2.7 Queries

[baur320]

I've just bought a low mileage 525e with the plan of using the block from this to have a 2.7l engine built by Prestige German Cars in Jarrow. My current car's a very early 2.0l, with the early type fuel injection.

I've read the article in TBMW from 2004 and various postings on here and have a couple of queries:-

1 - Will the AFM/throttle body/manifold need to be changed from the 2.0l parts, say to those from a 325, and if so, will there be any modifications required?

2 - ECU, which should I use?

3 - In there an e30zone chip specially for this conversion?

4 - Which sump, I'm guessing the one from the 2.0l?

5 - Any other advice?

Thanks,

Mick

[Ant]

1 - Will the AFM/throttle body/manifold need to be changed from the 2.0l parts, say to those from a 325, and if so, will there be any modifications required?

2 - ECU, which should I use?

3 - In there an e30zone chip specially for this conversion?

4 - Which sump, I'm guessing the one from the 2.0l?

5 - Any other advice?

1, you'll need the 325 inatke, AFM and injectors to make this viable
2, later motronic 173 and loom, or swop in a Meagasquirt standalone and patch into existing loom( good option)
3, yes but only to suit the 173 type(post88) ECU
4, 320 unit will be fine dude
5, rebuild the bottom end with genuine parts and new oil pump/drive assy

Assuming you're using the 320 head with the eta slugs, if so, get the skirts machined to reduce the weight, they are heavy !

Good luck dude, lots of people talk a good 2.7, only a rarified few actually commit in the end.

[baur320]

Thanks for all that Ant.

I'm pretty committed to this; the current engine's burning a fair amount of oil now, so this gives me the opportunity to get rid of the original engine and put it right.

It's getting a rear disc conversion - probably next week, and the engine work will start as soon as I can get the 325 parts you've said that I need.

Once it's all sorted, I'll put a post up.

Thanks again,

Mick

[fowler]

Baur 320 i have all the parts you require
for the conversion drop me a call on 07951779747
Cheers
Ben
plus i prob hav extras too

[blingsta]

Argos.. well done matey,, you know your stuff...

[Martinaston]

ArgoS
What problems does the 11:1 ratio cause with regular fuel ?

[Jhonno]

11:1 on this conversion might be an issue as the squish band gets messed about with iirc

[M5pilot]

Or you could keep the CR nice and high and just buy Tesco's 99ron fuel which doesnt cost the earth.

[Brianmoooore]

Or convert it to run on LPG (110 RON), and half your fuel costs as well.

[Simon13]

tesco's 99 seems good to me, my alpina seems to like it and that is high compression it's also the same price as 97 at my local station

i've managed 360miles on a full tank of it so far and the light is just about to come on!

[baur320]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I haven't been ignoring anything - just been too busy - and the car's away getting rear discs fitted, so things have slowed down a bit.

Ben - I haven't forgotten you might have the 325 bits I'll need. I know AndyTouring on here and he's been offered a cheap/free 325 so he's been in touch. We've been out looking for it loads of times but can't find it. If it doesn't turn up soon, I'll have to get back on to you. Can't remember if I told you, but PGC who are doing the work, have an Alpina ECU somewhere in their stores. Again, if it turns up, I can have it.

Argos - Thanks for the mention of your 2.7, hopefully it'll not come to that, but it is tempting - what ancilleries would it come with? Only thing is I don't suppose that you live near Tyneside...
I've another question for you - I'm confused over the choice of pistons for this. In the article in TBMW, the section on pistons doesn't actually say which type would suit a 731 head - but it goes on to say in the 'how it all goes together' section that the stock 525e pistons will do. Is this what you are saying - not to shorten 525e pistons and not to use 325 pistons as they will hit the valves?

Thanks again,

Mick

[daimlerman]

Hi,Just to put my twopenerth in,I bought an eta short motor;used a 325 head with new valve guides;good quality gasgets;320 manifold modified to take 325 throttle body.Snags I came across included removing the gearbox (see thread I posted last week..thanks again everyone for help)and the water pump on my eta had an extra outlet just where the steel water tube on my engine needed to mount...still had the pump from the old 320 block,fortunatly.Used the chip from Ant(zone shop)First time out was last Saturday,the torque is amazing...pulls from 1000rpm in 5th(yes 5th)real go from 2000,roundabouts on the A17 in 5th,just a squeese of right foot to overtake,OBC is claiming 34MPG,not certain yet on oil consumption.Well worth the effort and skined knuckles. With this conversion so straightforward that an unskilled mechanic such as I can get such impressive results I am supprised that more do not take the plunge.

[baur320]

OBC is claiming 34MPG,not certain yet on oil consumption

Any further news on your fuel and oil usage? Still happy with your new engine or have there been any problems?

My E28 went to PGC this morning. Called in this afternoon, the engine's out and the scrap man was ready to tow the shell away.

Slight change of plans - now going to use 325i head. Can't wait.

Mick

[daimlerman]

First tank to tank fill gave 34.44MPG(444 miles run) :xOil is still giving problems,I would probably been better off following ants advice regarding rebuilding the eta bottom end...but I felt I could not justify the cost...I am using supermarket super unleaded by the way.When you put your motor back do not forget that the altanator is rubber mounted and needs earthing...cost another 80 odd quid,that one!!!On balance I am still a happy bunny,long term aim is an e30 based kit car so this motor will get further work at that time.I need to clear the garage first to keep the wife sweet,any takers for a Daimler V8 2.5 saloon,manual/o/drive,very usable?

[daimlerman]

Not certain of the age of the 525e,I bought just the short motor from a very pleasant Indian lad in Leeds.We took the motor out ourselves,he thought that it had run about 180k.My thoughts were that as it had sat in front of an auto box it should be good for 250k...the scrapper had air/con.. does that help anyone date it?I expected it to burn a bit of oil,I am currently almost at the end of a 25litre barrel of 5w/30 that I bought last summer to save costs on a Renault I was using for courier work (60000 in 10 months...)the next barrel will probably be 15w/40,the thicker stuff might not dissapear at the same rate.I still do not have an accurate figure for the oil,the wife has stopped moaning about driving it now, says it goes like s*** of a shovel,so I am back in the 316 Touring....happy days.

[OllyTB]

Is there a guide to doing the 2.7 conversion anywhere? or has anyone got a copy of the TBMW mag i could have?
please email me at chickenmushroom@hotmail.com

[Jhonno]

just do a search on the forum, there is sooo many threads on it now

[baur320]

Is there a guide to doing the 2.7 conversion anywhere? or has anyone got a copy of the TBMW mag i could have?
please email me at chickenmushroom@hotmail.com

Just sent you scanned pages,

Cheers,

Mick