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    "Eta" to "I" Head swap questions

    So I currently have an auto '86 "Eta". I've been looking in to doing a 5spd swap, and have a trans for it, but it's an "I" trans. Anyway, I was planning on doing a head swap and I have a few questions about it.

    First, I'm not looking to do major motor work, and I'm not expecting to get a lot of power or anything. I just want a daily that I can have a bit of fun in.
    So my questions are,
    1. Can I just swap the head without having to do other motor work?
    2. Which head should I use? I was thinking 885, but are there others?
    3. Do I need to swap the engine harness, like I've heard? If so, which should I look for?
    4. Which ECU can I use? I was thinking 173, any others that could work?
    5. Can I use any "I" gauge cluster?
    6. Which clutch/flywheel and other trans parts should I use? (dual or singlemass?)

    I'm sure I'll think of other stuff in time.
    Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated.
    '87 325e 2.7i/5spd
    '02 Subaru outback (Still smells like dirty hippie)
    '86 635csi (Sold)
    '87 4KcsQT (Sold)
    '84 318i (Sold)

    #2
    From what I heard, you cant really swap in an "I" head unless you have a super eta. Not sure exactly why. My buddy was gonna do it to his eta but after reading through it, I guess the best he can do the intake manifold or something to that extent

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by JasonBates View Post
      So I currently have an auto '86 "Eta". I've been looking in to doing a 5spd swap, and have a trans for it, but it's an "I" trans. Anyway, I was planning on doing a head swap and I have a few questions about it.

      First, I'm not looking to do major motor work, and I'm not expecting to get a lot of power or anything. I just want a daily that I can have a bit of fun in.
      So my questions are,
      1. Can I just swap the head without having to do other motor work?
      2. Which head should I use? I was thinking 885, but are there others?
      3. Do I need to swap the engine harness, like I've heard? If so, which should I look for?
      4. Which ECU can I use? I was thinking 173, any others that could work?
      5. Can I use any "I" gauge cluster?
      6. Which clutch/flywheel and other trans parts should I use? (dual or singlemass?)

      I'm sure I'll think of other stuff in time.
      Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated.
      1. Yes you can swap out all of the top end parts without touching the bottom end. It's a good idea to of course replace all top end related gaskets and seals along with timing belt, tensioner, and water pump.
      2. The most popular (and best option in my own opinion) is the 885 i cylinder head. The only other option would be the 323i Euro 731 cylinder head but you'll make more power with the 885.
      3. You will want to swap in ALL fuel injection parts from a 325i. Engine harness, intake manifold, throttle body, intake boot, air flow meter, idle control valve, crank sensor, fuel pressure regulator, coolant temp sensors, injectors, and o2 sensor. You can retain the Eta exhaust system but swapping to 325i exhaust will make a big difference too.
      4. You can use any M20 325i ECU but the 173 is the best of the options out there.
      5. You can use the i gauge cluster without issue. Keep in mind that the early and late fuel gauges are different though so swap in your original gauge if needed.
      6. Since you're swapping the trans to the i trans I would recommend going with a single mass i flywheel and a 325i clutch kit.

      If you do this swap I also recommend going to a 3.73 ratio diff.

      Originally posted by series88 View Post
      From what I heard, you cant really swap in an "I" head unless you have a super eta. Not sure exactly why. My buddy was gonna do it to his eta but after reading through it, I guess the best he can do the intake manifold or something to that extent
      Your friend is WRONG. Please don't spread "information" if it's not true.

      The 885 swap is VERY common on the Eta bottom end. Some people give it a bad rep but after doing it first hand myself I recommend it.
      BimmerHeads
      Classic BMW Specialists
      Santa Clarita, CA

