M20B27 - Whats needed list?

[Jim320i]

I'm thinking of building a 2.7

When I say build, I mean slap everything together and hope for the best badassyas will hopefully be helping me if I do it, but I just wanted to be clear on what I would need...

I have the 325es breaker so the whole bottom end is here.

I'd want to do this on the cheap as possible, I know some on here will say, 'No, do it properly and spend thousands replacing every single bit' but to be honest, if it breaks, it breaks! Obviously i'd take as much precaution as possible but I wouldnt want to fall into the trap of a stupidly long rebuild due to the mount it costs.

Anyway, as for the list, what will I need?

ETA Bottom end - Got
325i head
325i inlet
325i throttle
325i afm?
Facelift Engine bay loom and 173 Ecu

What else will I need? I'm not looking to buy from anyone so no need for messages saying you have all these parts! I have most of what I need already and if not, i'll get hold of it soon enough.


ALSO... I'd be keeping it as an Auto, so what gearbox would best be suited to a 2.7 engine? Before anyone says,' Why auto?!' Because I like autos

Anyway, hopefully someone might be able to tell me what else I might need or if I have it all wrong and need other bits. Yas, if your reading, i'm 75% converted to the ideal now... Still havent told Rick

[badassyas]

I'm reading!! Lol!
I think that a 323 cam is best suited for budget build. But someone can confirm...

[Grrrmachine]

Unsurprisingly Jim, a lot of it's in the Wiki

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... er_Engines

[Jim320i]

Unsurprisingly Jim, a lot of it's in the Wiki

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... er_Engines

I tried to search on there but didnt look for the correct words Thank you very much, will have a read now.

[Jim320i]

According to the Wiki I can use the head of a 320i? Which will be a matter of screwing it together and glueing, then nailing a 325i inlet and throttle body on there?

Which sounds alot easily then the 325i head route which means a strip down...

I really do know bob all about building an engine, so many numbers on different things

[stew72]

I can't help you Jim, but please can you check your PM's

[bss325i]

If you are staying auto keep the 320i head and inlet as they will suit for low end torque which is what you want for an auto.

325i head and inlet for power.

Plus using the 320i head and inlet is cheaper as you dont have to buy 325i parts or mess about decking blocks and changing pistons etc.

Using the 320i head is the easiest and cheapest way to build a 2.7.

Lose that Bosch L-jetronic injection system for Bosch motronic 1.3 though!

[Jim320i]

Thanks Barry

That was the answer I was hoping for! Reason being is I already have most of the above then other than ECU and AFM assuming I need a 325i AFM?

As for the gearbox, would auto box would suit it or would it be fine on the current 320 auto box? As if thats the case its just a matter of taking the old engine to bits, making Frankenstein's monster with the other parts and dropping it back in! The longest bit of all that is making sure its all nice and clean before going back in

[bss325i]

Literally, remove engine, unbolt head, fit head to eta bottom end, remove all the old bosch L jet, fit Bosch motronic 1.3, fit newly built engine back in bay to existing auto box.

Replace any worn bits, clean/paint any parts accordingly and you'll also be putting a cambelt tensioner and water pump as a minimum but ideally new plugs, cap, rotor and refurbed injectors.

Is the eta engine you have a complete running engine or come old block that's been in someones garden for a year or two?

[Jim320i]

The engine had been sitting But I was told (Always reassuring) it was a runner. The lad I got it off bought it in December/January as he needed a sump and this was cheap enough i'm guessing, the sump was removed and then I went and bought it...

There could well be a possibility its a load of crap

So, what advise would you give if the answer to your question was its been sitting for a few years...?

[Jim320i]

The engine is still in the car btw, but its pretty much stripped down so cant fire it up and needs a sump fitting to it...

[Andyboy]

My C1 2.3 had a 2.7 Griffin engine on the original 323i (same as 320i) inlet manifold, TB and injectors - old 1984 LE Jetronic stuff with a distributor. Whilst it wasn't so good at the top end, it pulled like a bitch from 1000 rpm on an overdrive gearbox and a 3.45 diff. It really did drive extremely well.
To start with then, you can retain the injection and distributor to get you going and convert to Motronic at a later date. If you can find a 323i distrubutor for peanuts, that'd be a good stop gap.

[bss325i]

I'd be doing the motronic whilst its out the car and in bits. It's a no brainer especially as the cost of the motronic bits is relatively cheap.

As for an engine that's sat, biggest concern is the condition of the bores/rings.

[Jim320i]

Well all I need to get my hands on for the Motronic Upgrade is the ECU, I have everything already here. I've got parts coming out of my ears that I havent even got round to selling on Ebay so have almost 3 full motronic upgrade kits, just missing ECU's as they sell for good money on Ebay so always got them straight on.

With regards to the engine, I think, get it out the car and give it an inspection? I know not very much at all so any advise on what to look for would be great. Would it be worth getting a sump back on it while its in the engine, getting some oil in it and turning it by hand? Or would not do anything at all?

I've got so many damn things that need doing the the turd but I think it would be a good idea to get this done before at around the same time as welding while its off the road. The respray can wait