Considering my options

[dubrooks]

Hello, I have the option to buy a 1989 325ix automatic (the engine and tranny have been removed, however) for a measly 400 dollars. I already have two other e30s sitting around:..
1) a 1988 325ix 5-speed with mediocre engine/tranny/transfer which was put into a tree..

2) a 325e 5-speed that was rolled over. PRIME engine/tranny

my question is, what is the best route for me swapping in a new engine/tranny? Would it be possible to mate up a 325e engine/transmission to a 325ix transfer case? I know you run into issues with most engine's and the oil pan needing modification, but I can't seem to find much information on weather or not the e transmission could be mounted onto the ix transfer case, and if you could use a 2.5 engine with a 325e tranny... Any advice would be awesome! Thanks!

[nomansland92]

The IX block is specific as well as the transmission. It is possible for an 325i engine to go in an IX but its very difficult and there is some custom work involved, i would imagine it would be the same for the e. and the rear section of the 260 tranny is different. So you would need an IX tranny anyway because you need the back section of it so if i were you i wouldn't waist any time and just get a 325ix block and a manual tranny and your good to go.

[dogsbark26]

I think that if I were you, I'd be transferring the motor and trans from the '88 Ix into the '89 but I'd probably check, put new gaskets, rebuild whatever was weak in the process.

But you probably already thought of that.