Debating...I head swap on e motor/full i swap

[strang3majik]

I have an 87 eta, runs good. Has a few intermittent issues, but compression is good, engine makes no noises it shouldn't...runs strong for what it is.


anyhow, I'm picking up a complete i swap with a brand new redone head. But, it comes with complete engine, harness, computer...everything I need.



But...talking to some people, they're saying just swapping the I top end onto my eta engine would be a better option and net me more power.


I'm just trying to figure what would be the best route. Eventually, and I mean probably a year or more down the road, I plan on boosting it, but until then, I want some na power. I've ridden in two stock I cars and that would be great for me for now.



So...that being said...swap the brand new head onto my 2.7 bottom end? Or swap the entire 2.5 in? I know the head swap has been discussed many times, but, I'm trying to figure which would be better since I have both options readily available.


And no, mine's a regular eta, not a super eta.

[Gary Horneck]

2.7i - torquey fun.

[jlevie]

The full I engine will make more power than a budget stroker.

[yahh]

The full I engine will make more power than a budget stroker.

Which one handles boost better?

[jlevie]

The stroker would be better for boost.

[327IBUILD]

327i

I recently started putting a 1991 325i head on my 1985 325e block, once its done I will tell you whats its like.. I have heard it will be good for boost make decent hp (170-180) and great tourqe (?). I have gotten lost on the wiring ( no spark/no fuel ). Since you're just starting any information would be appreciated see where I went wrong.
Goodluck

[strang3majik]

^^^Thats the same numbers I was told. 170-180hp for the top end swap...which would in turn put me higher than the 2.5 swap.

I'm not sure.

Anyone have any dyno runs of a I swapped eta 2.7?

[tcvd]

In for updates im debating every possible engine swap atm and 2.7i seems the most viable atm since i already got all the parts

[mr.vang]

if the motor is still inside the car, i would just slap the I head on because the tranny housing bolts are a pain to get out.

[cabriodster87]

No replacement for displacement.

[Gary Horneck]

Here is mine.


2 by MGMMM, on Flickr

[Bmwman92]

I was told the eta manifold has better flow than the seta and I manifolds. I'm going to be doing a 2.7I non stroker on my seta here soon and boosting it. if your car is your dd just swap the whole engine because once you rip into the motors there is going to be some good down time

[Bmwman92]

Here is mine.


2 by MGMMM, on Flickr

Please tell me this is not a 2.7i dyno sheet?

[strang3majik]

It is...and because of that dyno sheet I believe I'm doing the 2.5 swap :/

[StealthiE30]

Please tell me this is not a 2.7i dyno sheet?

That looks about right to me.