i head on e, not stroker

[BimmerScreamer]

So I'm bored and have an '87 E, I also have two spare I motors. I really don't want to do the usual "stroker" or just swap an I motor in. So here is my question, is the 885 head a big improvement over the E head? I'm thinking of swapping in the 885 head while retaining the E cam and manifold as they are tuned for the torque that I love in the E.

[Mike]

I don't know why I never really hear about running the "e" cam. Seems like a good idea, but I'm sure someone can shed more light on it...

[e30trooper]

theres plenty of threads with more info

[jlevie]

I sort of doubt that there'd be much benefit to that combination. The better flow from an I head is necessary at higher rpms, but may not make that much difference in the rev band that an E motor operates at. BMW is really good a tuning their engines, so the E head and cam are probably well matched for that engine.

Try it and get before/after dyno data to see if it helps.

[slo325i]

i dunno if you've driven the 2.7i but i think you'll be pleasantly impressed by the wider power band that it provides... I've driven the 325e for almost year and i've been running the 2.7i for about a month now. All i can say is, why didn't i do this sooner??? I bet if you had the 2.7i with 3.73 or 4.10 diff, you'll get the torque back plus all the "i" top end...

[whodwho]

If you were to want that combo I would suggest running a SETA head and manifold. That way the ports of the manifold match and you still have longer intake runners. I think you will loose a bit of the low end from this over an ETA from the bigger ports.

If you change out the cam for an ETA one in the I head you will have to plug the oil feeds on the extra cam journals.