'88 ETA block with I-heads

[mspiegle]

I was going to do a 5spd conversion on this '90 325is I just got, and was thinking of pulling the motor so that I could do the work easier and replace a bunch of other stuff while i'm in there (steering rack, mounts, oil pan gasket, etc).

I got me thinking... If I can find an '88 ETA block for cheap, that would easilly add some extra hp. Should I be able to bolt my I-heads onto any working '88 ETA block with a new headgasket and run with it? Are there any other things I need to do while the motor is out and i'm making this hybrid?

Also... this is good for at least 15-20rwhp, right?

Thanks in advance!

[Jarvis]

It'll be worth nothing unless you tune it. And even then this type of combination is more for gaining torque, rather than peak horsepower.

I wouldn't bother doing it unless you're willing to go all out and do an MAF conversion, put a high lift/duration cam in, open up the intake and exhaust system to flow better than stock and tune it.

You're familiar with the SMT-6 though, right? This type of stroker is the perfect application for tuning at home with one.

[mspiegle]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I forgot that M20 strokers are more of a torque increase... but that's fine too. My whole thinking is that if I can get this done for under $600 while the motor is out - then that's a steal considering how much money you can spend on other mods that don't really do anything either.

I don't think i'd want to change the cams... but maybe if I found a decent setup that would still pass the smog sniffer and offer gains then I would give it a try.

I would definately do some sort of MAF conversion or just convert to Alpha/N. I'm VERY familiar with the SMT6 and have one available since I crashed the porsche that it was on. I've always wanted to get a megasquirt running on a 928.... but if the alpha/n code is mature enough, then i'll give it a try on the M20.

As far as exhaust, i'm undecided. I might get high-flow cats and free-flow muffler.... I thought about headers, but don't feel like having a custom exhaust fabbed up.

so aside from making the hybrid work right after I was done, is all that I would need to do is change the headgasket? Could I use a stock 325i headgasket?

[MR 325]

All M20 motors take the same headgasket. You could bolt up an I head to a Super Eta block, no problem, just use all of the i wiring and Motronics of course. Jarvis' claim of no power increase without tuning is wrong, that's all I have to say. If you do this simple stroker, there will be power gains, no doubt. Just an FYI it's not "heads" it's head and it's not "cams" it's cam

:)

[mspiegle]

Sorry, i'm waaay used to have 2 heads and 4 cams.

Its like my motorcycle friends taking their bikes to the dyno.
"How much power does that thing make at the WHEEL?"

Thanks for the info Matt. Sounds like this should be a very cheap and relatively easy performance upgrade.

[Bimmerfanatik]

I was going to do a 5spd conversion and If I can find an '88 ETA block for cheap

Well look whose lucky day it is. I have a full 5 speed swap - with recently rebuilt tranny - and a real nice super eta engine - yours for the taking.

If you're interested, let me know. Cheap is the word!

[mspiegle]

Can you beat $400? :D
(that's what i'm looking at for an '88 ETA locally that was in an accident but still runs)

I have an '89 325i parts car with full stuff to do the 5spd conversion.... I honestly wouldn't have a big issue with owning a 4th E30 with the intention of pulling the motor... but I think between shipping and the price of the car - it won't be cost effective for me.

Thanks mucho for offering though! Would definately be lucky with a score like that!

[Jarvis]

Jarvis' claim of no power increase without tuning is wrong, that's all I have to say

I guess I could have worded that better.

I didn't say there would be no gains without tuning, but it sure won't run as smooth as a tuned engine... to me smoothness/driveability are worth more than peak output. Yes, there will be a noticeable increase in horsepower, but relatively speaking you gain more low-end torque than high-end horsepower compared to a stock 'i'.

mspiegle definitely has the right idea about this type of stroker. It's just too bad that Cali's stupid emissions will probably be holding back the motor.

Matt - how the hell does your 2.7i turbo pass emissions there? Friend in the business?

[Bimmerfanatik]

Can you beat $400? :D
(that's what i'm looking at for an '88 ETA locally that was in an accident but still runs)

I have an '89 325i parts car with full stuff to do the 5spd conversion.... I honestly wouldn't have a big issue with owning a 4th E30 with the intention of pulling the motor... but I think between shipping and the price of the car - it won't be cost effective for me.

Thanks mucho for offering though! Would definately be lucky with a score like that!

Well, if it falls through, I can certainly ship the motor. Let us know how it all turns out!

[mspiegle]

Well, if it falls through, I can certainly ship the motor. Let us know how it all turns out!

I will most certainly let you know! In fact, the tranny from my parts car has 275K miles on it, so a rebuilt one wouldn't be a bad idea either...




Smog is kind of a tossup issue for me. I need the car to pass smog, but at the same time I'll have access to ignition/fuel becuase the car will either get a piggyback or a standalone. With that kind of control, i should be able to "tune" the car to pass smog.... Just need to find a guy to run it a few times for me for a relatively low price.

[AndrewBird]

I thought some oil galleries had to be drilled to be able to use the i head on an e block?

[nando]

I thought some oil galleries had to be drilled to be able to use the i head on an e block?

no, that's to use an i cam in an e head.

also, 88 eta heads are the same as i heads, sans dual valve springs and the more agressive cam/oiling.

[mspiegle]

Ok, just a check... but an ETA block/crank have the same oiling abilities as the I parts, right? Meaning, I shouldn't have a problem bringing the E-block to redline on a regular basis?

[mspiegle]

bump

and also... I was going to buy a 325i lightweight flywheel from JB... would this same flywheel work on the 2.7 block (assuming a cluch assembly for 325i?)

[mspiegle]

bump