first turbo

[low330]

i have a 1986 325es with the m20b27 eta with 250Kmiles plus. i would really love to turbo it for drifting but don't know where to begin. i have no idea what i would need or what is good or garbage. ive been told turboing an eta motor is stupid, if this is true idc. i don't have the $ to swap motors and do a turbo so id rather just turbo what i have. i just wana have enough power to slide and have fun with my baby. ive already done a little bit of work to it over the past 2 years ive had it. ive done little things here and there like injectors, exhaust, intake and so on. ive also read on other websites that you can swap cranks and heads to stroke these motors if this will help me i would like to know what i would need to look for specifically b.c i know theres a few different types of cranks people have used and whatnot. finally i am aware of the fact that i need to fully rebuild my motor b.c of the high miles. should i stick to OE parts or things like forged internals and whatever else that would need to be relaced

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3320959/1986-bmw-3-series/page-1

this website will show you the jist of what ive done

if someone can help me out here id really appreciate it b.c idk where to start

[Cyrix2k]

injectors, what injectors did you go to? eta injectors are the largest of all factory e30 injectors AND they're low impedance... anyway, you have a lot of reading to do. I wouldn't suggest a turbo for "sliding" due to lag, but etas boost pretty well. Perhaps a 327i build would be better for you.

:edit: Also, you need a good bit of money put aside for a turbo. A 24v swap would be cheaper. For a good idea of what you need, look below:
-turbo
-exhaust manifold
-exhaust of some sort (at least a down pipe)
-wideband o2 sensor
-engine management (megasquirt is good)
-oil lines
-charge lines
-intercooler if you want it
-blow off valve
-waste gate if your turbo doesn't have an integrated one
-injectors if you're running over 6 psi (factory eta injectors flow enough for 6 at 3 bar)
-3 bar fpr
-325i vr sensor, crank wheel, and bracket

I think that's about it, but it adds up quickly.

[Adrian_Visser]

Take some time and read up on m20 strokers. You already have the 2.7L bottom end, you could turbo it as is or swap an m20 b25 head (a.k.a an 885 head) this would give you a lower static compression ratio, bigger valves, better cam and better flow characteristics. An 885 head plus 2.7 bottom end plus turbo can hold some pretty decent power.

Rebuild wise what's your budget? 250k is high but a b27 is a tank of a motor and lasts forever usually. If you're cheap just get an MLS head gasket and head studs or o-ring the block and use a stock HG and see how long the bottom end lasts. Have you done a leakdown test to test for piston ring leakage?

[Cyrix2k]

Take some time and read up on m20 strokers. You already have the 2.7L bottom end, you could turbo it as is or swap an m20 b25 head (a.k.a an 885 head) this would give you a lower static compression ratio, bigger valves, better cam and better flow characteristics. An 885 head plus 2.7 bottom end plus turbo can hold some pretty decent power.

Rebuild wise what's your budget? 250k is high but a b27 is a tank of a motor and lasts forever usually. If you're cheap just get an MLS head gasket and head studs or o-ring the block and use a stock HG and see how long the bottom end lasts. Have you done a leakdown test to test for piston ring leakage?

he's probably fine. I have no idea how many miles were on my m20b27, but it was a lot. The title indicated 246k in 2001. When I tore it down, it looked beautiful inside. The factory HG & stretch bolts will hold 6 psi or so. After that, metric blues & the the factory HG will be fine. I wouldn't worry about the compression ratio for now, but the 885 will allow it to rev to 7k instead of 5500 (which is safe on the factory eta head).

[einstein57]

I've got over 300k on my motors. These m20's are built to go the distance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHmMlU8Q-V8

[u3b3rg33k]

Agreed. mine with over 200k on it runs like new (with the MAF kit ofc).

[Adrian_Visser]

I don't know about "new." You're going to have to at least do a head rebuild on an m20 at 200k ish unless you like burning oil all the time.

[low330]

injectors, what injectors did you go to? eta injectors are the largest of all factory e30 injectors AND they're low impedance... anyway, you have a lot of reading to do. I wouldn't suggest a turbo for "sliding" due to lag, but etas boost pretty well. Perhaps a 327i build would be better for you.

:edit: Also, you need a good bit of money put aside for a turbo. A 24v swap would be cheaper. For a good idea of what you need, look below:
-turbo
-exhaust manifold
-exhaust of some sort (at least a down pipe)
-wideband o2 sensor
-engine management (megasquirt is good)
-oil lines
-charge lines
-intercooler if you want it
-blow off valve
-waste gate if your turbo doesn't have an integrated one
-injectors if you're running over 6 psi (factory eta injectors flow enough for 6 at 3 bar)
-3 bar fpr
-325i vr sensor, crank wheel, and bracket

I think that's about it, but it adds up quickly.

i replaced them with 25LB injectors idk what that converts to and i dont remember what brand but they were name brand injectors not cheap and run beautifully i also should let u know that i have straight pipes on my e30 so i was getting alot of blowby :/ i am aware at how bad that is and i need to upgrade my ignition coil any suggestions? and what exacally goes into a 327i build? plus idk what turbo would be good for sliding :/ i understand it adds up quickly i just wanna boost this car now that i have disposable income u know... before i have things i NEED to pay off like bills and stuff

[low330]

Take some time and read up on m20 strokers. You already have the 2.7L bottom end, you could turbo it as is or swap an m20 b25 head (a.k.a an 885 head) this would give you a lower static compression ratio, bigger valves, better cam and better flow characteristics. An 885 head plus 2.7 bottom end plus turbo can hold some pretty decent power.

Rebuild wise what's your budget? 250k is high but a b27 is a tank of a motor and lasts forever usually. If you're cheap just get an MLS head gasket and head studs or o-ring the block and use a stock HG and see how long the bottom end lasts. Have you done a leakdown test to test for piston ring leakage?

i will probably do the b25 head but have u heard anything about crank swaps outa like m50s or something? my budget idk yet i kinda wanna start buying and see where it goes u know. i obviously dont wanna go cheap b.c i plan on keeping this car but as for piston rings... i can almost guarantee they're fried

[low330]

I've got over 300k on my motors. These m20's are built to go the distance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHmMlU8Q-V8

thats awesome

[low330]

Agreed. mine with over 200k on it runs like new (with the MAF kit ofc).

whats a maf kit otc?

[The Humjet]

whats a maf kit otc?

http://www.millerperformancecars.com/catalogue.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58&category_id=6

This is the Maf kit a good upgrade for an NA m20 however for FI youd better go for a standalone such as megasquirt because you can completly customise fuel and ignition maps aswell as be able to run a MAP sensor thats why earlier we were telling you to to get a 325i VR sensor, crank wheel and bracket, also megasquirt can allow you to run high and low impidence injectors/spark plugs, this is the web site and have a good read through the FAQ section it seems very daunting at first but there are alot of people out there that can answer your questions.

http://www.diyautotune.com/?gclid=COKzyvjv_KcCFQrhbgodqUSDqw

[u3b3rg33k]

I don't know about "new." You're going to have to at least do a head rebuild on an m20 at 200k ish unless you like burning oil all the time.

Mine burns about a quart every 5000 miles, unless I'm tracking it, then it eats more, but I think that is to be expected.

[The Humjet]

btw einstein that video you put up is awsome i love the good ol' m20's

[einstein57]

If your going to keep the e electronics or go with megasquirt you can get #29 and #31 injectors from early volvo turbos.

Here a short motivational clip. 14psi and stock clutch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_q-6NGorp0