Settling a debate

[bowtie2bimmer]

A buddy of mine and I were having a discussion on making a track day car. It would be for autox and looking for a minimal investment. We both agreed on an e30 but the type is the issue. He says an e model (2.7l eta) that has a 3.73gear and a chip would "cream and I around the track" (i model being chipped as well). I tend to disagree. While The eta make more low end torque you tend to play around the upper end of the rev range and there is a 40hp difference.

Perhaps each of us are bias. I drive a convertible I and he has an 4 door e. Who's right?

Or are we both wrong and should go with a turbo m10;)

[Vince30]

2.7i would be my car of choice.

[bowtie2bimmer]

2.7i?

[foofopps]

seta bottom end (2.7) with a 2.5 head (i) this = a 2.7i
but it has to be a seta block to have the correct CR a regular eta block will have a low CR only good if you plan (You will haveto) boost

[Vince30]

Eta with I top end, lose some torque gain some hp. A good balance for auto x in my opinion. Plus eta cars are significantly cheaper than I cars so you can put your money into the suspension where it really counts.

[xD4L1Nx]

Eta with I top end, lose some torque gain some hp. A good balance for auto x in my opinion. Plus eta cars are significantly cheaper than I cars so you can put your money into the suspension where it really counts.

Is this mod simple as plug and play swap with the I head? I have tried searching and surprisingly not found a whole lot on it.

[BoxDriver86]

Check the M20 subforum...there's info everywhere on this.

[bowtie2bimmer]

Interesting... Keeping that in mind...

Stock plus chip on both which would be best

[camshaftgsxr]

i would still be better

[dannyyisntt]

S54 :p

[Stoner Sam23]

m20b25 is a good platform. Changing the gear ratio on a eta would most likely lead to broken rockers

[delatlanta1281]

Why not go 410 on a chipped I?

[Delraco]

A buddy of mine and I were having a discussion on making a track day car. It would be for autox and looking for a minimal investment. We both agreed on an e30 but the type is the issue. He says an e model (2.7l eta) that has a 3.73gear and a chip would "cream and I around the track" (i model being chipped as well). I tend to disagree. While The eta make more low end torque you tend to play around the upper end of the rev range and there is a 40hp difference.

Perhaps each of us are bias. I drive a convertible I and he has an 4 door e. Who's right?

Or are we both wrong and should go with a turbo m10;)

It might be easier and cheaper in the long run to buy a 325is as it already comes with the S3.73 diff and all the "i" top end components for the 327i swap. Eta 2.7L bottom ends are cheap as hell.

Initial cost of workable condition e30 $1500 ~$2500
2.7L eta block < $100
Chip $200
Decent wheel/tire setup $800 ~$1200
Drilled/slotted rotors, track pads, fluids, SS Lines $500
Coilover setup with all new urethane bushings $1500 ~ $2000
Strut tower bars $300
Healthy dose of weight stripping and you'll be set.

Unfortunately, I don't think that's "cheap" by any means, but it's certainly do-able. Especially if two people are splitting the cost.

My 2c

Cheers

[Charlie]

Why not go 410 on a chipped I?

Bingo. Simplest and best solution.

-Charlie

[bowtie2bimmer]

410 and chipped i is an option... we've been waiting for a good deal on an e30. he says the power is more "usuable on the track" from an eta. I beg to differ