eta head with I cam?

[ajemayer]

i have a '86 325e and am looking for ways to improve hp while saving for a m52 swap. I plan on doing the motronic 1.3 upgrade from my 1.0. Is it worth my time to swap a "I" cam and springs into my "e" head? How much gain will I see from just the ECU upgrade? I appreciate any input.

[TobyB]

Well, there's a firing order problem- the eta and the i fire in different orders...
Can you jsut swap plug wires around? I would think so...

If you resolve that, then you need to drill the bosses on the eta head to oil the i cam.

Beyond that, I know nothing!

heh.

[jlevie]

The intake, valves, and ports on the ETA head are smaller than those on an I head, so just changing the cam, springs, engine harness, DME, etc., aren't worth the effort. Making a "budget stroker" would be worth the effort, in which case you'd change the head, intake, injectors, AFM, harness, DME, and add the M20B25 CPS.

[ajemayer]

I've done my research and have the parts list, just wondering if its worth all the work if i keep my 200 head. I know with the "I" 885 head my C/R will drop. I know a 731 head would be ideal but I cant seem to find one. Has anyone just done the 1.3 upgrade with the stock eta? Is it worth all the work?

[Cabriolet]

instead of doing all this work for just some power, why not go S50b30? its well documented and there is parts for everything needed to do it.

[ajemayer]

I have plans to do a swap in the future for sure, probably by this time next year. Don't have the funds for it yet hence the question about the ECU upgrade.

[MR 325]

Honestly, it's not worth even messing with the Eta engine if you're planning to swap.

Throw in a 3.25 LSD and a chip and enjoy!

[MrNatural]

This ^^^^ it will be more fun while you wait

[SpecM]

Agreed ^ if you plan on swapping soon anyway

Toby: etas and i's have the same firing order. All BMW sixes do

Sent from my Vortex

[ajemayer]

I actually have a 3.25 LSD and chip already. Did those about a month ago. This is primarily a track car. The chip and LSD made a huge improvement. I was just looking for a little more power for the track untili can get to the swap in about a year or so. I've also upgraded the suspension to the J stock kit from Turner. The car is a blast to drive, just looking for a little more power. I have the time and am willing to do the work as long as its worth it. Shouldn't take more than 2 weekends to swap everything over from what it sounds like.

[MR 325]

Instead of spending the $500-ish on a few extra HP now you should save the cash and change your swap plan from M52 to S52. ;)

[cunninglinguist]

Well, there's a firing order problem- the eta and the i fire in different orders...
Can you jsut swap plug wires around? I would think so...

If you resolve that, then you need to drill the bosses on the eta head to oil the i cam.

Beyond that, I know nothing!

heh.

[Cabriolet]

Well, there's a firing order problem- the eta and the i fire in different orders...
Can you jsut swap plug wires around? I would think so...

If you resolve that, then you need to drill the bosses on the eta head to oil the i cam.

Beyond that, I know nothing!

heh.

wtf? no. all m20s fire in the same order 1 - 5 - 3 - 6 - 2 - 4

http://e30world.com/specifications/BMW-E30-specs-table

[sce30]

um check this out.

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---m20-head-modification-use-i-camshaft-in-eta-head-p981.aspx

[MR 325]

um check this out.
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...head-p981.aspx

$200 to drill a few oil passages in your cylinder head.

Not only do you have to send your head to VAC, you have to tear it down too.

Not worth the trouble.