      www.BimmerHeads.com

      Comment


        #4
        I used the 323i head. Great combo for me. More info -



        BMW information, news, parts, modification and how-to, repair, and info on BMW 2002, E34, 2002tii,2002ti,3.0cs,3.0csi,3.0csl,530i,528e,528i,525i,525it,528xi, 535i,535is,540i,545i,318i,318is,318ti,320i,320is,323i,323is,325i,325e,325is,325ix,325xi,325ic,325ci,328i,328is,328ic,328ci,330i,330ci,M3,M3 EVO,M3 Evolution,M3 sport evolution,M5, M6, Z3, Z8, M coupe, M Roadster, 633csi,635csi,euro 635csi,M635csi,735i,740i,750il,740il,745i,E9,E12,E21,E23,E24,E26,E28,E30,E31,E34,E36,E38,E39,E46,E52,E53,E60,E65,E66 and all other bmw cars. BMW car parts links and shopping comparison. ,bmw 2002, bmw 3, bmw 3 5, bmw 3 5 7, bmw 3 5 7 8, bmw 3 series, bmw 3 series e30, bmw 3 series e36, bmw 316, bmw 316 318, bmw 318i, bmw 320, bmw 320i, bmw 323i, bmw 325i, bmw 328, bmw 328i, bmw 5, bmw 5 series, bmw 525, bmw 535i, bmw 6, bmw 7, bmw 7 series, bmw 850i, bmw ac, bmw ac schnitzer, bmw alloys, bmw alpina, bmw business, bmw chrome, bmw e30, bmw e36, bmw e36 3, bmw e36 3 series, bmw e36 m3, bmw e36 m3 clear, bmw e36 m3 clear front, bmw e36 m3 clear front indicators, bmw e36 m3 clear indicator, bmw e36 m3 clear indicator kit, bmw e36 m3 clear side, bmw e36 m3 clear side repeators, ,bmw e46, bmw m, bmw m power, bmw m roadster, bmw m tec, bmw m tec grille, bmw m tec grille badge, bmw m tec grille badge e30, bmw m1, bmw m3, bmw m3 evo, bmw m3 m5, bmw mini, bmw mini cooper.
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        2011 335i/1995 Mercedes C220 (rallyx)

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by MR 325 View Post
          1. Yes you can swap out all of the top end parts without touching the bottom end. It's a good idea to of course replace all top end related gaskets and seals along with timing belt, tensioner, and water pump.
          2. The most popular (and best option in my own opinion) is the 885 i cylinder head. The only other option would be the 323i Euro 731 cylinder head but you'll make more power with the 885.
          3. You will want to swap in ALL fuel injection parts from a 325i. Engine harness, intake manifold, throttle body, intake boot, air flow meter, idle control valve, crank sensor, fuel pressure regulator, coolant temp sensors, injectors, and o2 sensor. You can retain the Eta exhaust system but swapping to 325i exhaust will make a big difference too.
          4. You can use any M20 325i ECU but the 173 is the best of the options out there.
          5. You can use the i gauge cluster without issue. Keep in mind that the early and late fuel gauges are different though so swap in your original gauge if needed.
          6. Since you're swapping the trans to the i trans I would recommend going with a single mass i flywheel and a 325i clutch kit.

          If you do this swap I also recommend going to a 3.73 ratio diff.


          Your friend is WRONG. Please don't spread "information" if it's not true.

          The 885 swap is VERY common on the Eta bottom end. Some people give it a bad rep but after doing it first hand myself I recommend it.
          I just pulled my M20 to do a swap, I have everything in red if you need it. I'll let it go for a really good price, have no need for it and hate to see it thrown away.

          Check out this thread for a few pictures.



          PM me if you need any parts.
          sigpic

          Rebellion Forge Custom Fabrication

          1988 325is - TrackRat in progress

          Instagram @rebellionforge

          Comment


            #6
            Neither one of those links are very relevant. The first link is going to confuse most R3V members since we are a US-based forum and the compression numbers and high compression info apply to Euro cars only.

            I'm glad you're happy with the 323i head but I am still confident the 885 head will make more power. The 323i head still uses a weaker cam, weaker valve springs, and smaller (Eta sized) valves.
            BimmerHeads
            Classic BMW Specialists
            Santa Clarita, CA

            www.BimmerHeads.com

            Comment


              #7
              mr 325 is correct on all, i have also done this swap.

              if you are converting to the 325i trans then you will need an "i" crank sensor on an "i" crank pully/damper along with the little position bracket to hold the sensor in place. As the cps signal will be taken from the crank pully and no longer from the eta flywheel on the eta trans bellhousing.

