Joey's iS

[stoja e30]

also check out strictlyeta.net, tells you everything you need to know, good luck

[JinormusJ]

I always thought I would do a full "restore" on my car at one point. But, like you said, I have realized that it is going to be a slower process in which I do something, drive it, do something else, drive some more etc. I think it'll be neat feeling a progression in the drivability and feel of the car with each new step.

Oh yeah

I'm already itching for a manual. I'm becoming sooo impatient for a third pedal and a nice firm 1.9 shift kit. I hate the Magnaflow sound with a slushbox... It's so loud and all it does is rev at 2k during shifts/acceleration, do I can't even enjoy the loud exhaust. Everything with an automatic is just.. UGHH..! It's killing me! :D



I'm so FREAKIN excited!

[stoja e30]

M20 is dying.

Every day I feel like its putting out less and less power. Yesterday I just filled it up with 1.5 quarts of oil at 4000 miles (which, coincidently, I'm due for an oil change sometime soon anyway). My previous M20 only burned oil at .5 quarts every 6000, which means im burning oil like a mother(or at least, at a rate I am not happy with). Cold/morning starts are something my current m20 is not a fan of and will stutter/bog whenever power is put down for the first few moments of taking off; midday cold starts are no problem, but stone-cold starts suck. Plus, I have to floor it just to keep up to a Corolla; my previous m20 took Corollas all day. (and had extensive engine work done with receipts to prove legitimacy of proper maintainence)

Sokay..

Thinking about refurbishing a budget 2.7i build and swapping out this tired m20. If I have to live with this m42-like power in an m20 weight car, I will not be enjoying my future with this e30. Sorry to blow you m42 guys out of the water, but 100whp sucks, period. I have to romp my car just to keep up in traffic. I'm thinking a 2.7i build wouldn't be too expensive as I'll be do the work myself/know people that would hook me up and can be an attainable swap by next spring.

This isn't my "final" swap I have for this car, but I can't live with this dying m20 anymore, so I will be swapping it soon. I figured a 2.7i would be a decent budget swap that will give me a little more power to satisfy me until I reach the final goal.


What I've gathered so far (basic knowledge of a 2.7i build) is the one option that would be the way to go for a $1k budget build:
2.7i block
2.5i head
2.5i intake
173 ECU

From what I understand, the only difference in a 2.7i from a normal 2.5i m20 is the eta bottom end. I am assuming a 2.7i is exactly the same as a 2.5i m20 except for the complete eta bottom end. I'm assuming the rest of the engine is 2.5i build. The more I research this topic, the more the answer becomes less and less clear cut because there are so many options. I'm finding it hard to get a definitive answer without asking questions from my understanding.
Any thoughts r3v?

hi joey, great build and nice save did the same myself to a 89 4 door, save it that is.

when doing the 2.7i build you have to be careful when putting the 'i' head on the 'e' block you have to make sure the valves clear the pistons ('e' and 'i' pistons are different, the 'i' pistons have grooves in them to allow for the bigger valves). I have a rebuilt 'i' head and I am also going to check the clearance for the valves. will let you know how I do

[lambo]

I love it. As much as I want her fully restored, I enjoy taking it a step at a time and doing this slow, enjoying the car as it is during the process. Sure, she's not the prettiest, but she's mine :up:

I always thought I would do a full "restore" on my car at one point. But, like you said, I have realized that it is going to be a slower process in which I do something, drive it, do something else, drive some more etc. I think it'll be neat feeling a progression in the drivability and feel of the car with each new step.

[GOT8SPD]

Great job man...keep it up!



^^^How can people leave their car this dirty? I don't get it....That's one thing I absolutely can't stand is how dirty a car interior is.

[JinormusJ]

#5SPEEDSWAP

[JinormusJ]

awesome updates. Reminds me of the 1st couple yrs doing things one at a time....and on a budget.....then one day woke up and decided to go all out. Still wish I left her unrestored like yours....give the car so much character, blemishes and all

btw i love those cluster rings.

I love it. As much as I want her fully restored, I enjoy taking it a step at a time and doing this slow, enjoying the car as it is during the process. Sure, she's not the prettiest, but she's mine :up:

And thanks on the cluster rings! I know they're very popular; I sold the 3 extra sets I had in less than a hour!

Lol at that BBS RS wheel. I gave that to Yoska about a year ago. And I have plans for that s54... think e9 coupe.

Shoulda known
You're the reason for half the cool things in his shop as it is

[audiquattrot]

awesome updates. Reminds me of the 1st couple yrs doing things one at a time....and on a budget.....then one day woke up and decided to go all out. Still wish I left her unrestored like yours....give the car so much character, blemishes and all

btw i love those cluster rings.

[phreshkid]

Lol at that BBS RS wheel. I gave that to Yoska about a year ago. And I have plans for that s54... think e9 coupe.

[JinormusJ]

Pish posh Ben :-P

July 4th I will be going down south to pick up my 5-speed swap. Early August is when it'll happen

[benyen soljax]

Good update, but there's still a pedal missing.

[JinormusJ]

If anyone is doing the Cluster rings, order them from DjGenius (BF.C; djgenius10 on eBay).

+1 on DJGenius

Stand up guy, and the originator of the snap-in rings, not the Chinese knock-offs that need glue. Loved em while I had them, but I wanted a more OEM+ "M3" cluster look. I personally felt the rings were over the top for what I wanted, but they are a great product nonetheless

Doing an awesome job since picking her up! That car needed a good owner.

Good work Joey

Thanks Daniel! Appreciate it. Finally was able to track down an e34 warning triangle to finish my trunk tool kit from Portland OR. Should be here today.

The little things that matter. Love em

[DIIRTY-30]

Joey where did you get those Cluster rings? I'm thinking they look nicer than my flush ones

If anyone is doing the Cluster rings, order them from DjGenius (BF.C; djgenius10 on eBay).

[Balleristic31]

Joey where did you get those Cluster rings? I'm thinking they look nicer than my flush ones

[IRON-E]

I miss my grey interior.