Engine identification

[Mario Molin]

Hi all, I'm new here and am beginning a long time dream of doing an e30 engine swap. So I impulsively purchased a rotted out 97 328 with an s52 swap..I think...it was super cheap and the motor had lots of power, could break the tires lose into 3rd gear. Without an real knowledge of how to i.d the motor I took the guys word for it. So long story short i am trying to i.d the motor so I can start to do this project properly...it could be an m50 with m3 plastic.....it doesn't have an aluminum oil filter housing. I have the motor out, trans out and computer out. I cant find any identifying marks on the block or head, lots of rust on the block (thanks Michigan winters). So anyone know what to look for when trying to i.d and unknown motor?

Thanks
Mario

[Appleseason]

Intake shape, ecu number, quite a few things.

[raj]

Measure the stroke of the motor with a dowel. OBD2 motors will have a crank position sensor on the side of the block. OBD1 uses the conventional trigger wheel sensor.

[Mario Molin]

Thanks for the tips....is there a website or such that will tell me what Ecu numbers are related to what motor? Intake shape...I'm guessing just look at pics on eBay or similar.
I'm a complete novice when it comes to this so the more details the better.

Thanks

[Mario Molin]

Ok so the Ecu comes back as a 97 328....but it has been tuned. Can an m3 motor be run on that Ecu? I did measure the stroke- 3.1 inches, so S52??? Or can it be something else?
I took pics to post but can't seem to make them up load.
Also how do I follow my own post so I can see when someone replies?

[jhaurimn]

Ok so the Ecu comes back as a 97 328....but it has been tuned. Can an m3 motor be run on that Ecu? I did measure the stroke- 3.1 inches, so S52??? Or can it be something else?
I took pics to post but can't seem to make them up load.
Also how do I follow my own post so I can see when someone replies?

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