Trying to decide on what route to take

[moe30]

So I have been planning on building a motor for my e30. Currently it's an eta with an uncared for 2.7 with around 300k. I daily this car and it never sees a track. I have decided against doing a 24v even though it would be fun haha.

I'm curious on what you guys would do. Chipped eta or just a stock 2.5? Doing another eta saves me money but I'd like a little more power than I have right now. Also I have decided against doing a 2.7i as well incase that comes up.

Thanks for any and all opinions and knowledge

[ttrousdell]

id prob source a lower mileage "i'". that engine is tired and a chip wouldnt make up for the 50hp difference between i and e anyway.

[moe30]

Oh I should have clarified, I'll be buying a 2.7 or 2.5 and rebuilding either one most likely. Keeping mine isn't an option lol. If I stay eta I don't have to buy a harness, ecu plus an eta is way cheap. But on a 2.5 I could just throw it in and maybe chip it later.

[ttrousdell]

2.5 ftw. an i harness and 173 dme shouldnt cost more than 100 bucks. A chip for the e will prob be about that much if not a little more

[moe30]

Alright, I was leaning that way.

For that swap I'll just need the motor, harness and ecu correct? No custom work or anything like on a 24v?

[ttrousdell]

not that i know of. my buddy has an i engine with a manual tranny and drive shaft from an eta and the setup works fine. water pumps are different so you might have to mess with a coolant hose or two.