Pre-facelift 320i to 325i, a few questions...

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clarko74
Old Skooler
Old Skooler
Posts: 1582
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Kent

Post Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:57 pm

I'm going to do my first engine swap this weekend, I've got a complete 1987 pre-facelift 325i donor car the engine of which is going into a 1987 pre-facelift 320i. I've read a load of info on here which has been very useful but I would be grateful if anyone could answer the following questions:

1. I'm aware that the engines have different management systems and I know I'll have to change the following:

Engine
Engine loom
ECU
Exhaust
Propshaft (depending on the gearbox used, see below)
Diff (if I have the time)

Is this everything I need to change?

2. I've read that the 320 gearbox has ratios close to those of a sport gearbox so was thinking of using that rather than the one already on the 325. Is this a good idea? And if it is should I take the engine and gearbox out then swap the gearbox over or leave the gearbox in the car and just swap the engines?

3. If I do take the gearbox out with the engine how much of the gear stick/linkage/etc do I need to take off? I've seen a few photos of recently removed engines and some have the gear levers left on and others taken off.

Any other hints or tips would also be much appreciated.

Cheers,


Adrian