how do you know if youv'e found the right eta block?

[liam012]

hi- just found an 83 525e. i want to do the 'mucho el cheapo' 2.7 conversion by just swapping blocks with my 320i - can i go wrong on this ne? s a 525e a 525e no matter what year it is will it do the job?
thanks

[Ant]

The later block is a better casting, avoid the one with the huuuuuge core plug in the rear( will be behind flywheel) they are prone to flexing when pushed apparently

Use the 731 head from the 320, add the intake runners TB AFM and injectors + fuel reg from a 325i bolt her up and enjoy

keep us posted dude

[liam012]

i presume 83 is not the lae block
do you mean "avoid if you can" or "do not even etertain" the idea of the earlier block?
sorry its just that i live in ireland and i am having a hard time getting hold of any block

[Andy_magic]

I didn't know that!

Any idea of the changeover year, I've had a look through the EPC and it shows the same picture for all years.

mines running an 1986 block

[Project_E30]

People whats the best year then for a 525e then.

I want to look into a 2.0 conversion, head bolted to block?

cheers

[Andy_magic]

As I said mines an 86 block, the compression is very high though and pinks over 4k rpm on unleaded.

I am still running 320i injection system though and will be sticking 325i bits on it when I get some

[liam012]

damn damn damn - what do i do - its an 83 so not the desired late version - but is it just as workable as the late version - would i get the same results? what exactly is the risk??

[316eyes]

Sorry to interrupt the thread Liam. I sent you a PM couiple of days ago re aerial. Had no reply.

[liam012]

really sorry but dont have a mdg from you? unless i deleted it? still i reply immediately to pm's so unlikely - send again if you would.

back on thread - i really dony know whether to go for this motor or not - 83 525e rhd good enough condition -

[316eyes]

PM sent again mate.