84 318i turbo ?

[new2bmw]

hey , hows it going. just a quick question for you. not sure what parts to go with on my m10 turbo build. i have an 84 318i. i already have the rods and pistons out of a 2002. somebody just offered to sell me a short block from a '76 '02 or parts from it, or full engine or just parts from a 78 320i. what should i be looking at buying from him. i know i have seen guys go with the 320i bottom end, will that drop right into the e30 or not? also what are the benefits of getting the entire bottom end as opposed to just the crank and rods. can the pistons out of either the 2002 or the 320i be used for the build, not sure if they would be my best choice.
cheers
Larry

[E30_Pare]

I believe the older m10 blocks are forged while the e30 m10 block is cast iron. don't quote me on this.

[e30trooper]

I believe the older m10 blocks are forged while the e30 m10 block is cast iron. don't quote me on this.

true, use a m10 crank and rods from a 2002 m10 . and a block from a e21 320i .

[new2bmw]

crank and rods

why wouldnt i use the block crank and rods from the 320? whats the difference between 2002 and 320 crank and rods?

[harv]

There is no difference in the blocks for the most part. The 2002 blocks are NOT forged. The newer the M10 the lighter and better the casting of the block is. The main difference is displacement due to a shorter stroke. If I were going turbo I would start with a 1.8 and probably would just stay with the 1.8 crank as the added displacement would be negligible for power difference.

John