Questions on M20B27 885 head swap

[Boshaw]

So, I know this question has been asked before and I have searched and read up on it but still need some stuff clarified. I have the chance to buy a perfectly running M20b27 (from an 87’ e28), 2 885 heads (one complete the other not), 2 valve covers, an “I” intake, fuel rail, wiring harness, and ECU (not sure which one though). All of that for 800 bucks. And I plan to swap the 885 head onto the 2.7’s bottom end and then put that motor in my 2002, and I don’t plan on going the FI route ever.

So my questions are:
1) Is it a fair price?
2) I donÂ’t want to change pistons on the E motor, do I have to? And if they do work if I decked the head to get a higher CR would they still work?
3) Will the combonation be good for 200 HP if I run it with an ECU chip? If not what doesnÂ’t it take to get there? (CR, pistons, tune, etc)
4) I believe itÂ’s the 173 ECU but if not will this setup still work?
5) Ant extra advice is very much appreciated


Thanks again

[flyboyx]

Let’s see....first, I assume “fi” means forced induction and not fuel injection?

The price isn’t great but not a rip off. 500.00 is a good price.

You don’t have to change pistons

You will not see anywhere close to 200hp. Maybe 170?

The 173 dme is best because that is what all software upgrades are written for. If it’s a different part number, you will need to find a 173.

Advice: good luck with your project.

[Boshaw]

Let’s see....first, I assume “fi” means forced induction and not fuel injection?

The price isn’t great but not a rip off. 500.00 is a good price.

You don’t have to change pistons

You will not see anywhere close to 200hp. Maybe 170?

The 173 dme is best because that is what all software upgrades are written for. If it’s a different part number, you will need to find a 173.

Advice: good luck with your project.

So even if I decked to head to up CR I wouldn’t need to change the pistons? And okay, would an exhaust and a camshaft get me to 200 WHP? How hard is a 173 ecu to find? And how much would it be?

[Boshaw]

Okay, so to make this question easier. If I have an 87 eta stock bottom end with an 885 head, i intake manifold, I fuel rail, and I ECU. What do I have to do in order for that combonation to give me good NA power? head work, bottom end work, chip, exhaust? What is holding me back from it being a good NA power motor? The CR? How do you guys suggest that I build it for the NA power I’m looking for. I’m an M10 guy so I’m still learning with M20’s. Thanks for you patience and help

[e30strokr]

Let’s see....first, I assume “fi” means forced induction and not fuel injection?

The price isn’t great but not a rip off. 500.00 is a good price.

You don’t have to change pistons

You will not see anywhere close to 200hp. Maybe 170?

The 173 dme is best because that is what all software upgrades are written for. If it’s a different part number, you will need to find a 173.

Advice: good luck with your project.

I thought the 1988 SETA pistons were the only ETA's to get the dents for the valves?


you can also use the E34 525i M20 ECU its the same one as 173.. with a different number


don't forget the fuel pressure regulator.. it should be 3.0 BAR

[McGyver]

An 885 head on a stock m20b27 bottom end is going to lower your CR. The increased displacement is offset by the lowered CR, so you will be getting the same HP. The increased displacement will give you peak TQ a little earlier than on an m20b25, so the car may feel a little quicker around town.

A tune (chip) may increase hp by 20+ in certain areas of the rpm range, but peak hp is only going up by 2-5hp. That being said, the car should be quicker due to improvements in the mid rpm.

A cam is not going to get you anywhere by itself. You're going to need supporting mods (ie. injectors, tune, port/polish, valve job, intake/exhaust work, etc.).

Here is some stuff to read about building m20s:

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505&t=317505

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48288

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=218892

That being said, I would advise you to just put in an m20 and get it running and reliable. Then take to time to properly research engine mods, talk to engine builders on the forum, and make a plan for a well thought out build. As Nando said in one of those threads, "anyone who remembers Dave Length's 3 liter stroker - he had I think 10:1 or similar CR, a 272, and the stock chip. On 91 octane, there was no way that was going to work. He never made a lot of power, because it was detonating so badly, and his cam choice wasn't right for the motor. He never did get it tuned, either (car got rear-ended). I always used his engine as an example of how *not* to build an M20."

So take your time and make a plan, don't just throw parts at it an hope they work.