2.7i instead of 2.0 how difficult?

Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:39 am

Hi there as topic i got 320i and 2.7i stroker ready to fit...complete with ecu,loom, oilcooler,etc. So its simply take old engine away and put new in. my question is how difficult is it?as my garage quoted to nearly 400quid and thats a lot. I'm not dummy and was looking into engine bay and under car as well and doesn't look hard.
So can somebody tell me simply where to start and how finish?
Also is better to take just engine away or together with gearbox as i got spare one?

Thanks Miris

Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:54 am

Considering a full service is about £200, £400 to swap an engine seems fair. It really isn't a lot.

Tue Aug 09, 2011 12:00 pm

toby wrote:Considering a full service is about £200, £400 to swap an engine seems fair. It really isn't a lot.

but for me right now it is a lot and honestly i would prefer to do this by myself (of course with some extra hands to help)

Thanks

Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:30 pm

You will need to remove the rad and any pipe work in the way and get the air intake out. Unplug all the loom connections. Remove the exhaust down pipes and the exhaust manifold if like. You will need an engine hoist and you will have to remove the engine from the mounts and the gearbox from it's mounts, unbolt the propshaft from the gearbox, disconnect the clutch fluid line and hoist. The engine and gearbox will then come out as one.

Hiring an engine hoist will cost some money though.

Installation is the reverse. It will take all day by the time you have everything bolted up and coolant and clutch system filled and bleed. Remember you will find something that will break or a bolt that will thread. So you will need a stash of spare bolts and nuts just in case. You will need a new exhaust manifold to down pipe gasket and will you are in there it is wise to replace the head to exhaust manifold gaskets and the head to inlet manifold gaskets. The TB gasket could also be replaced.

You could also replace the engine mounts. Really if you are going to the trouble of an engine swap it is best to get these other jobs while you are in there plus many others.

Also if £400 is alot of cash (and it is for me too atm), no offense but how to expect to run an old BMW? Running minr feels like standing in cold shower tearing up £50 notes and it happens regularly. Not a pleasant experience but I still do oit for some reason. In fact tomorrow I have to stand in the cold shower..... when I pay the bill for the lastest batch of maintance.

£400 labour charge for removal and fitting of an engine is good. It will take some time.

Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:24 pm

Thanks eta, it doesn't look bad at all..Engine lift is no prob what so ever all the gaskets u named i got them

Engine mounts are 3years old and look as new so will keep them. What about if i gonna keep gearbox in and take just engine out?does it save me some time and hard work, or its pretty much same (i'm happy with my 320i gearbox, but also got spare 325i so practically what is easier)
And i know that 400quid is not much, but i would rather save that money and spent them on another parts

And also would be much more happy with knowing that I put the engine in...engine is working, i heard it before was taken from car, so will need "just" mechanical skills

Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:21 pm

Well you need to lay on some of that Irish charm and get some able, local zoners to come and help you out. If you can't afford to buy gratitude beer, you shouldn't attempt this conversion.

Wed Aug 10, 2011 1:31 am

its not about i can't afford it...actually can't right now as i spent nearly 2k on bits, so got really deep pockets, so will wait extra month for it. And I really would prefer do it myself...that i can be proud of myself (maybe)

So please guys, only who would like to help me with that please post

Sun Aug 14, 2011 1:54 pm

Engine swap's not difficult at all. Keep the engine wiring loom and gearbox attached to the engine, and check out the condition of things under the lower rubber cover of the plug and socket where the injector loom joins the main engine loom.
Having the back of the car higher than the front helps, as it reduces the amount you have to tilt the engine and box as they come out.
Always replace the sump gasket on a M20 and sort out broken exhaust manifold studs, before you fit it, but since this is a stroker, I expect that's already done.