M20 turbo with early model cooling system

[Calvinepiscopo]

Hey guys, this is my first post to a forum, I hope I’m doing this right. I’ve done a lot of reading around on the site and found lots of great info. Here’s my current situation, I recently bought an 87 325is with a rebuilt head and cooling system ( minus the radiator and expansion tank). I noticed a crack in the expansion tank today. As I plan on doing a modest turbo setup this winter, I will need to relocate the expansion tank anyways. Will the early model cooling system be sufficient with a turbo setup, if I just relocate the expansion tank? Maybe to the battery tray area? Any help, or better ideas would be much appreciated.
thanks.

[Northern]

I think the only benefits to the late cooling system are:
Fewer parts overall
compatibility with newer bmw rads (like z3m) for easy upgrades
coolant tank location is compatible with a turbo (ie. it doesn't need to be relocated)

You can run the stock early system with a relocated reservoir until you need to upgrade or replace something else, then figure out what your radiator options are and whether it's worth the switch to late model cooling system or not.

[Calvinepiscopo]

Awesome thanks. Ya I’ll probably just relocate the tank for now. Does the z3m radiator provide much better cooling over the stick unit?

[dvallis]

Have a look at my blog here. Just relocate and/or replace the expansion tank. Early cooling system is simpler than the late one as well. Search the block for a block diagram I made.