B23 - is it good for anything?

[Saga]

I've ended up the not-so-proud owner of a B23 (judging by the 731 head and the "vacuum box").

Is there anything I can do with a B23 block for less than a shitload of money which makes it worth swapping in for an M42? Based on the figures I've seen, a stock one would be a lot of work for no real advantage.

Can I use a B25 (885?) head and pistons with what I gather is the longer stroke used in the B23 and then deck/skim to suit? I take it that would require an expensive megasquirt setup and much arse-ache?

[toby]

Easiest/cheapest is a complete B25 swap along with the later motronic loom etc

Modifications, 2.7 litre conversions etc are all rather involved but you can stay standard on the engine management. Not really a cheap/easy route when 325i engine is so barjaintastic.

[Saga]

Thanks Toby. Currently the car is obviously wired for the M42. I take it using B23 with the ancient ignition / FI system won't meaningfully simplify the electrics or will actually make them more of a PITA?

[toby]

Unless you do something expensive to the B23 it wouldn't be worth doing anything. M42 is a much newer safer bet than lifting in some heavier, older and relatively low capacity engine.

[sihooker]

You could whip the head and sump off the B23, clean up the block and use it as an unusual six-pot planter in your garden...

To take out an M42 and put in a B23 would be daft on every level i can think of.

[kimbo]

Sorry, a bit late to this party.......................
If you want to go 6 pot, get a 2.5 and stick the cam from the 2.3 in - slightly 'wilder' profile should give a useful increase over stock. (Yes I know its not exactly a wild profile, but you get what I mean!)
Also your 'ancient' dizzy ignition is the perfect way to go if you're running old school triple webers, so probably worth hanging on to.

Kim