worthy m20 bolt-ons...

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  • strang3majik
    Grease Monkey
    • Aug 2012
    • 310

    #1

    worthy m20 bolt-ons...

    I'm picking up a decent mileage (around 90k) "I" m20 swap here soon with a brand new head/gasket/arp studs, and I'm not wanting to simply do the "eta" to "I" swap stock for stock.


    I'm not wanting an all out build or anything radical, but, I'm just wondering what some reasonably priced bolt-ons are that would be worth the money and add a few extra horses.


    I was thinking a cam (not sure what a streetable cam is), maybe a header (though I read they don't make much difference), definitely am doing exhaust for sound if nothing else as mine sounds like a tin can now....a chip....etc.


    But anything that you can specifically recommend? The engine is just a block with the new head on it and it comes with all the needed pieces for the swap, just not installed.

    I am replacing every wear item on the engine that way its as close as I can come to brand new....

    But, like I said, just trying to help it out a little. Going through all the work I want it to be a huge difference in power from the 2.7, not just a large difference...haha.
  • e30trooper
    R3V OG
    • Mar 2009
    • 11576

    #2
    272 re ground cam , Miller MAF conversion kit ( that comes with a chip ) Headers with high flow cat with a decent muffler like a magnaflow/ansa/spintech. Get a 3.73lsd or even 4.10lsd. Thats pretty much it power wise without going big. If big, port and polish bigger cam like a 288, larger valves , bore and stroke to a 2.8/3.1

    A refreshed head with a chip and 3.73 should be fun.

    Im running 2.7i ( i head conversion ) shaved rebuild head , alpina b3 chip and 3.73 lsd. Its a blast to drive!

    Comment

    • strang3majik
      Grease Monkey
      • Aug 2012
      • 310

      #3
      We don't need no stinking cats...haha. I actually don't have one now.

      And I'm following you on instagram btw...lol

      Anyway, that sounds reasonable. And yea, I'm not wanting to tear into the head or bottom end at all. They're bolted together with a brand new gasket, I see no reason to tear them apart. So making a stroker or doing any porting, etc isn't happening this go around.

      Eventually I'd like to go turbo, but, for now I just want it reliable and to have enough power to be fun. Right now with the e motor I hate it, and I was even told mine runs good for an e :/

      Any particular brands on the header/cam?

      Also, I know the gear change would make a huge difference even with the eta motor now, but these things rev so low I don't want to kill my highway driving.
      Last edited by strang3majik; 09-09-2012, 10:03 AM.

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      • evandael
        R3VLimited
        • Oct 2009
        • 2881

        #4
        I've got an 885 head for you! What year is your car?

        IMO bolt ons on the stock eta engine aren't worth it. The i head swap with a Miller WAR, 17# injectors and 3.73 might be (which I also have.. hint hint?). Maybe if you're feeling spendy, you could get a 272 regrind, headers, and the rest of the exhaust.

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        • e30trooper
          R3V OG
          • Mar 2009
          • 11576

          #5
          Originally posted by strang3majik
          We don't need no stinking cats...haha. I actually don't have one now.

          And I'm following you on instagram btw...lol

          Anyway, that sounds reasonable. And yea, I'm not wanting to tear into the head or bottom end at all. They're bolted together with a brand new gasket, I see no reason to tear them apart. So making a stroker or doing any porting, etc isn't happening this go around.

          Eventually I'd like to go turbo, but, for now I just want it reliable and to have enough power to be fun. Right now with the e motor I hate it, and I was even told mine runs good for an e :/

          Any particular brands on the header/cam?

          Also, I know the gear change would make a huge difference even with the eta motor now, but these things rev so low I don't want to kill my highway driving.

          LOL instagram. To many followers to keep track haha.

          For the time being , just get a ebay chip for the eta. Makes a huge difference. Just zip around like that until you save up for the I swap.

          I have a ebay eta chip for sale with DME if you want.

          Comment

          • e30trooper
            R3V OG
            • Mar 2009
            • 11576

            #6
            Originally posted by evandael
            I've got an 885 head for you! What year is your car?

            IMO bolt ons on the stock eta engine aren't worth it. The i head swap with a Miller WAR, 17# injectors and 3.73 might be (which I also have.. hint hint?). Maybe if you're feeling spendy, you could get a 272 regrind, headers, and the rest of the exhaust.
            Dont really need a WAR chip , just the plane jane miller maf set up.

            I wish I didnt rush my head swap and would have gotten a reground cam :(

            Comment

            • Cabriolet
              R3V OG
              • Apr 2010
              • 9620

              #7
              S52 or turbo. nothing else is worth the cash.
              Much wow
              I hate 4 doors

              Comment

              • strang3majik
                Grease Monkey
                • Aug 2012
                • 310

                #8
                I'm picking up the full "I" swap this weekend. Like I said, I don't want to simply drop the 2.5 in there bone stock.

                And I'm not sure I want to modify the eta engine. Its kinda beyond help without major modding...haha. A rear diff swap would be the biggest thing I could do and I need to do that anyway...but just need to find one close.

                The 2.88 open diff, or whatever it is, sure isn't helping. But that isn't the only issue...lol

                Comment

                • kamotors
                  R3V OG
                  • Nov 2007
                  • 7102

                  #9
                  headers-(cxracing has there new 1 piece flange for the M20)
                  highflow cat
                  catback
                  Miller MAF swap with a Kamotors cold air intake
                  weight reduction
                  and a differential swap to a shorter ratio,
                  makes an E30 pretty fun.


                  7speedshop.com

                  Comment

                  • strang3majik
                    Grease Monkey
                    • Aug 2012
                    • 310

                    #10
                    Any idea on power gains? I know its impossible to tell as every engine is different...but rough estimate?


                    Also, figured I should add, I don't want to make the car unreliable or too hot for road trips or anything, as I honestly plan on making several Florida trips in this car as its comfortable and pretty decent on gas (I imagine it shouldn't get too much worse with the swap) So...that's part of what I'm keeping in mind for my build.

                    Tbh, if there's a 3.50, or 3.55 ratio gear, that'd be about perfect for my plans as well. Good mix of highway and off the line.

                    Comment

                    • BMW_325i
                      Member
                      • Oct 2010
                      • 61

                      #11
                      3.46 would be the closest diff ratio then
                      sigpic
                      1988 Lachssilber E30 325i sedan.
                      Factory fit-out: manual; SILBER LEDER; M SPORT SUSPENSION.
                      Modifications so far: Miller MAF + 19# ECU; Ford 19# Design 3 injectors; IE adjustable FPR; KAMotors CF airbox; IM MTX-L; EBC Greenstuff.

                      Retired - '83 Arctic Blue E28 528i powered by M30B32

                      Comment

                      • AussieTemplar
                        Advanced Member
                        • Oct 2011
                        • 107

                        #12
                        Right now I have a 288 Schrick, MAF + chip, bigger injectors, extractors, high flow cat.. car pushes 200HP or so and it's sooo fun to drive.

                        Right now looking at 3.0/3.1 stroker kits to get ready for turbo in next 24 months.
                        1989 Australian Delivered 325iS Mtech 2.
                        Fully worked M20B31 stroker. 143kw atw/285ntq atw.

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