hope so!!

so now i just need to find a 525e that i can rip apart, that may be easier than i thought as one of my mates may have an old one lying around in his mini scrapyard he calls a garden!
Then its a case of finding someone local who can do all the work for me as i dont have a scooby, good thing i live next door to a garage!!

this may be easier than i thought you know!!

[stevetigger]

You best not beat me!

[beavis2k4]

nah i doubt it, it always takes me ages to get stuff done as i have to work my ass of to make even 1 penny, which people quickly grab out my hand before i can even get it in my pocket!!

but when i start ill let you all know

oh, is there any way to identify between a 525e and a 525i engine?

[stevetigger]

I dont know, now theres a question! Im just gunna buy a 525e take the block and flog the rest of the car!

[beavis2k4]

I dunno how much an e28 5 series would be worth without an engine, cant be that much and i dont suppose you would make your money back from breaking it? I suppose coming across the engine would be harder than finding a full 535e on ebay or summit!

[stevetigger]

yer, Buy whole car for say Ԛ£150

Sell seats Ԛ£50
All doors Ԛ£10 each
Boot Ԛ£10
Bonnet Ԛ£10
Dash Ԛ£10
Other stuff Ԛ£20
Gearbox Ԛ£50

[beavis2k4]

well i suppose you will be able to make your money back then, i bet you would get money for the scrap metal as well! I get charged for the scrappies to take cars! at least Ԛ£25 a time

yep i think im gonna have to start this little project, cant wait to get a little more power

[Brianmoooore]

so if i was to sacrafice my 325i late engine and rip the head off it, have it skimmed etc, and stuck it on a 525e lump the only thing i would have to change is to get an adjustable pulley for the cam, is that right? or have i lost it again?

ok i have a 320i (late) and 325i (late) and if i was to get a 525e would this still be the best way to do this? i dont mind sacraficing both engines, or would i be better using parts from both the 320 and 325 to acheive the best possible 2.7 conversion?

320 head fits straight on the 2.7 short engine.
325 head needs different pistons, block machining etc., etc.
Also, sell 2nd hand 320 engine = no money
Sell 2nd hand 325 engine = money.

[stevetigger]

so if i was to sacrafice my 325i late engine and rip the head off it, have it skimmed etc, and stuck it on a 525e lump the only thing i would have to change is to get an adjustable pulley for the cam, is that right? or have i lost it again?

ok i have a 320i (late) and 325i (late) and if i was to get a 525e would this still be the best way to do this? i dont mind sacraficing both engines, or would i be better using parts from both the 320 and 325 to acheive the best possible 2.7 conversion?

320 head fits straight on the 2.7 short engine.
325 head needs different pistons, block machining etc., etc.
Also, sell 2nd hand 320 engine = no money
Sell 2nd hand 325 engine = money.

So I have to buy a 525e and use the block, I have to buy a 320 head and the I have to buy all the 325i stuff to go on that engine! Seems hard work.

[chu346]

I wish i could just give the car to someone, say theres Ԛ£5000, do my car up for me, but let me watch and tell me what your doing so i can learn, thats what my trouble is, i have no knowledge of engines, show me a PC and im fine though

I reckon I could just about do it for Ԛ£5000 if you want

stevetigger what engine do you have in the car at the moment?

[stevetigger]

1.8i

[chu346]

That will be a pain then: 1.8-2.5-2.7

Simular to what Jimbob done, his was a 318is. Might be worth asking him for some tips.

If I was you i'd put in a 3.5

[stevetigger]

That will be a pain then: 1.8-2.5-2.7

Simular to what Jimbob done, his was a 318is. Might be worth asking him for some tips.

If I was you i'd put in a 3.5

I was going down that route but I have since found out that its a straight swap for a 2.5.........so when I get a full 2.5 set up, I will make it a 2.7 simple and easier than trying to slap a 3.5 into the bloody car!

[Brianmoooore]

So I have to buy a 525e and use the block, I have to buy a 320 head and the I have to buy all the 325i stuff to go on that engine! Seems hard work.

That's the best "cheap" way of doing the conversion, but it still works well if you just change the bottom end of a 320 engine for a 525e one.
525es can be found in scrapyards occassionaly, and of course it helps if you start with a 320i rather than a 318i.

[Simon13]

I'm in the starting stages of my 2.7. I got lucky and sourced a complete Alpina 2.7 bottom end so forged steel 324d crank, special light mahle high comp pistons and rods which appear to be lighter than standard ones.

I'm hoping that i won't need a vernier pulley, or need to deck my 325 standard block. So that will save some hassle (Alpina one will be forsale, if i can get the bores sorted)

So it's just a case for me on chosing a cam, dbilias(sp) individual throttle bodies are ticking in my mind! Plus all the head work, bit of welding to strengthen the head, port and polish. Polish inlet. Exhaust manifold is sorted so just a case of building it and running it in and then think about mapping it propperly with what ever system i decide on using.

No doubts the 325i pistons,head route is alot more money time and effort. so if i was on a tight budget then like Mr Argos says, eta bottom end,320 head with 325i throttle body and inlet manifold. Job done!

I'm aiming for a solid 210bhp or a bit more, which will be a nice drivable sport and not a top end monster that i have to hammer to get it to go.

oh a proper 2.7 with loads of bottom end will try and kill u in the wet. Ask Karan

And the 325i Argos was racing at the N'ring was my car! So 320 massive get those 325i throttle body on its worth it!

[Karan]

I'm in the starting stages of my 2.7. I got lucky and sourced a complete Alpina 2.7 bottom end so forged steel 324d crank, special light mahle high comp pistons and rods which appear to be lighter than standard ones.

