E21 Engine swops

Post Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:19 pm

Ok I know its not an E30 topic, but can anybody suggest a cheap,and easy engine swop for a 1981 E21 323i? Mines got 189k

on the clock, and although it runs well, Ive uprated the suspension and brakes, and could do with a bit more poke.

Cheers

Post Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:50 pm

You could use a 2.7 bottom end with the rest of the 323 parts, if it's a M20 engine.

Post Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:44 pm

If I were you i'd be looking 4ward to changing the engine to m30b35, the swap has a very good power-to-cash ratio

Post Thu Dec 29, 2005 7:33 am

personally id go for the aforementioned m30 swap, but if you wanted less hassle how about an m20 2,5 from an e30

Post Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:11 pm

Hey I'd go for M30. I didn't know it would fit

Post Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:42 pm

Chaos wrote:personally id go for the aforementioned m30 swap, but if you wanted less hassle how about an m20 2,5 from an e30

Bloody hell,
Will it fit? never heard of it before
My mates settled for an M20 2.5 but I think you may have just changed his mind

Post Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:11 pm

Wow, I didnt think the big six would go in but its worth investigating! What should I be looking out for? Also will any 2.5 from any e30 do the job? Could I keep the current gearbox (5 speed non-dogleg?)
Cheers

Post Fri Dec 30, 2005 12:31 am

anothere21323i wrote:Wow, I didnt think the big six would go in but its worth investigating! What should I be looking out for? Also will any 2.5 from any e30 do the job? Could I keep the current gearbox (5 speed non-dogleg?)
Cheers

the big six fits but very tight go for the 2.7 its easyer if not try a 4.4 lexus engine???

this is my e21 at the monent

or the 4.4