E30 Zone

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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