Now i've been trying to find out if its safe to use a 1983 525e for a cheapo 2.7 conversion - i'd like to just swap the block and keep all else 320i - does that mean i'll be back down to 120bhp? may as well drop in a 325 lump that has the 170bhp? i apprecciate that the 2.7 has a shed more torque but 50bhp is a nig decrease.
or does using a polished 320 head on the eta block give more ponies?
now i'm confused
can someone help me out
oh and i am on such a tight budget i'm walking funny so i cant do anything too fancy - at the moment i am chooosing betweeen upgrading from my current 320i with a 325 head and lump or buying this old 525e?
edit - here is my bhp reference ---> http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/enumber.html
2.7 eta the lowest bhp of the m20's? worth it?
Moderator: martauto
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Andy_magic
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I think it's more than 120bhp, 0-60 7.5 seconds, 50-70 in 5th 5.5 seconds, 50-70 in 3rd 3.5 seconds.
It bounces off the rev limit in 5th too.
I reckon on about 160bhp (conservative) running 320i management.
Check the video below for what my 320i goes like with this setup, I short shift first gear and I'm not really trying as I'm holding a DV camcorder whilst driving
The hike in torque is huge, up hills in 5th gear at 30mph, no labouring of the motor, in fact the MPG meter reads better than 20mpg doing it.
The ETA engine is 120bhp, but thats with the really luggy camshaft and ETA management.
It bounces off the rev limit in 5th too.
I reckon on about 160bhp (conservative) running 320i management.
Check the video below for what my 320i goes like with this setup, I short shift first gear and I'm not really trying as I'm holding a DV camcorder whilst driving
The hike in torque is huge, up hills in 5th gear at 30mph, no labouring of the motor, in fact the MPG meter reads better than 20mpg doing it.
The ETA engine is 120bhp, but thats with the really luggy camshaft and ETA management.
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liam012
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i am sorry to hassle you andy but you have done the exact conversion that i have the option of of doing - (i still cant find out though if its ok to use the 83 engine?)
you said the eta camshaft was lugggy did you change it?
i would be very interested to know a rough component list just to see what eta you used and what 320i?
as i said sorry bout all the questions but real life experience is the best sort of info for me!!
you said the eta camshaft was lugggy did you change it?
i would be very interested to know a rough component list just to see what eta you used and what 320i?
as i said sorry bout all the questions but real life experience is the best sort of info for me!!
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Andy_magic
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No worries mate.
I used the 320i head complete with cam etc.
My shopping list read:
Donor 525e
Head gasket set for 525e
Sump Gasket
Water pump Gasket
Crankshaft spigot bearing
Engine Oil
Oil filter
My 320i is a late 1988.
I would say that the early blocks would be Ok making 200bhp but might start flexing if you turbo'd it. Its hard to say 100%
I used the 320i head complete with cam etc.
My shopping list read:
Donor 525e
Head gasket set for 525e
Sump Gasket
Water pump Gasket
Crankshaft spigot bearing
Engine Oil
Oil filter
My 320i is a late 1988.
I would say that the early blocks would be Ok making 200bhp but might start flexing if you turbo'd it. Its hard to say 100%
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liam012
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cheers andy, your a legend
i presume the 320i head gaket set would do? i have an elring one unopened!
i presume the 320i head gaket set would do? i have an elring one unopened!
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Andy_magic
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Sorry dude you'll have to get a bigger head gasket as the 320i gasket wont have big enough holes in it!!
320i 80mm bore
525e 86mm bore, the rest of the gasket set will be fine though
320i 80mm bore
525e 86mm bore, the rest of the gasket set will be fine though
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StuBeeDoo
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General concensus seems to be that the 2.0/2.7 makes about 180bhp.Andy_magic wrote:I reckon on about 160bhp (conservative) running 320i management.
This is why I no longer drive an E30......
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Andy_magic
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Could be I guess, I was taking into consideration that the 320 injectors only flow enough for about 170bhp, that coupled with the 320i standard chip in the ECU and 320i fuel pressure regulator isn't going to make max power.
It's also running a 320i AFM/TB so is a bit restricted to say the least.
Does go well though as I'm sure you've seen the video...
cheers
It's also running a 320i AFM/TB so is a bit restricted to say the least.
Does go well though as I'm sure you've seen the video...
cheers
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Geeman
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What video...?
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Chaos
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giles u beat me to it, i was about to ask thatGeeman wrote:What video...?
Chaos
causing havoc and mayhem wherever i go
causing havoc and mayhem wherever i go
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Andy_magic
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johnna
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I'm gonna be a pain, but this sounds like a bolt-up super engine job here....
By combining the components listed, I can get a 2.7 lump, is that right?
Hmm this could arouse more than just my interest!!!!
By combining the components listed, I can get a 2.7 lump, is that right?
Hmm this could arouse more than just my interest!!!!
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Andy_magic
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yeah, take the bits on the shopping list up there and some spanner wielding and it's 2.7 time.
The cheapy way isn't as powerful as the expensive way. I think the cheapy way (with 325i bits on it) makes 175-185bhp and the expensive way gives about 190-205 depending on cam etc.
The cheapy way isn't as powerful as the expensive way. I think the cheapy way (with 325i bits on it) makes 175-185bhp and the expensive way gives about 190-205 depending on cam etc.
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Martinaston
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I spoke to a guy at gaydon who had a better cam in his and reakoned he was keeping up with the m3's on the way there 
Andy, was that 50 in second ?
What box and diff are you using ?
Andy, was that 50 in second ?
What box and diff are you using ?
There is NO nucleus.
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Andy_magic
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Mmm cam sounds good.
that was 50 in second, 4.1:1 diff and standard 320i box, I will be changing the diff when one comes up at the right price, I've got my eyes on an LSD from an old 323i so that should sort out the 50 in second issue.
The motor is torquey enough to pull away in second quite happily.
that was 50 in second, 4.1:1 diff and standard 320i box, I will be changing the diff when one comes up at the right price, I've got my eyes on an LSD from an old 323i so that should sort out the 50 in second issue.The motor is torquey enough to pull away in second quite happily.