2.7i compared to m20b25

[acolella76]

Compression =/= horsepower

Seriously.. if you are building it from the ground up not for boost, use pistons that match the shape of the head. No reason to spend extra money and time searching for euro eta pistons.

[5Toes]

Then what build do you recommend given my budget?

[acolella76]

2.8L. I have spent around $700 on my 2.8L bottom end... although that is the bottom end only.

[5Toes]

So that is m52 crank and eta rods/i pistons.

What do you believe the c/r will be?

[5Toes]

Good info found on a New Zealand forum

http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index.php?showtopic=26119&st=0&p=295309&#entry295309

I think that the eta bottom end, I rods (or even m50 135mm ones for less rotating mass), and i pistons machined down would be a good build for me. I can possibly even fit new crank/rod bearings into the budget

[nando]

you can't use 135mm rods except with a custom piston

don't use old bearings..

[xwill112x]

Not hating...but heres some advice for you that no one has really given me and my e30 is sitting in the basement with an engine 90% ready to go in...but waiting on funds..

DOUBLE that $ budget, then start thinking about doing this. Shit adds up quick, and little headache problems will arrise, then the "While you're already in there" comes into play. Get around 1500$ or just swap a m20 straight in. 700 Isnt near the budget for a quality engine build.

[5Toes]

Well after a nice facebook status conversation with Criv, I am fairly sure what I am doing.

I will buy a m20b25, reseal it and drop it in. No performance upgrades. Maybe Ill put a cone filter with a proper heat shield (for looks/sound), and I will put in a chip for sure.

James points out that the 15hp difference that a cheap stroker like I want will give will not make a difference behind the e30's turd of an auto.

And apparently a 24V auto isnt as hard as I thought. Thank you so much for the wake up call James!

Not hating...but heres some advice for you that no one has really given me and my e30 is sitting in the basement with an engine 90% ready to go in...but waiting on funds..

DOUBLE that $ budget, then start thinking about doing this. Shit adds up quick, and little headache problems will arrise, then the "While you're already in there" comes into play. Get around 1500$ or just swap a m20 straight in. 700 Isnt near the budget for a quality engine build.

Yup, I think 24V is my destiny anyways. This idea was shortlived, lol