E30 Zone

After watching too many 325i turbo videos.... I'm getting tempted.

I doubt you want to all repeat yourself over and over again (unless you dont mind) but can someone point me to a thread or site that 1. States all the things you need to turbo a car (so I can understand it).

2. A list of parts that you will need and what needs to be done (preferably parts for an M20B25 motor).

3. A quick guide on how to fit it.


I have the earlier engine, which I'm on the start of rebuilding.
Am I right in assuming that you cant fit something like a BTB manifold and will need a special turbo manifold?

Sorry for being an absolute novice at this!

I had a look at the sticky above, but the sites that were apparently good reads for an M20 tubro are quite outdated (2005) and no longer work....

Cheers lads.

Don't want to sound negative but if I think you will need a little bit more than just a "and how do I fit it" list.
I have looked at Turbo'ing and read a book or two and decided against it because of my little experience and knowledge on the subject.
Prepare yourself for a steep learning curve.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74816
there is loads of info here

Thats a fair comment, as it is pretty indepth topic.

I have read sites that claim the principles. Essentially, from what I gather the basics are exhaust gasses flow into a turbo, which in turn spins the turbo's turbine that sucks in and "forces" air into the intake which builds up pressure making more exhaust gasses that spin the tubine faster causing even more air and pressure..... untill the clutch is depressed (for a gear change... or upon a lack of throttle) and the dump valve is used to release the pressure causing the noise.

That is the basic.....basic (i'll repeat that..) understanding I have so far. If I could get a list of parts required I can do a bit of a search on what they do and try learn some more.

Basically, I know you need a turbo, turbo manifold, intercooler and a dump valve... along with a bunch of custom made pipes, fuel management system (like megasquirt) and so on. But i'm not too clued up on what has to be done?

Dont internal parts have to be modified or changed to compensate for the boost?

Cheers bigbhpwannabe. Will have a gander now!

the thread i posted a link too will cover nearly all your questions ,if i was gonna do it again i would get a plug and play mega squirt toosave time ,and get a manifold adaptor rather than a hole manifold, too give you a quick idear of cost here is what i spent -and im not sayin you will have too spend this much but all i bought was new

turbo- 450
manifold-480
ms-400
exhaust 500
injectors 200
wastegate 150
intercooler 100

NayC wrote:I have the earlier engine, which I'm on the start of rebuilding.

For a start you want a later lower compression engine

and you dont need a dump valve for one.

guy over in guernsey 'boed an e30. maybe get in touch with him (he is on here, and on CICS).

i wanna do it to mine eventually. but gotta finish the car. plan is to accuire bits over time