2k for my bottom end stroker

[Kozworth]

Hey guys, ive been reading a lot on strokers (mostly eta based vs m52 crank), and I just need some personal advise on this build.

I own an 88 325is. I really want to boost, not sure of numbers but just to have a decent ammount of power. I just want something with some more kick in 3rd and 4th, while the m20 is fun i want more kick.

I have about 2k to spend on a stoker motor. I am getting kids telling me get all new pistons and such, but I can only put down 2k (school/rent finances are more important).

So my questions are:

1). For 300-350 whp (guestimate) would a stroker really be necessary? I know the one guy whos running 19psi at 440 rwhp on a "stock" m20.

2). For the money, is the m52 really much better then the eta based? Which one is more "beginner" friendly (my first block build)

3). What are your views on used parts ex: pistons, rods, cranks etc? Can these be resurfaced and reweighted to be comprimable to new parts?

4). Just basic recommendations of pricing for parts and such. Looked for local shops in Central NJ and my friends have not gotten back to me.

Sorry for all the beginner questions, I feel that a thread like this can help other people in the future too.

Thanks

[acolella76]

1. Not really necessary to have a stroker, but it would be nice to have a motor with as little miles as possible before boosting.

2. If you mean cranks, yes. The M52 crank will up the displacement to 2.8 vs 2.7. There is no replacement for displacement :)

3. Used parts are fine. I am using used everything in my 2.8 build (other than bearings, bolts, etc.)

4. I think you will be well within your budget to buy custom pistons, used 135mm B25 rods, and whatever crank you would like to use. They aren't really that expensive unless you shell out for high end Metric Mechanic pistons (which is NEVER a bad thing.) The good thing about buying custom pistons is that you can have whatever compression ratio, crank, bore, etc. you want. You COULD bore the engine out to 86mm and run an S52 crank and have a 3.2L turbo if you wanted to.

[Kozworth]

So if I were to get new, pistons would be the best to do? No issues in running an eta with 130mm rods nboth used and new pistons? Along with resleeving the block

[sayed ali]

Oh my god

rather than spending $$$ on a stroker motor just have a megasquirt and refresh the engine and O-Ring the block, and ported/polished head with bigger cam and you can hit 350 whp easily!

Good Luck ,,

[Kozworth]

That's true, but I figure an eta based would not cost that much more as opposed to a reg refresh, and give a little more power

[nando]

if you're spending money on custom pistons, use an S52 or M54B30 crank.

/end

[walktheboard]

so you have 2k to spend just for the motor? or 2k for the motor+all turbo bits and pieces, tuning, a new clutch, etc?

[Kozworth]

I was shooting for 2k for the bottom end.

As of now, I would have to refinance and do 3k for bottom and turbo. Too many finances and I don't know exactly how much more I can dump into the car after this summer since I would be living on my own and entering the field.

[rasalghoul]

shit son 1k for turbo,manifold,standalone and tune? I want that hookup!

there is some company that boosts stock m20's to 300 crank hp supposedly pretty reliably priced at around 3k not anything near your 400 chp hopes tho

2k should be sufficient to building a stroker. with new parts.

[Killacortes]

if you're spending money on custom pistons, use an S52 or M54B30 crank.

/end

What rods would go with this setup?

[HR2L]

if you're spending money on custom pistons, use an S52 or M54B30 crank.

/end

QFMT!!! :up:

[nando]

What rods would go with this setup?

135mm m52 or s52

[TexasTerp]

Hey guys, ive been reading a lot on strokers (mostly eta based vs m52 crank), and I just need some personal advise on this build.

I own an 88 325is. I really want to boost, not sure of numbers but just to have a decent ammount of power. I just want something with some more kick in 3rd and 4th, while the m20 is fun i want more kick.

I have about 2k to spend on a stoker motor. I am getting kids telling me get all new pistons and such, but I can only put down 2k (school/rent finances are more important).

So my questions are:

1). For 300-350 whp (guestimate) would a stroker really be necessary? I know the one guy whos running 19psi at 440 rwhp on a "stock" m20.

2). For the money, is the m52 really much better then the eta based? Which one is more "beginner" friendly (my first block build)

3). What are your views on used parts ex: pistons, rods, cranks etc? Can these be resurfaced and reweighted to be comprimable to new parts?

4). Just basic recommendations of pricing for parts and such. Looked for local shops in Central NJ and my friends have not gotten back to me.

Sorry for all the beginner questions, I feel that a thread like this can help other people in the future too.

Thanks

1. That person you know is FrozenSolid. I know his engine pretty well. it's only partially stock. O-ringed Block, head work, ARP Bolts, and a bit more.

2. The m52/4 cranks are nicer for displacement, but considering that you're going to be boosting, why spend the extra money? It isn't worth it.

3. Go with an seta setup if possible. Otherwise the standard 2.7i will be fine.

I'm building a 2.7iT setup using an eta crank, eta rods and Maxsil Seta pistons. I'm completely rebuilding it from the ground up and so far have 1k into it without the pistons, bearings, and machine work.

My intentions are to hit the same marks: 350whp. Only I'm investing in a Haltech EMS instead of Megasquirt. Much more costly, but with a good tune, you can run high boost numbers efficiently and safely on a mostly stock system.