Hey guys, I have a chance to buy a 1985 325e with a good looking interior for a great price. Only downsides? Well, it's an e, and it's an automatic. I already have a complete manual swap worked out for $500 (please let me know if/where I can find one for cheaper), but my question comes with the motor, and I do apologize if I am beating a dead horse here but upon searching I've seen mixed opinions so I want some advice and recommendation from the experts.
I know that the e has a more restrictive head, 120hp, whereas the i has 168hp, but the e has a larger displacement at 2.7L. My EVENTUAL plans are to turbo the car, so here's my question, as I have quite a few different options:
1.) 325i head on 325e block. What else would need to be done here? I know wiring harness, intake manifold and that it is not simply drop it in and drive. How much of a pain/how expensive would this be? I see it as more diplacement = more power, but is it worth the pain and money?
2.) Screw it, turbo the 325e motor. Does this have lower or higher compression than the stock M20 325i motor? Are there any benefits to turboing the 325e motor over the 325i as it sits?
3.) Swap the motor entirely. M50, M20 325i, I can only assume that this would be the most expensive option, but may be just as much of a hassle, if not less than swapping the head itself.
My finances are a major factor here, which is why I am debating buying it at all. I want a manual transmission, I want plastic bumpers, and I want the best possible turbo platform, so am I better off waiting for a +1988 325i 5 speed to roll around, or is $1,000 for a fully functional 325e automatic worth paying all of the extra cash to get it where I want it? Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks in advance for all the help!!
I know that the e has a more restrictive head, 120hp, whereas the i has 168hp, but the e has a larger displacement at 2.7L. My EVENTUAL plans are to turbo the car, so here's my question, as I have quite a few different options:
1.) 325i head on 325e block. What else would need to be done here? I know wiring harness, intake manifold and that it is not simply drop it in and drive. How much of a pain/how expensive would this be? I see it as more diplacement = more power, but is it worth the pain and money?
2.) Screw it, turbo the 325e motor. Does this have lower or higher compression than the stock M20 325i motor? Are there any benefits to turboing the 325e motor over the 325i as it sits?
3.) Swap the motor entirely. M50, M20 325i, I can only assume that this would be the most expensive option, but may be just as much of a hassle, if not less than swapping the head itself.
My finances are a major factor here, which is why I am debating buying it at all. I want a manual transmission, I want plastic bumpers, and I want the best possible turbo platform, so am I better off waiting for a +1988 325i 5 speed to roll around, or is $1,000 for a fully functional 325e automatic worth paying all of the extra cash to get it where I want it? Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks in advance for all the help!!
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