2.7 Conversion Guide?

[Phatz]

Aside from the German website in the links section, can anyone point me in the direction of a good guide on the web on how to do the 2.7 conversion?

I know there are a few options and combinations that one can use to carry it out, but I'm not that knowledgable so some detailed information would be useful.

I'm thinking about this conversion as my 325i Sport engine is a bit tired now and could use a rebuild.

Cheers all and Happy Christmas.

Martin

[Jimbob]

Here's a little description I wrote when I first completed the conversion, not sure how much help it can be though!

http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/e30jim/

[Phatz]

Can't find the link mate! Am I missing something?

[bottlecapE30]

http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/328i_1.html

should be of some help, also check out metric mechanic's site they have some info there as well

[baur320]

Martin,

I've scanned the TBMW article a while back. If you want it just pm me your email address and I'll get it off the you.

Cheers,

Mick

[Phatz]

Thanks guys for your responses, I now have a few bits to read to give me some more info!

Thanks for your offer Mick, but I actually have a copy of this issue somewhere (the one with the article heading: 2.7 Kids? With a red touring?)

I was actually looking for something a bit more in depth that explained methods and cost etc... as I'm no mechanic!

Cheers all.

Martin

[Simon13]

well that guide is as good as it gets mate! my advise would be don't do it if your really that novice with engines

[daimlerman]

I have built a basic 2.7 recently.I bought an eta short motor for £100,this proved to be well knackered.The crank regrind cost £85 plus VAT,new rings were £98.A lightly worn block from a zoner cost very little,just needed collecting.New oil seals from the stealer and new big end and flywheel bolts added another £100 or so.Earlier in the year I had reconned a 325 head,this cracked so I reconned a 320 head.£300 each Each time you swap a head you spend £100 or so in gaskets,head bolts,cam belt and bits that break etc.The first time I swapped the engine I hired a hoist(two days)£75.The second time I bought a second hand one(now for sale,PM anyone interested)The only realy difficult part is loosening the front pulley bolt,450 ft pd is tight!!My motor has now run about 2000 miles and is starting to show its worth.Pulls cleanly from 1500rpm with real urge from 2000rpm.The car now feels undergeared and I plan a higher ratio diff next.I am not a trained mechanic,just a determined enthusiast working alone,this conversion worked for me.Unlike the swap to a 3.5,the car looks standard under the bonnet,the engine sit in the same place using the same mounts and exhaust.Start with a 6 cylinder car,there is a number of detail differences to the smaller ones that will up the cost,time and difficulty.You can buy a sound 4door 320 for £200 or less.Go for it...

[Phatz]

Well, I have the 6pot E30 already so thats a start I guess. For me the biggest issues are money and space really, I'm not a trained mechanic but I know I thing or two and I also know plenty of people who are knowledgable, so I reckon I would be ok.

I like the idea of keeping the engine bay standard looking, but having something a with bit more grunt than standard. I was thinking about the M30 conversion, but this seems much more work and hassle.

Thanks Daimlerman for your advice and giving some rough cost ideas. My next port of call would be locating the 2.7 Eta engine (or just the crank and conrods)! Where do ya reckon I can locate these babies?

[Jimbob]

My next port of call would be locating the 2.7 Eta engine (or just the crank and conrods)! Where do ya reckon I can locate these babies?

Local scrapyard! Could've had the whole eta engine for £75 but they crashed it before I got there :/ had to pay £125 in the end from another garage that happened to have one.