Eggenbeefburger Grp2 e21 BMW 320
Moderator: martauto
An M52 conversion will "Blow away" the average M20 2.7 but there is a lot to be had from the M20 but it costs, a lot!Hoobs wrote:It was actually in my e21 and came from Fritz bits I think? It changed the way the car sounded but there was nothing much else. I got one because I'd done everything else but personally I would rather spend my dough on an m50/52 conversion. I'm not knocking the m20, it's just that I spent a fair chunk of cash building a 2.7 with all the trimmings and my m52 blew it into the weeds.bss325i wrote:Which 6 branch?Hoobs wrote:6 branch made sod all difference in my experience anyway tbh.
The right six branch makes a big difference to the M20 and fritz it is not.
Racing dynamics one or alpina one?bss325i wrote:An M52 conversion will "Blow away" the average M20 2.7 but there is a lot to be had from the M20 but it costs, a lot!Hoobs wrote:It was actually in my e21 and came from Fritz bits I think? It changed the way the car sounded but there was nothing much else. I got one because I'd done everything else but personally I would rather spend my dough on an m50/52 conversion. I'm not knocking the m20, it's just that I spent a fair chunk of cash building a 2.7 with all the trimmings and my m52 blew it into the weeds.bss325i wrote: Which 6 branch?
The right six branch makes a big difference to the M20 and fritz it is not.
Still think an m52 is the way to go. Lighter, modern and more powerful than any m20. Why mess around with one cam when you can have two?
I've got an m52 in stock but not going to fit until either my m20 has a problem or the end of the year for next season. Be nice to have over 200 bhp with all the lightening I'm doing. Should make pretty decent progress with a 4.4 diff
RD or BTB.redcar wrote:Racing dynamics one or alpina one?
Still think an m52 is the way to go. Lighter, modern and more powerful than any m20. Why mess around with one cam when you can have two?
Yes, bang for buck the M52 is the way to go but a standard M52 or even one with an M52 inlet isn't more powerful than what can be achieved from an M20.
As for wheight, M52's are not vastly lighter.
Besides, M20's sound better!
The M52 in my e21 sounds epic with the twin 323 system made in 50mm mandrel bent stainless.bss325i wrote: Besides, M20's sound better!
I did build a 2.7 m20 with Schrick cam etc but it just didn't make the power that I'd hoped for. It cost way more than my m52 did too. Like I say, the old m20 is a terrific engine but I just prefer the 222 brake I get from the m52. I'm just giving it a 75bhp shot of gas as an added bonus.
2. 58
Rally Prep - Cornwall
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
What spec was the 2.7?
AFAIK it was just an ETA bottom end, 325 head & Schrick cam, with an Alpina chip in the ECU. I never actually had it on a dyno but it was obviously making more than the 2.5 it replaced.
What is the best 6 branch for an m20 in an e30 then? Unfortunately e21 owners are limited to Fritz manifolds as no alternatives are available nowadays, apart from a custom item obviously. If I could be sure it would make a difference I would fit one on the e30.
What is the best 6 branch for an m20 in an e30 then? Unfortunately e21 owners are limited to Fritz manifolds as no alternatives are available nowadays, apart from a custom item obviously. If I could be sure it would make a difference I would fit one on the e30.
Rally Prep - Cornwall
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
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Demlotcrew
- E30 Zone Team Member

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Is that what he told you?redcar wrote:I think my brother got his from a scrap yard near harmondsworth
I've been doing some reaserch into the m20 possibilities, and the main drain iv found is the ancillary friction, they suck to power away from these engines. the alternator and water pump especially outside of the obvious viscous fan. as for tthe weight of the engine, 160kg (M52) , 180Kg (m20) so 20Kg, difference, if you replace the m20 inlet from the slab of mass it is to an alu plenum thats a fair old weight, then reduce the cooling system capacity by fitting a smaller rad with a high speed electric pump + smaller resivour thats a fair old weight removed similar can be said for the oil system, however this requires a lot more care. as far as the head goes, three angle seats larger radius fillet on the valves. Spin down time on these motors is really high, lightend flywheel and crank. Uprated gearbox bearings as the stocks are cheapish items. As far as exhausts go, yeah theres some weight saving but £ per Hp its a pritty expensive choice. Induction, yeh it makes a cool noise but flow rate increase, marginal. Mass wins over hp every time. biggest gains, turbo. In F1 our engines are small and produce pittiful torque, however due to the ability to have high engine speeds it is possible to see high power as power is simply torque x engine rpm (converted to radians/s) and then the ability to transfer this power depends on the efficiency of your chosen power train. obviously these principles can be applied to the m52. remove parasitic drains then mass, then increase Hp. cheapest method and the most effective.
Well I have removed bonnet and replaced with fibreglass o e (saved 8kg) and with bracketry and chopping up bumper innards and removing brantz trip computer I've removed another 5 kg. Plastic windows on route so will weigh what I remove. Looking at fitting an e36 box now for shorter ratio s which should liven it up a bit too.
It was about 1/3 full IIRC. TBH, it's only used for trackdays and almost invariably has a passenger in, so the combined weights of the driver and passenger, plus seat will make up quite an additional load. However, that's what it's used for so losing the PAX seat isn't going to happen. A sever diet for me could save the weight of the sumpguard tho! I've thought of (a) moving the battery rearwards and possibly going for a lightweight race one. Food for thought. Bonnet (and possibly boot) will help, as would perspex windows.Brian28 wrote:How much petrol was in the car when weighed? Take away excess petrol weight and passenger seat, allow for weight loss that a fibreglass bonnet and race battery instead of standard would give, and you are coming in under 1000kg.
- Brian28
- E30 Zone Squatter

