E30 build questions.

BimmerboyPH · 07-22-2011, 12:19 AM

Hey guys,

So I bought an 84 325e a while back and I'm finally about to start building it!!

Just a few questions.

I need an LSD!! What lsd came in the e30 325is? Anyone got one for sale?

Next since i have the e block I want to do the I head conversion. Am I correct in saying all I need is the i head and dme? And that it is in theory a straight swap, or is it a bit more complex?

Thanks in advance.

DIY · 07-22-2011, 12:53 AM

I dont know much about the swap but if your gonna put that much effort in I hope your gonna go turbo and you should prob run a standalone, which will be a bonus since you can refresh the wireing and run a map and Iat wich will get rid of the disgusting maf sensor... also if your looking to make good power you should prob look into a e28 diff as the gear in the 325 is might be a little tall, depends what your goals are

daveed · 07-22-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerboyPH

Hey guys,

So I bought an 84 325e a while back and I'm finally about to start building it!!

Just a few questions.

I need an LSD!! What lsd came in the e30 325is? Anyone got one for sale?

Next since i have the e block I want to do the I head conversion. Am I correct in saying all I need is the i head and dme? And that it is in theory a straight swap, or is it a bit more complex?

Thanks in advance.

I think to do the "I head" swap all you need is the head and dme, but I'm not sure. Do some searches on r3vlimited and e30tech, the info is all there.

Get a 3.73 LSD. That would be the 325is ratio and it's the sweet spot for the b25.

cormier · 07-22-2011, 07:09 AM

+1 3.73 is the lowest I'd go -- I don't know if you'll get too much power/effort ratio out of an I head swap , but I don't know too much about e motors either

What else do you have planned for the car? Anything broken need upgrading?

Vrbovsky · 07-22-2011, 07:19 AM

No its not a simple swap. You'll need to deck the block and if you're looking for a power increase you'll need cams. Its a good swap and you can achieve 200+ hp but its no super cheap. Lsd was 3.73 but m3 had 4.10 which is what I have.

Ceeker · 07-22-2011, 08:19 AM

You will need the "I" head, intake manifold, DME as well. and whatever stuff bolts on to it. if you built it right it could cost about 3-5k from scratch. with this you'll get about 200+ to the rear wheels and you can make it optional for turbo down the road. The compression on the "I" motor is a bit higher then the "E" or super eta.

InfiniteDice · 07-22-2011, 10:10 AM

I have a modified e head from my old 327i it was driven for about 4000km before the car was sideswiped by a few college chicks. It has the I dual springs, I cam and matched ports. I want 200$ for it as I put about 400$ into it when I had it machined, but I'm always open to offers. All the valve guides were replaced and was checked for cracks.

If I ever buy another e it's going in there right away, with the I ecu the difference is substantial.

Roysneon · 07-22-2011, 09:37 PM

From what I've seen around on R3v a simple "I" head on "E" block will give you a super low compression ratio unless you use a SETA block. Your results may differ.

My 325is parts car had a 3.73 LSD in it.

dble Trouble · 07-22-2011, 10:00 PM

Unless you plan on drag racing I would NOT ever consider a turbo car. Ask anyone on these boards, and if they're honest they'll tell you the same thing. When you're running aggressively, there are major cooling problems, which then sap power or you have to turn the boost way down, not to mention all of the potential for leaks, vacuum or what not. I don't think you'd actually get 200hp to the wheels without some major cams and decking the head etc, which will cost big bucks, cheaper and easier to do a engine swap with a more modern engine....

craz azn · 07-23-2011, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceeker

You will need the "I" head, intake manifold, DME as well. and whatever stuff bolts on to it. if you built it right it could cost about 3-5k from scratch. with this you'll get about 200+ to the rear wheels and you can make it optional for turbo down the road. The compression on the "I" motor is a bit higher then the "E" or super eta.

Not sure where you are getting your info from, but there is no way a normally aspirated 2.7l M20 can get even near 180whp without a lot of work... so 200 is a stretch. Like John commented, it won't be cheap, and you are waaaaayyy better off switching to a newer more modern powerplant.

BTW, I have a 3.73 LSD for sale

BimmerboyPH · 07-25-2011, 12:13 AM

Im building this car for the track. I would like to boost it, but my personal feelings are for a track to keep it N/A. That's just me though.

Does the I head bolt onto the e block, or do I need to modify and hack? I can do the work easily, I just wanna know exactly what I'm getting into before I start.

Also does anyone have any of the parts I need for the conversion for sale?

BimmerboyPH · 07-25-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craz azn

Not sure where you are getting your info from, but there is no way a normally aspirated 2.7l M20 can get even near 180whp without a lot of work... so 200 is a stretch. Like John commented, it won't be cheap, and you are waaaaayyy better off switching to a newer more modern powerplant.

BTW, I have a 3.73 LSD for sale

How much do you want for the diff? Also with swapping from the factory open diff to an LSD, are there any modifications required, or is it a straight swap?

craz azn · 07-25-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerboyPH

How much do you want for the diff? Also with swapping from the factory open diff to an LSD, are there any modifications required, or is it a straight swap?

Direct bolt in.

DIY · 09-26-2012, 09:44 PM

I know I'm pulling this from the dead but what ever happened to this build? what parts did you use?