Building 2.7 E30

[D7_AJK]

Hey guys,

Have recently got hold of an 88 F E30 316i in black, lowered suspension, aftermarket rims (which need to go!) etc.

Would it be possible to do the 2.7 engine conversion on this car and if so, what parts would be required?

I know that I need to get the bottom end from a 525e but, well, that's it. What kinda power could I expect the car to kick out and would there be scope to turbo the engine if I got bored?

Many Thanks

Andy

[Morat]

I'm no expert, but since you're looking at a complete engine swap (since you don't already have the M20 bits that make up part of the 2.7 conversion) you might want to consider one whole engine. Like a 2.8?

[bootyman]

I'm no expert either, but the running gear for the 316 is different so you'd need all that sorting too. Look in the Engine swap section. There are lots of threads on this subject there

[Hyperion]

Hi D7_AJK
It is not possible to convert a 1.6 to a 2.7. What you will need is a 320i or 325i donar car and a 525e donar car. I havent done the conversion, but some will be along to help out and or point u to a tread that explains the process.
cheers

[Geeman]

To do this, there would have to be a lot of major mods made...

Front brakes, rear diff, rear brakes, all-round suspension (4-pot to 6-pot weight), ECU, gearbox, prop, engine, etc... You could really do with a damaged donor E30 320i (at least) or something.

Do the 316's still only have skinny solid front discs?

Lots of work ahead!

Giles

[Geeman]

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... 517#321517

Here's a Touring that would make a good donor for most of the parts you need.

Suspension, brakes, gearbox, prop, diff, front seats, ECU, wiring, etc. All for Ԛ£450. On top of this you would need the Eta bottom end and a 320i head (to go the cheap route) - you'd use the 325 inlet system mated to the 320i head.

HTH

Giles.

[tonyppe]

whats the deal with the 525e blocks?
the walls thicker or something?

i mean, why do you need the 525 block for the 2.7 mods rather than a 325?

[Geeman]

Because the 525e block is already 2.7 litres...

That's 525e and not 525i

[m3ben05]

Not being funny but whats the point? Its a 316. Surely it would be better to buy a 325 or something. They go for peanuts these days.

[tonyppe]

o right its one of them. like when the newer bms say 318 some of them are 1.9 etc etc.

i assumed people bored the blocks out to 2.7?

[Gouki]

ditch the 316, get a 325, half the work done at least!

[bottlecapE30]

It would be a ton of work i would start with a 325e then you can do all the work without even pulling the motor.

[bottlecapE30]

just realized you guys never got the 325e i would do like every one else said

[Hyperion]

Another Q about the 2.7 conversion, which method gives the most KW, the 320i + 525e method or the 325 + values, cam, boring etc??

[Geeman]

The second one... Trouble is with the 325i route, the block and head need mods, whereas with the 320i route the head bolts stright on, making it a simpler conversion and about 190bhp straight out of the box (with the 325i inlet manifold / TB / AFM and 2.7 chip).

[reggid]

Because the 525e block is already 2.7 litres...

That's 525e and not 525i

i think you mean "bottom end" not "block" as the 525e block has no displacement. Its the crankshaft that important. I would start with a 325i (newer) and drop in a eta crank with custom pistons ($$$ thopugh) to bump up the compression and this way the i running gear and ecu are sorted already. Others start with a 325e and use an i head etc but it depends what available to you. Definately start with a 6 not a 4

[reggid]

The second one... Trouble is with the 325i route, the block and head need mods, whereas with the 320i route the head bolts stright on, making it a simpler conversion and about 190bhp straight out of the box (with the 325i inlet manifold / TB / AFM and 2.7 chip).

what mods to the block and head do the 325i need? I suppose the block needs to be machined so the different pistons fit is there anything else?. I think the latest motronic running gear and better head make it better to go with a 325i and pull the block. Maybe 2.7L isn't enough if your going to pull the engine out

[Geeman]

Decking for a start... new pistons, etc... just a lot of money!

[reggid]

Decking for a start... new pistons, etc... just a lot of money!

why would you deck the head or block? That is not recommended better of getting custom pistons and you'll get better results $$$ aside.

[Geeman]

I was on the understanding that the block would need decking, and the head skimming (wouldn't you do that anyway on an engine rebuild to make sure it's flat?).

If you've done this conversion already, then I take all the info you've got on board. I've not done it myself, but have followed numerous threads on this conversion.

But back to the topic at hand, for simplicity, the 525e bottom end and 320i head with 325i inlet system is the cheapest and easiest way to go.

[reggid]

I was on the understanding that the block would need decking, and the head skimming (wouldn't you do that anyway on an engine rebuild to make sure it's flat?).

custom oversize pistons would mean boring only and head skim would be sensible if judged to be needed.

I
If you've done this conversion already, then I take all the info you've got on board. I've not done it myself, but have followed numerous threads on this conversion.

nah i haven't (yet) done it either but i'm in planning to with a 325is and an engine swap is a definate no no for me, otherwise a 3.5 would be on the cards.

But back to the topic at hand, for simplicity, the 525e bottom end and 320i head with 325i inlet system is the cheapest and easiest way to go.

yep i agree it should be the cheapest and probably the easiest depending on how far you go. i'm just trying to give a different perspective/point of view/option.

Cheers

[Geeman]

I reckon the E34 M30 3.5 swap is the way to go! Drag and drop, so to speak.

Okay, so there's the exhaust, engine mounts, M3 prop and electric fan to sort out, but there's probably even less work than the 2.7 build I reckon! No re-build to worry about! Just nut and bolt stuff.