2.8 Conversion....

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Phatz
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Post Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:37 pm

Evening chaps,

I have a spare engine sitting in my garage and I've spent the past few months debating about a project: a rebuild and possible conversion to drop into my 325i Sport!

After some researching and reading countless posts on here and the March issue of Total BMW, I've decided I'm probably going to go for the 2.8 conversion using the M52 crank and 130mm rods and getting a spacer manufactured for the front crank oil seal.

My reasons for this are as follows:

- I like the idea of keeping an M20 in the engine, but having a bit more grunt, as apposed to dropping in an M30 for example

- The conversion seems potentially easier and less expensive than the 2.7. Parts easier to come by and no need to skim the block (apparantly)

I would just like to know if anyone on the zone has carried out this conversion and what his/her (more likely "his" though... lets be honest :P ) experiences were? What sort of power figures were obtained? How much reliabilty was sacrificed (if any!)? etc etc....

I'm not a mechanic, but do have some experience with E30s as it's the only car I've ever owned... and loved.

Any help or advice will be much appreciated.

Cheers
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The Sport - Gone to a new home to be slowly brought back to life :)
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Phatz
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Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Post Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:07 pm

C'mon fellas, don't make me beg! I know you M20 scientists are out there..... winkeye
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:14 am

This conversion has been done a few times on here. Use the search function, or scan down through a few of the most recent pages of the thread index.
Everett (Andyboy) is the guru on these.
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Phatz
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Post Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:03 am

Thanks Brianmooore, I'll give Andyboy a pm!
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cuts
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Post Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:21 pm

Hey, am in the states, and i've always been a fan of the E30. I've own 2 coupes and a four door. but after my last coupe was vandalized. i could'nt find another in the condition i wanted, so i found a nice E34 in good condition with the M20 Motor. Last week i also read the same article as you and i want to perform the 2.8 conversion to my car. If you already started, let me know hows that going and what problems did you encounter. Right now am looking for a nice crankshaft.
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Brianmoooore
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Post Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:09 pm

If you have an E34, you may as well drop the M52 2.8 straight in, as all the parts required are OE BMW ones.
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