325i into 320i swap! INFO NEEDED!

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MarkF
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Post Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:50 am

Hi guys. Looking for more power from my 1987 320i as its a bit lame. Ive had a few ideas, i.e. E36 engine but have decided that an E30 325i engine will probably be the easiest option. Can anyone tell me what exactly is involved. I know this subject has been done to death but would like some definate answers regarding wot i will need to do/source/change/modify etc.

I am assuming from reading thru the engine swaps forum for a good couple of hours that my gearbox and mounts will be ok. Wot about exhaust, wiring, ECU etc.

Any help will be much appreciated.
Ant
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Post Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:21 pm

Motronic or Jetronic M20B20 dude ?

in English thats dizzy on the front ? or in the side by the AFM ????
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Silverfang
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Post Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:53 pm

Was thinking the same conversion too, Motronic M20B20 here.....
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daimlerman
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Post Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:59 pm

Easiest way is to use the management that you have at the moment,just swap it onto the doner engine.If you can locate a complete 325i,take the ECU as well.Exhausts are interchangeable between 2.0 and 2.5.Do have a read of the 2.8 threads that are current,with both engine sizes to hand you will have almost all the bits you need for a 2.8...not too much more effort for a very big gain....you will need to swap your diff,would expect that you have a small case 4.1,(6 bolts on the cover plate)you could do with a 3.64 or a 3.71 medium case(8 bolts on the cover) the bigger diff swaps in without any drama,the prop length is ajustable to suit.
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Silverfang
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Post Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:30 pm

Diff's been solved already - 3.91 LSD winkeye 8)

Though would be thinking to do that 2.8 swap... just means getting a crank from a M52 B28? I'll have a read up on that 2.8 build thread to see what's what
BMW and Opel, both RWD, both german, both good fun
http://www.clockservicing.co.uk/ For any clock repairs try here.
ric325i
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Post Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:51 pm

if your going for the easy swap just swap :D should just be the ecu that needs swaping. same age engine (as in face lift) and all is well. the rest will be the same.

hope you have a rear disc set up to go on it and that should be it. most simple swap you will do.

anyone think there is anything else to it?
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Silverfang
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Post Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:43 pm

Got drums at the back, but doing braided lines here all round, sides i put new shoes in only 6 months ago.

Was thinking of getting a 2.5 and giving it an overhaul anyway, just a good strip down, clean and re-seat the valves, maybe port match the head to the manifolds and see if i can get a decent cam and chip to sort the fueling out
BMW and Opel, both RWD, both german, both good fun
http://www.clockservicing.co.uk/ For any clock repairs try here.
MarkF
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Post Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:09 pm

Cheers guys. My dizzy is on the front of the engine...