Did I just win in a lucky dip?

[Pete_E30]

I was looking into ways to update the eta M20 and one of the guys on performanceforums had a mate stripping a 323i. I contacted him to confirm it was a 731 head (885s are hard to get in Australia - at a reasonable price).

The head and some other bits and pieces were crated up and arrived - bit of a mess, intake and wiring all still attached so I stuck it in the garage, got a torch and started looking for the head numbers to confirm what it was. I gave up looking as all I could see was 170 and ignored it as I couldn't spot 170. I assumed it was another eta head by.

Fast forward almost a year later and I'm cleaning the garage as I was sick of DC2R and E30 parts everywhere, I decided to strip the intake off the head so I could make some space.

This is what I found:





I'm assuming I got lucky and the cheap 731 head I was looking for is actually an 885 off a 325i?

If so, all of a sudden I'm starting to think eta bottom end, i top and then forced induction (we didn't get the super eta in Australia).

Did I get lucky?

[kronus]

in the states 731 heads are desired because you can cobble together a 2.7i-ish thing without mucking about with the bottom end. It's interesting that 885's are more sought after in australia...

[Pete_E30]

325i motors command stupid money over here from what I've seen. I was quoted 5K for a 2.5 with gearbox. Lots of gouging by wreckers from what I can see.

[MR 325]

I'd say you got lucky.

Shit 5k for an engine? We could build you one and ship it over for less I bet.

[Pete_E30]

I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind more than once. It's sad that Jap motors are cheaper than Euros over here. I priced front cut for my wife's EK Civic - a B18C7 front cut from an ITR is cheaper than some of the stupid prices that are thrown out there for M20s. BMW Australia doesn't help either - it's cheaper for me to buy from Pelican Parts and ship to Australia - according to my Aust quotes and US purchases I've saved close to a grand in the last 3 years.

[Holland]

I feel like someone on here needs a JDM engine. Someone should trade.

[mpowerful]

I have stacka of 885 heads and i blocks at the shop. Hahaha ill trade you for jdm nissan and honda motors. Something tells me aussie shipping is gonna be stupid expensive. If i could figure out how to get a container out of port of new orleans for cheap though it would be on.

[digger]

you have an eta. in no way do you have any luck ;)

[Pete_E30]

Pretty cruel digger and with Aussie day 3 days away too :D

For the 2K that I paid for it when E30 coupes seem to command stupid prices... I'm happy.

Except for the slushbox transmission - ah stuff it, that's what the DC2R is for :P

I think I'm going to have to find a 4 door and strip it down for parts - wish list is 325i for motor and running gear, must have an uncracked dash - other than that I don't care about the condition :)

[golde30]

lol 325i motor for $5k?? i sold a complete m20+getrag260 for about $250.

[digger]

there is a B25 motor on ebay in QLD for 350 atm no bids yet

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BMW-E34-M20-1989-217-000km-engine-complete-/111261244802?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item19e7afdd82&_uhb=1

[Madhatter]

KMJ have a good bottom end for the same price, but its a stripped bottom end, so no sump and timing gear. Just ready to suit a rebuild.

Honestly, with what you already have, if you have a second car, probably going to be cheaper/easier to build your eta block and just buy the 325i electronics for a motronic 1.3 conversion.

[digger]

KMJ have a good bottom end for the same price, but its a stripped bottom end, so no sump and timing gear. Just ready to suit a rebuild.

Honestly, with what you already have, if you have a second car, probably going to be cheaper/easier to build your eta block and just buy the 325i electronics for a motronic 1.3 conversion.

know where i can get an eta block from? just the block

[Madhatter]

been one on ebay in sydney for a few weeks for $350. Haven't seen it relisted, so maybe someone purchased it.

Any reason why you want an eta block? because of the exact height?

[digger]

been one on ebay in sydney for a few weeks for $350. Haven't seen it relisted, so maybe someone purchased it.

Any reason why you want an eta block? because of the exact height?

want to do a comparison between B25 i have and it