85 528e motor in 89 325i

[91Saleen#15]

I've got an 85 528e that was t-boned. The engine is still pretty good. Got a chance to buy an 89 325i convertible with a blown engine. I know that the crank sensor is different, at the very least. Is that or anything else going to make it impractical to swap the engine?

Richard

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

what exactly is wrong w/ b25? you thinking of making a 2.7i? or swapping the whole eta engine in?

[James Crivellone]

Spend 100 - 500 bucks on a used M20B25, no sense in downgrading, even if its free.

[91Saleen#15]

what exactly is wrong w/ b25? you thinking of making a 2.7i? or swapping the whole eta engine in?

head was ruined when the timing belt broke

[bmwmike]

yeah that engine is pretty worthless to swap in (unless you just want to get the e30 running and driving).

[James Crivellone]

head was ruined when the timing belt broke

How bad was the damage? I just put a new head on my friends car when his timing belt snapped, sure the pistons were touched but it was not bad.

Most timing belt snaps you can get away with a new head.

[91Saleen#15]

yeah that engine is pretty worthless to swap in (unless you just want to get the e30 running and driving).

Actually, that's what I was thinking of doing. I thought I might give the car to a neighbor kid who helps clean my shop. Get him started right with a bimmer instead of a ricer.

[Digitalwave]

Giving him a 325i with an eta engine is like a slap in the face!

[CleanAzzE30z]

Giving him a 325i with an eta engine is like a slap in the face!

hahahaha. Good stuff. :D

Mariano

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

that's an unneeded headache..... you can get a good head and just slap it on....

[91Saleen#15]

Giving him a 325i with an eta engine is like a slap in the face!

Actually, after reading a few websites about the difference between an eta and b25 engine, I'm not so sure it isn't a better engine for a 16 year old kid. One site said the eta engine would get 5 or 6 mpg better. It also said the eta engine was smoother and gave the impression of better power in the lower rpms.

So, I'm back to the original question: Is there any reason it would be impractical to put an eta engine in an 89 convertible? From the kids point of view, it's 500 for convertible and nothing for my eta engine versus 500 plus whatever else it takes to get a good head or a complete engine from an i.

[Ryan Stewart]

Fuggit, do it. Its a damn convertible, its not like its good at anything but going slow and getting bugs in your hair anyway.

[bmwmike]

Giving him a 325i with an eta engine is like a slap in the face!

As a 16 year old I wouldve taken a bimmer convert