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Hi, didn't mean that you should remove seat etc (bit uncomfortable for the passenger
) what I meant was that if you compare like with like you have a pretty lightweight car already 
For sale - E30 320i racer project - sold.
Sure to be better than standard so nothing to lose by having a go.ross_jsy wrote:Anyone had any luck stripping the inner supports off a standard bonnet and skinning the boot?
No money in the kitty for fiberglass ATM
Just bought some DTM mirrors, so I can junk the OE electric ones. Also going to whip out the doorcards and central locking.
Once the dash and heater come out I have an e36 cabriolet rear screen heater/blower to replace it. It was only £20 and should cope easily with demisting the front screen.
I'm quite looking forward to making a custom dash and fitting this....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acewell-1600- ... 333wt_1189
Anyone else fitted one?
Rally Prep - Cornwall
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
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ross_jsy
- Married to the E30 Zone

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That's the route I went down in the end. Believe my blowers are off an e30 cab.Hoobs wrote: Once the dash and heater come out I have an e36 cabriolet rear screen heater/blower to replace it. It was only £20 and should cope easily with demisting the front screen.
Would ideally like to fit a bonded in heated m3 screen when I have more money as these are available.
Not sure I would remove the standard dash as I quite like it but look forward to seeing what you do.
Have a brand new AKG heater blank off plate for an m5x if you need it?
I skinned the boot and removed all locks etc. A nice weight saving prob 25% plus removed mtec spoiler. Total prob 45% lighter? Took 1.5 kg out of bonnet whilst still being able to use standard mountings etc. Nice bit lighter until I shut the bonnet and the ram twisted my bonnet and scrapped it.ross_jsy wrote:Anyone had any luck stripping the inner supports off a standard bonnet and skinning the boot?
No money in the kitty for fiberglass ATM
New mirrors came today. They're 20 quid eBay jobbies but both weigh less than a single OE electric mirror. I guess there will be a tiny bit less drag too? I know they're not really going to make much difference but every little helps as they say.




Rally Prep - Cornwall
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
BTB2 or 3.Hoobs wrote:What is the best 6 branch for an m20 in an e30 then?
Proven 15bhp and 20+lbft gain alone!
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rix313
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That you driving Kipsy? You look like you're braced for a hard landing there!

I also attacked a spare boot lid I had but it was a lot more work for very little gain. I was a bit pissed off after I'd done it but glad I hadn't mullered the one that was on there. It also made it very flimsey and with the standard hinge mechanism, it didn't close properly because the hinge was pushing the middle up, and as there was no strength, it just bowed in the middle.
I skinned my bonnet and it made a noticable difference with how much easier it was to pick up and put in by myself. I still have it in the garage and FOC to a good home if collectedross_jsy wrote:Anyone had any luck stripping the inner supports off a standard bonnet and skinning the boot?

I also attacked a spare boot lid I had but it was a lot more work for very little gain. I was a bit pissed off after I'd done it but glad I hadn't mullered the one that was on there. It also made it very flimsey and with the standard hinge mechanism, it didn't close properly because the hinge was pushing the middle up, and as there was no strength, it just bowed in the middle.
With the boot you have to 'back off' the boot springs. 2 minute job just push them off the supports. Have a look easy to see hard to explain.
Yeh that's me in the photo- it's doing about 95-100 mph just before the jump- take it flat out and the car lands really nice. No room for error as all single track roads. Even standard 325 fast enough to get your heart rate going
Yeh that's me in the photo- it's doing about 95-100 mph just before the jump- take it flat out and the car lands really nice. No room for error as all single track roads. Even standard 325 fast enough to get your heart rate going
Are they easy to source?bss325i wrote:BTB2 or 3.Hoobs wrote:What is the best 6 branch for an m20 in an e30 then?
Proven 15bhp and 20+lbft gain alone!
Rally Prep - Cornwall
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
ARM BMW & Motorsport
2002
E30 M3 2.3 - Alpha N, C/F airbox etc
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rix313
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I didn't really get too far into it as I pulled it all off and fitted fibre glass ones any way lol but I understand what you mean and fair point to any one thinking of doing it.kipsy wrote:With the boot you have to 'back off' the boot springs. 2 minute job just push them off the supports. Have a look easy to see hard to explain.
Balls of steel aye?kipsy wrote:Yeh that's me in the photo- it's doing about 95-100 mph just before the jump- take it flat out and the car lands really nice. No room for error as all single track roads. Even standard 325 fast enough to get your heart rate going
Yep, can be had brand new but not cheap.Hoobs wrote:Are they easy to source?bss325i wrote:BTB2 or 3.Hoobs wrote:What is the best 6 branch for an m20 in an e30 then?
Proven 15bhp and 20+lbft gain alone!
The last group buy.
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 43&start=0
The rally was in mid Wales. It's where Wales rally gb runs. Awesome venue. The next round of welsh championship is there again on Sunday 6th of may. Lots of mental quick cars. Best venue I've been to in Britain (still yet to compete on isle of Mann though). There is even a book written about it.
Check out epynt on YouTube for an idea.
Check out epynt on YouTube for an idea.
Not been yet but fancied it last year until I did my sums and worked out rather expensive. I drive my car to all events as not fortunate enough to own a trailer and van. Long drive down to Dover etc with a direct 5th gear on a 4.4 cwp where 3500 rpm is 54 mph
OH wicked thanks for the offer. Loads of rallying going on over there. My mates both entered last year. One in mk1 rs2000 and one in gp4 mk2 escort. He was running 4th overall at onepoint from aseeding on 100+.