I'm hoping that i won't need a vernier pulley, or need to deck my 325 standard block. So that will save some hassle (Alpina one will be forsale, if i can get the bores sorted)

So it's just a case for me on chosing a cam, dbilias(sp) individual throttle bodies are ticking in my mind! Plus all the head work, bit of welding to strengthen the head, port and polish. Polish inlet. Exhaust manifold is sorted so just a case of building it and running it in and then think about mapping it propperly with what ever system i decide on using.

No doubts the 325i pistons,head route is alot more money time and effort. so if i was on a tight budget then like Mr Argos says, eta bottom end,320 head with 325i throttle body and inlet manifold. Job done!

I'm aiming for a solid 210bhp or a bit more, which will be a nice drivable sport and not a top end monster that i have to hammer to get it to go.

oh a proper 2.7 with loads of bottom end will try and kill u in the wet. Ask Karan

And the 325i Argos was racing at the N'ring was my car! So 320 massive get those 325i throttle body on its worth it!

yeh especially with worn tyres! even with good tyres and tight suspension the torque is a lot for the wet if u r running lots of rear camber like i am.

in the dry however the long torque band of te stroker is awesome and the main thing i love mine for... mid corner adjustability and throttle response using MAF and unichip is really good

[stevetigger]

Thats cool, my car never goes out in the rain!

[chu346]

Thats cool, my car never goes out in the rain!

[stevetigger]

Thats cool, my car never goes out in the rain!

No not just that I have another car to use!
and my mrs. has a car to use also! I cant drive three cars!

[chu346]

[scotty86d]

Any ideas on how much it is for the 325i pistons to be worked on and to have the block decked to use the 325 head. Or is it cheaper to have the 320 head worked on to fit the 325 larger valves?

[Mops]

can I just take eta crank/rods/pistons and swap the current ones in my 325i ? to get 2.7 stroker effect ?

i cant be bothered rebuilding whole engine/etc, but if that all I neeed then i might just do it...

[oze30]

can I just take eta crank/rods/pistons and swap the current ones in my 325i ? to get 2.7 stroker effect ?

i cant be bothered rebuilding whole engine/etc, but if that all I neeed then i might just do it...

i think you're only a few bearing shells short of a rebuild if you do it that way.

I've just sourced all the parts i need to get it going. Going to trial fit the rods/slugs tonighht, see how much i need to deck, then the block goes off to the machinist this weekend. Slugs too.

Once that's done, cylinders honed, and then let the rebuild begin!!!


What cam will i need if I don't want to use the venier pulley?

[oguz327]

can I just take eta crank/rods/pistons and swap the current ones in my 325i ? to get 2.7 stroker effect ?

i cant be bothered rebuilding whole engine/etc, but if that all I neeed then i might just do it...

i think you're only a few bearing shells short of a rebuild if you do it that way.

I've just sourced all the parts i need to get it going. Going to trial fit the rods/slugs tonighht, see how much i need to deck, then the block goes off to the machinist this weekend. Slugs too.

Once that's done, cylinders honed, and then let the rebuild begin!!!


What cam will i need if I don't want to use the venier pulley?

Good luck with the convesion dude, be intested to see what cams are recomended,

[Mops]

update aswell...

found an eta engine on the junkyard. It is in pretty good conditions, despite 188k miles on it. it was from an auto, crank and rods have very little freeplay. will need new bearings/rings though !

I have decided to go with the I pistons. so basically, i'm gonna have an I engine and swap original crank and rods with E ones. That will put stock piston 2mm lower down the cylinder bore, which I calculated will be 8.6:1 compression, which will be perfect for my 1bar turbo setup

Aswell I heard (unable to confirm) that E block is 0.5mm taller than I block. can somebody confirm ? how to measure tell them apart ?

[Ant]

the ETA block is 206.5mm from deck to crank centreline, B25 blocks are 206mm dead .

i pistons, Eta crank/rods will indeed be 2mm down the bore dude, but 8.8:1 CR stock, + 8% ( capacity increase) - 1.2 CR ( 1mm = 0.6CR roughly) = 8.3:1 CR

[Mops]

Thanks for that ANT. ages ago I asked you for m20 turbo msq file, so i can have a look at yours

in fact i got early euro 9.7:1 pistons
all my calculations are here - came out to exacy 8.6:1

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic. ... ombination

I'll loose some squench (squinch) area, i think thats the best combo for 1 bar of boost....

[oze30]

Ant, how far down will early pistons, eta crank in an eta block be? Need to get the bottom end built up before i deck it ( can they deck a block as a wholoe bottom end- sump, pistons etc??

How much will i have to machine off the bottom of the pistons?

What cam will be best suited for torque, without the venier pulley?

[Mops]

oze, depending what you take off. early piston and lates pistons, will be 2mm lower with eta crankd and 130mm rod... thing is that low comp piston is lower in height to start with. i guess you can deck 0.5-1mm without the need of a vernier... to deck the block it needs to be bare dissasembled block, no pictons and stuff in it. if i was you i'd look for some early pistons 9.7:1. check out my link abouve for proper calculatino of all that stuff...

[oze30]

i got early pistons, eta block/crank, eta rods, 885 head new pump, gaskets shells, need new pulley, but waiting to see which is the best way to go. I want a high comp ( NA) engine that has a shed load of torque and a bit more top end than the 2.5, hence needing to know what the best cam is, and whether I need to dissassemble the whole shebang ( it's partly down, just crank, caps and front seal (can't get the toothed pulley (oil pump??) off without sacrificing a belt somewhere along the line