              This is what i have found works easiest. just grab all the "i" parts you need and swap em out , ...said and done!
              my build here ---> http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...ht=lemans+blue

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by sweet6e30 View Post
                mr 325 is correct on all, i have also done this swap.

                if you are converting to the 325i trans then you will need an "i" crank sensor on an "i" crank pully/damper along with the little position bracket to hold the sensor in place. As the cps signal will be taken from the crank pully and no longer from the eta flywheel on the eta trans bellhousing.

                This is what i have found works easiest. just grab all the "i" parts you need and swap em out , ...said and done!
                Have all this too!
                sigpic

                Rebellion Forge Custom Fabrication

                1988 325is - TrackRat in progress

                Instagram @rebellionforge

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by MR 325 View Post

                  Your friend is WRONG. Please don't spread "information" if it's not true.

                  The 885 swap is VERY common on the Eta bottom end. Some people give it a bad rep but after doing it first hand myself I recommend it.

                  Thank you for clarifying. Didn't mean to mislead anyone. Just saying what I thought was correct. Good to know though..

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by MR 325 View Post
                    1. Yes you can swap out all of the top end parts without touching the bottom end. It's a good idea to of course replace all top end related gaskets and seals along with timing belt, tensioner, and water pump.
                    2. The most popular (and best option in my own opinion) is the 885 i cylinder head. The only other option would be the 323i Euro 731 cylinder head but you'll make more power with the 885.
                    3. You will want to swap in ALL fuel injection parts from a 325i. Engine harness, intake manifold, throttle body, intake boot, air flow meter, idle control valve, crank sensor, fuel pressure regulator, coolant temp sensors, injectors, and o2 sensor. You can retain the Eta exhaust system but swapping to 325i exhaust will make a big difference too.
                    4. You can use any M20 325i ECU but the 173 is the best of the options out there.
                    5. You can use the i gauge cluster without issue. Keep in mind that the early and late fuel gauges are different though so swap in your original gauge if needed.
                    6. Since you're swapping the trans to the i trans I would recommend going with a single mass i flywheel and a 325i clutch kit.

                    If you do this swap I also recommend going to a 3.73 ratio diff.
                    This is exactly what I was hoping for. I just wanted to make sure I was right about that stuff.
                    Thanks a lot man.
                    Saving this for future reference.

                    Originally posted by IronFreak View Post
                    I just pulled my M20 to do a swap, I have everything in red if you need it. I'll let it go for a really good price, have no need for it and hate to see it thrown away.

                    Check out this thread for a few pictures.



                    PM me if you need any parts.
                    It sounds like you may will be getting a bit of my money then. I'll pm you.
                    '87 325e 2.7i/5spd
                    '02 Subaru outback (Still smells like dirty hippie)
                    '86 635csi (Sold)
                    '87 4KcsQT (Sold)
                    '84 318i (Sold)

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I did forget to mention you'll want the i crank pulley and water pump pulley as well.
                      BimmerHeads
                      Classic BMW Specialists
                      Santa Clarita, CA

                      www.BimmerHeads.com

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Let me know!
                        sigpic

                        Rebellion Forge Custom Fabrication

                        1988 325is - TrackRat in progress

                        Instagram @rebellionforge

                        Comment


                          #13
                          throw a SSk with new bushings while ur down there, copper spray and lots of rtv

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by e30mpg View Post
                            throw a SSk with new bushings while ur down there, copper spray and lots of rtv
                            I was thinking of doing a short throw and what not, but I have no idea what you're talking about with the copper spray and rtv.
                            I feel like a n00b. haha
                            '87 325e 2.7i/5spd
                            '02 Subaru outback (Still smells like dirty hippie)
                            '86 635csi (Sold)
                            '87 4KcsQT (Sold)
                            '84 318i (Sold)

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by e30mpg View Post
                              throw a SSk with new bushings while ur down there, copper spray and lots of rtv
                              Copper spray on the headgasket, yes.

                              Why does he need lots of RTV again?
                              BimmerHeads
                              Classic BMW Specialists
                              Santa Clarita, CA

                              www.BimmerHeads.com

                              Comment

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