confused with 2.7i cooling system

[deeze30]

I am trying to get parts together for my 2.7i non SETA build. Got an 84 eta receiving parts from a 89 325i vert. Spoke to Steve at Blunt and he wasn't sure either, so I better check on here first. On the write ups I've read, it said i radiator, reservoir, etc were optional but does the T-stat housing, water pump, and hoses have to be from the i or are they optional also or if they even have anything to do in correlation to the i rad and reservoir? Should I stick to the eta cooling system for now or switch over to i system since I got a donor car for parts anyways?

[efficient]

If your using 87i/is then you use early model items. If it's 88 i/is then you use a different hoses and radiator and water pump then the early model.
I think the thermostat are all the same.

[deeze30]

If your using 87i/is then you use early model items. If it's 88 i/is then you use a different hoses and radiator and water pump then the early model.
I think the thermostat are all the same.

okay, basically scrap the Eta's cooling system and replace them with the i's system? Is it required for the build?

[Reichart12]

Heres what I did (poorly). E to I swap in an 87 E.

E radiator and E reservoir.
I water pump and I tstat housing. I think the housing are the same but Im not sure.
The I water pump has one less opening than the E, which would run to the reservoir. Since my water pump did not have this connection but my hoses from the reservoir needed to go there I made a T to connect to the hose leaving water pump going to t stat. Most likely hurts coolant flow and probably makes my car run hotter but its together and have been bled and works.

So take away message, make sure the water pump matches the radiator and reservoir and then use those hoses.

[deeze30]

Heres what I did (poorly). E to I swap in an 87 E.

E radiator and E reservoir.
I water pump and I tstat housing. I think the housing are the same but Im not sure.
The I water pump has one less opening than the E, which would run to the reservoir. Since my water pump did not have this connection but my hoses from the reservoir needed to go there I made a T to connect to the hose leaving water pump going to t stat. Most likely hurts coolant flow and probably makes my car run hotter but its together and have been bled and works.

So take away message, make sure the water pump matches the radiator and reservoir and then use those hoses.

ahhh that makes more sense... i guess i'll keep my E cooling system

Out of curiosity, is the i cooling system better than the E? Noticeable difference would be the relocated reservoir. Does it give better cooling to our cars?

[efficient]

i think the late model cooling is better. less hoses and the tank isn't over the headers

[Reichart12]

When I get around to buying a new radiator I would be switching to the I system just to get the reservoir tank away from headers. Would like to see temp numbers on that though out of curiosity.

[MR 325]

You can run either cooling system. You choose. If you already have all of the early model stuff, buy an early pump. If you want to swap to late model stuff, buy a late pump. It's as simple as that.

[efficient]

Same here. When I get a chance I'm doing a full I conversion aswell

[TobyB]

I have noticed that Pro3 cars run either system, and neither has much trouble...

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