Can you make power out of an eta motor?

[sloweste30]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and bmw's in general. I was just wondering what would be the best way to at least attempt to make power out of an eta m20 motor. It is in a 87 325e sedan. I don't have too much money at the moment but would like to kind of start up a wish list.

If there's any cheap mods I can do....maybe stuff I can find at the local junkyard please let me know. Any input would be much appreciated.

[reelizmpro]

The ETA makes power now...121HP, 145 or so with a chip which is the single best thing you could do, besides a cam. As for junkyard parts, get a 325i head, intake and turbocharge it. There's plenty of information on this stuff if you search.

[JA1991]

^this, head swap and turbo. Headswap and a good tune with a cam would do wonders. The compression will be low but it won't hurt the car untill you can get a turbo kit or build one

[Timp]

I have a question about these things actually. What are the effects of a chip and a turbo on gas mileage? In my head, a turbo would allow the engine to perform more efficiently, and therefore would result in higher mpg. Obviously though, people put in turbos not for the extra mileage. But what about a chip? Given the higher cost of premium gas required for the chip, I wonder if the extra cost would be worth any potential gas savings.

[einstein57]

If your worried about fuel economy don't bother doing anything to your motor. Just put in a 2.79 diff and enjoy the fuel economy.

[Timp]

If your worried about fuel economy don't bother doing anything to your motor. Just put in a 2.79 diff and enjoy the fuel economy.

Fair enough, but what if I wanted the best of both worlds? Based on what I've read a 2.79 will give me about 2-3 more mpg than the 2.93 diff I currently have. If a chip provided the same boost, it could be cost effective. Perhaps a turbo is a bit much but it sure sounds fun...

[JA1991]

I thought they required premium, i've been putting in 93 since i've owned it. I think if you chip it and continue to drive regularly then i don't think you will lose too many mpg

[mbonanni]

2.93 blows. I can't imagine a 2.79..

I was also worried about fuel milege at first, but then I rreeaallyy thought about it when I started to consider an m30 swap. Why sacrfice 4-5 mpg when you can have 100+ more hp? I bought my e30 because I love the way they look, and to have fun.

If you want power, sacrifice two things.. Money and Fuel Economy.

[sloweste30]

Preciate it guys. A i head is definantly wanted just worried about what all a swap will involve. But I will do some research and hopefully get it started

[u3b3rg33k]

just chip it. premium only costs you 5% more per fill up @ 4.10 a gallon, and that's not taking into account the benefits of more ignition advance while cruising.

[einstein57]

If you want more power and fuel economy a m52 will flip the bill. Also cheaper then most turbo setups.

[Timp]

that's not taking into account the benefits of more ignition advance while cruising.

Could you elaborate on that? Are you just referring to the performance boost gained by the chip?

If you want more power and fuel economy a m52 will flip the bill. Also cheaper then most turbo setups.

Indeed. Do you know of specific figures for that setup? HP, torque, mpg, etc. I've thought of doing an engine swap, but for someone like me who has only done a valve adjustment, it seems like a hugely difficult task. Getting an engine to fit in a car it wasn't built for. But an M50/M52 engine can be had for pretty cheap.

[JA1991]

i think the later model 87 and on you need like the head the and a couple other things, i'm not sure though. I know for earlier models you need the ecu, injectors, tb, harness, all kinds of shit..

[u3b3rg33k]

Could you elaborate on that? Are you just referring to the performance boost gained by the chip?



Indeed. Do you know of specific figures for that setup? HP, torque, mpg, etc. I've thought of doing an engine swap, but for someone like me who has only done a valve adjustment, it seems like a hugely difficult task. Getting an engine to fit in a car it wasn't built for. But an M50/M52 engine can be had for pretty cheap.

More advance generally means more efficiency. generally. Chips require higher octane fuel because they have more advance at WOT, and presumably during cruise as well. FYI, eta's gain way more from chips than regular M20s.
M20B25 gain around 15hp from a chip on paper, M20B27 gains 24 hp. as a percentage the eta benefits way more. 8.8% vs 22%, respectively. find me any other mod for under $500 that gets you over 20% more power. good hunting.

An M52 will get you better power with decent economy, but i highly doubt it'll outdo an eta engine/rear end on pure economy alone.

[sayed ali]

Don't think about the fuel economy, it doesn't a matter!

just swap an 325i head and do a basic turbo setup (8-10 psi), you would not spend too much $$ but will get a real power :)