E30 Newbie, what car is right for you?

[m3j0n]

so im looking into getting an e30. I was curious if someone can give me a listing of all the e30 models created for the US and the type and size of motor they came with. I'm looking to get a very nicely powered e30 for a project, so im thinking turbo. Besides an e30 M3 which is basically impossible for me to find (and shouldnt be turboed), what is my best bet?

not all e30s were 4cyl, right?

[Jand3rson]

not all e30s were 4cyl, right?

Nope. They came in 2 six-cylinder variants, the 325e and the 325i. The 325e is low revving and tuned for higher torque, and less horsepower, for better fuel economy. The 325i is a higher revving engine, with about 45-50 more hp than the 325e, and slightly lower torque.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

how much money are you willing to spend?

[m3j0n]

well, i guess the 325I/IS is the way i need to go... how difficult is that car to turbo? Im looking to spend around 2k, max of 2.5K since its just an extra project. i have to factor funds to replace broken stuff, maintenance, and upgrades.

-jon

[m3j0n]

so was jordan's e30 "328is" a motor swap car?

[wastedincome]

so was jordan's e30 "328is" a motor swap car?

Just a strongly built M20 AFAIK

[m3j0n]

so there was an e30 328? i think his cardomain site says its a 2.8 liter... the 325 is a 2.5L, right?

[mcgrath]

Jordan's engine is a bored and stroked 325i in a very basic sense. The engine was originally a 2.5L 325i m20.

The only six cylinder e30's in the US were the 325e's and 325i's the 325e or eta was 2.7L and the 325i was 2.5L

[RobertK]

so was jordan's e30 "328is" a motor swap car?

Not that Jordan's head needs to be any bigger but Jordan's car is the equivelant to the Chip Foose cars you see on "Overhaulin." It's the culmination of a lot of time, money, modification, and BMW knowledge.. done right the first time.

[StereoInstaller1]

Jon, with your goals as stated, I would look for a 1988 Super eta "s" model, so you start with a 2.7l bolck, an "i" head, and a body that swaps over to the plastic bumpers without major mods. "s" means you ususlly get the sport seats and an LSD in the back. Sometimes (not in the case of my car) "s" models were better cared for...they were WAY more money, back then.

First mods would be an intake manifold, cam, and valve springs from an "i" motor, appropriate ECU, 19Lb injectors and an FMU.

I would buy head and all to swap, then get the "spare" head to the grinder bench to make more flow.

Add an aftermarket standalone engine management system, something else to replace the AFM, then turbo.

This is just my opinion, YMMV.

The "Super" ETA came only in 1988.

Welcome to the board!

Luke

[m3j0n]

luke, thanks for the info! how can i tell the difference between a regular 325 and a 325ETA?

[Jordan]

luke, thanks for the info! how can i tell the difference between a regular 325 and a 325ETA?

Badging, and equipped options.

325 is like a stripper version of the 325e.

[StereoInstaller1]

So it would be a 325es you want...

Luke

[yberther]

How much power would you expect with the "i" head, valve...so on on the eta?

[JasonC]

How much power would you expect with the "i" head, valve...so on on the eta?

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=97872&highlight=budget+stroker