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The trouble with the 325 engine is that other parts have to be changed too though. Would'nt you have to upgrade a few things to handle the extra oomph?

Not really. You wouldn't even need to put the battery in the boot and your gearbox & diff would be fine. In fact, if you fitted a 525e lump you'd have a really tourqey engine and good fuel economy. It's just that 150 - 200 quid would get you a whole engine and you could even fit injection later if you wanted.

I want to go that route but firstly i dont really have the know how for swapping an engine over and second,have anywhere to do it. Im not too fussed about power tbh. I just want to get it running nicely and be able to use it again

If you can hang on a few weeks, I have just got a new head with a Schrick cam for my car, so the present one could be available. I'll know for sure by this time next week. I should also have those Mims photographed too!

ok mate, nice one

If all goes to plan you can have the head gratis and just pay the courier. I'll be in touch asap.

You can run the 325i lump witht the 320 carb and manifold, faster than the 320 slower than the full motronic setup but you can add that later. Just make sure it is the later lump with the crank sensor rather than flywheel sensors

Jason

Thats nice of you Mark, gratis is my favorite word! Is it a 200 casting out of interest ?

What year from are the later 325 engines Jason ?

First a 325i head is no good for a 320 engine and youwant a post 87 i think 325 motor

Jason

Is the 325 the 885 cast head? Ill either re-furb the 200 i have already, or use Marks old one if he no longer needs it. Just need to order a gasket set from an E30 320i and see what fits. How much are we talking for the head skimming ? And Murran mentioned that using a standard gasket would be ok after having it skimmed for better compression?

id go 2.5, more power! plus you learn how to change an engine! i can come n help too if u like im only down t'road like.

Mmmm, its very tempting to do the engine conversion. Ive only got an un-even back garden to work in though. Dont think work would let me use the warehouse if the car was going to be there for a few days

Cheers for the offer!

How many hours are we talking btw to fit something like a 325?

I reckon a 10 hour day should easily see the job done properly. You've got no wiring or battery location swap to do, so all straightforward stuff really.

IMO it defo makes sense to spend your cash on a 2.5 when just sorting your head could cost the same.

theres probably as much work in doing up your head as there would be in swapping the engine, lapping valves is a real pain. i also think that the 325i head only works well with the 325 pistons i think they have a bit that goes up into the head

getting your head skimmed isnt a big job £20 quid is enough at any machine shop.