E30-OLLIE

Hi, I'm needing a loom to plug into a M20B25 ECU, doesn't matter if it's been cut as long as the wires aren't too short to do anything with. I have a 2.5 engine running off a 2.0 computer and obviously ain't doing the trick cheers.

After comparing my hybrid to a standard 325 I now think that the b25 engine in mine was put in and made to run using the front cover from a b20...... a mate of mine pointed out that my dizzy was on the "passenger side" instead of on the front of the engine like in 325's? Would this mod and the fact it most likely still has the original 320 ECU loom complicate using the Motronic computer I got as a spare part when I purchsed the car? If I was to "splice" my motronic computer into the 320 loom do you reckon this would solve some problems? The ultimate solution is obviously a programmable ecu - damn money tree doesn't seem to be working yet though.. I guess my first neccessity is a wiring diagram for a 320 and 325........can anyone help here? Thanks

Thanks for your info Sydwayz, Problem 1: after looking into it a bit it looks like the engine is using the front cover from a b20, the dizzy etc is on the side and not the front like other 325's I've seen. I'm suspecting ign timing so might see if I can find a timing light to check it - anyone know what it should be set to or should there be a mark on the crank pulley or something? Problem 2: faaaaark that ticking is annoying - I will measure the diameter of my adjusting cam to see if it is worn then get a new one from Euro-Italian guy. hopefully it's that easy.... Problem 3: tried a mate's B25 E30 on the weekend - the gearchange is heaps better than mine!!! Very smooth quick changes - mine is very notchy and sometimes it simply won't go into gear when it's cold. I'm thinking about your clutch theory......... apparently mine was converted to Getrag 260 - is this standard for a 325? If not maybe the conversion was not done well and it does not full movement and fully disengage....maybe Cheers for advise mate.

Hi, so do you mean it measures 16mm across the thickest/widest section of the cam? I adjusted the clearances several weeks ago (0.25mm when cold) and I have one where the smallest I could make the gap was over 0.45mm! Is it common for one to wear out much faster than others? Thanks mate.

The story so far: E30 320 shell, b25 engine transplant by last owner. The car does run and runs.....well OK. Problem # 1: It doesn't run as well as I think it should - It needs to be cranked over for a while before it'll start, it "pinks" under load and just simply feels flat. It's still using original 320 ECU seeing as, apparently, the 325 motronic was not compatible?? (Still need to confirm why....). Can the 320 ecu efficiently run my engine or is it doing more bad than good (not enough fuel etc). Simply bad ign timing? Does anyone know what it should be set to? Problem # 2: It has a ticking sound which is driving me fkn mad. After adjusting the tappets I found that one one cam followers could not be adjusted enough to get the right valve clearance (leaving a gap much bigger than required). How do I tell whether it is a worn cam lobe or cam follower. Can I replace one cam lobe to be able to adjust to the correct valve clearance? Is there any other trick to fix this? I don't want to spend a fortune fixing this otherwise I'd just look at getting another engine... Ah yes, problem # 3: the gearbox, are all Beemer's running the Getrag 260 gearbox a pain to change gear quickly? I used to love manual's until driving this one - granted it does have a short shift not helping the notchy gearbox, but I didn't think it would be that bad! I've been told to use the appropriate Redline gear oil, is this much of an improvement. Please help, I know these cars have potential but mine is not as it should be

I've been doing more research and the weights for the BMW engines seem more suspect every time I look?? Example: the M20 2.5 litre like I have, apparently weighs 117kg right? I used to have a Toyota AE86 (lightweight RWD) with a 4age (4 cyl, 1600, DOHC 16v, alloy head) that weighed 110-120kg????? surely the beemer weight is only a short block weight? Can any one back this up?

Ah yeah, $3k of that is the engine, 'box, flywheel + clutch etc and link computer stuff...

I've been searching and not having much luck on engine weights for the jappa 6's, ie: RB20, Rb25, 1JZ, 2JZ etc. The only weight I did find was a guestimate from someone saying the 1uzfe was 175kg?? Is it that heavy? That would add nearly 60kg over the front wheels to a M20. Do you have issues with handling due the change in balance? I'm guestimating $8-9000 for the conversion, incl all parts, link computer, tuning, cert, etc, etc. Am I far off? Then there's the diff issue..

Yup, that's the one. This site/forum came highly recommended. I'm very pleased with the car and am learning fast - I'm hoping to start using the car for a few local club event but still keep it as a daily driven car. Will have to wait till next year before heading back to Manfield for dual car sprints but it should be fun! Need to sort traction issues but will see how it goes in a few events first.

Thanks for all the help guys, so next time anyone notices a S70/2 on tardme going cheap can someone give me a yell haha Have to admit, I thought my M20 325 would be considerably heavier than that!! I was considering a Lexus v8 but have been told they are 175kg give or take?? This would mean other mods to try to compromise the messed up weight balance and the nose heavy car.. I could be wrong though - I have been before

Hey talking about the rimutaka's from a thrash point of view - is anyone else disapointed that a lot of the good corners were taken out....... maybe it's just me Thanks for the info everyone........sooooo, next time a S70/2 turns up on Tardme, can some one give me a yell - haha

you're a pharkin legend mate! One day when I have less work to do I'll have a good look over this site . Ta.

Hi all, at some stage in the future I will be considering an engine conversion on my E30 325 manual. Does anyone know or have access to how much M20 325 engines and gearboxes weigh? I don't want to swap to another engine only to find that it's a lot heavier than the original M20 causing balance and handling issues. I have a lot more fun going around corners than straight line speed so ultimate handling is a must for me

Haha, sorry mate I only glanced at your ad - it makes sense now I have been considering an engine swap (apologies to all BMW purists out there) since I started looking at BM's a while back. I've only had mine less than a couple of weeks I've been recently offered a 1uzfe + W57 + link and most other pieces needed to make it go - was wondering what caused headaches with your conversion? What did you do about the lack of brake booster space etc? I'm tossing up between that horny V8 idea, or a straight six turbo Nissan/Toymota. SR20det would be great but I'm no sheep and that's been done to death cheers for any help.

Hi, excuse the lame questions - I am a Beemer newbie... Is that a guestimated price for a second hand unit or an off the shelf price? The only one I've seen for sale belongS to Drifty 340 (I think that's his name) with the Lexus transplant and he wants $1500 for his? Are they clutch or torsion? I have a E30 320 (originally) with all 325i running gear in it (engine, 'box, front struts, rear brakes etc) but apparently is still has the 320i diff. I have traction issues trying to get up some pace going over the Rimutaka Hill Does anyone know where to find specs for these, is there a BMW Guru willing to spare some time for some info?? any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.