1.3 Motronic Up-Grade & 2.7i How To

[kenika65]

Aw man that is great. I was looking completely in the wrong spot.

My starter is an "e" starter. Will that be a problem other than a different connector on the "i" harness?

Also I'm not sure if this is because of something not being hooked up properly but my starter only spins. It does not kick out and engage with he flywheel. Any suggestion on that? can a starter go bad just from sitting for a year and not being used?

Sounds like your starter is stuck, no biggy get a rubber hammer or put a rod on the starter then hit the rod with a hammer when you engage it, hopefully it will pop out and work, if not it is a bitch to get the starter out if you dont have the correct tools. Before you pull it out make sure you have a fully charged battery.

as for the starter wires I do remember changing a wire connection on the small wire, what I did is cut the square connector off of my eta harness and put it in place of the circle connector on the i harness. I will be able to get you a picture tomorrow.

[rjteeter]

Aw man that is great. I was looking completely in the wrong spot.

My starter is an "e" starter. Will that be a problem other than a different connector on the "i" harness?

Also I'm not sure if this is because of something not being hooked up properly but my starter only spins. It does not kick out and engage with he flywheel. Any suggestion on that? can a starter go bad just from sitting for a year and not being used?

[kenika65]

Im guessing i starter or e?

[rjteeter]

Can some one post a picture of what the "i" reference sender mounts to. Also Could I possibly get a picture of the wiring on the starter and alternator. Ive lost track of how things are wires since I tore my car apart last summer

[EtaSport]

Yea, my 2.7 would really fly with the 3.25 diff, it was good for about 140 on a straight.

-I will be this summer putting together a 2.7i using an I head. I havent had any experience with this set-up but I am hoping for pretty good results. The head will be milled slightly to help the compression but without getting the timing too jacked up.

[nineohfour]

I highly doubt you will 13s.. I think jordon's built 2.8 m20 with lots of headwork was only a mid 14 second car. You just cant really get a ton of NA power with the m20, but it is definitely a big step from the eta.

e30s are more fun on the highway anyway!


edit: did not mean to highjack a really good thread. in the process of collecting parts for my 2.7i. almost done. there will be a journalized thread with lots of pics for peeps who want to do it in the future!

[EtaSport]

man you should be stoked if you make it into the HIGH 13's

I highly doubt you will 13s.. I think jordon's built 2.8 m20 with lots of headwork was only a mid 14 second car. You just cant really get a ton of NA power with the m20, but it is definitely a big step from the eta.

[nineohfour]

to clear this up for myself, even though i read this whole thread, i have a 2.7 with an "i" head, a shrick "290" cam, lightweight flywheel, headers, a "173" ecu, and it will have a jimc chip when i install this motor. how much power should this make?, and what might it run in the quarter with a 4.10lsd?

man you should be stoked if you make it into the HIGH 13's

[kenika65]

I haven't dyno'd yet because the 86es is in the process of getting a new dash and black carpet, but once she is ready ill post some numbers.

As for cost, I got lucky because I found an 89i parts car for $100 then all I needed was a few gaskets and everything I needed was on the 89i, it took me 3 days to swap parts only because I am addicted to detail. Then I sold all of the old eta parts that were no longer needed and made a great deal of profit of that.

[yberther]

Kenika what kind of numbers are you making with your set up. i'm looking at something similar and want to see where you're at if you've dyno'd

also about how much have you spent on the build?

[kenika65]

It should plug right in and work, but you are going to want to run the 88 harness for best results

[Sharino]

Does anybody have the details of converting a 87 325e round plug into a 88 325i wiring harness? This is the only part holding up my 2.7i upgrade, engne is built waiting to go in...
Thanks,

[stknrvrs]

i just got done a 2.7 swap. havent dynoed yet but im gonna run ms1 or 2 and an 8lb flywheel first. i have the stock seta lower end. domed pistons. stock crank and block. new piston rings, rods and main bearings. an i head with racing double valve springs, all new reinforced rocker arms, 19 lb injectors, wiring harness from an 88, with a 173 in it for now. cut out cat and ran straight pipes and will install 5 inch resonators off of an e36 exhaust to pass inspection. custom dropped suspension with cecotto m3 springs. oil pan is between 2.5 and 3 inches off the ground. maybe. that on flat pavement on a good day lol. im also looking at supercharging it. any suggestions on which kit to go with?i have an aftermarket fule pressure regulator to put on with a gutted stock regulator with a blocked off vacuum nipple to keep a stock 2.5 look.

[kenika65]

I always thought the only difference between 1.1 and 1.3 was the software in the 173 ecu. but im not certain.

You are correct it is only an ecu change, fix, upgrade

[EtaSport]

I have updated my OP. Tell me what you think.

I am still trying to find the dates on when 1.1 was introduced and what parts are exactly needed for each year.

I always thought the only difference between 1.1 and 1.3 was the software in the 173 ecu. but im not certain.