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Thread: '79 323i restore/m20 carb project build thread

  1. #1
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    '79 323i restore/m20 carb project build thread

    Today we got this new baby, full euro '79 323. Maybe one of the few remaining in running conditions in the island of Puerto Rico.





    Will try to uses this thread as a build one, so many of you can post your opinions and recommendations.

    As we mentioned on early threads, the main goal is to plant a m20b27 block with a 323 "200 or 731" head, mild cam and a 390cfm holley carb.

    Let the show begin.
    Last edited by onedroppr; 08-16-2011 at 06:02 PM.

  2. #2
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    Here is the euro cluster



    Anyone can give me light about this 14'' wheels?



    For anyone that wants to tracks car history this car VIN is: 6545804.

  3. #3
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    1979 323i BMW. 2003 GTI 20 V Turbo
    I called about my car's old head...I am working on it...
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  4. #4
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    Thanks Joe

  5. #5
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    Went over yesterday and checked out Tony's project car. It is quite solid with just minimal rust. Can't wait to see it on the road!
    HarryPR
    '81 320/6 Baur (#2569)
    BMW CCA # 19290



  6. #6
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    Yesterday:

    Check out all electrical: signal lights, headlights, horn, hazard switch, brake lights, AC fan. All of them in working condition.

    The PO of this car that maybe is an Anti-CIS guy, removed the 323 head and replaced it with an ETA head, ECU and wire harness. For me that's the terrible combination a M20 could get. Not sure if that car get to run at any moment with that combo.

    The good side is that I have a full 2.7 block, so I can use the 323 engine with the ETA head as a mooring on our local bay.

  7. #7
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    The head has been removed...I am going to see If I can pick it up...
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  8. #8
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    Using 320i wiring harness on a carbed m20

    To give forum members some light about how was going with this engine before I got it.

    Possibly this car was worked by a anti-CIS 90's tech, and he replaced the original m20b23 cylinder head with a late ETA "crap" head. Also used the original fuse box connector jumped to the ETA harness. The original engine wiring harness is MIA.

    The good side is that don't going to use this engine for nothing. As I said earlier in this thread I have a full m20b27 block, to soon be coupled with an 323i head and the holley carb.

    After some thinking, I remember that I have laying around the house some 320i m10b18 wiring harness. Make some logic about that harness that the only differences between the 4cyl and 6cyl was the ignition module, but all the main connectors (starter, alternator, coil, fusebox connector) are all the same on both models. Including that I jumped the fuel pump relay, and also worked without problems using the 320i harness.

    Given that fact, I connected the 320i harness on the 323i fusebox, and exactly as I was thinking. 12V+ on all the main connectors. So I can throw out the horrible ETA harness and use this pretty 320i harness to simply energize the starter, alternator, fuel pumps and ignition. Of course will get rid of the K-jet part of the harness also, and also use a Crane XR3000 standalone ignition module.


  9. #9
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    The head is on its way....and I would look for the correct 323i wiring harness they are available....
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  10. #10
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    Hi Tony, looks like you have a good base for a great project! I have done some work with a four barrel on an M20 Most of the info is on the track car build thread, I have also done a couple of threads on the intake work in this forum also. You will not need much wiring to get the motor to run with a carb and distributor if you go that way. Daryl

    Always FUN TO DRIVE - Build Thread & Tech info - 79 320/6 track car build thread -- Videos of track car -Adam in car Auto-x video - Start-up video - 4/2011 Adam's TOP BMW time San Diego BMWCCA - 4-5-15 Dyno break-in run new M20B25 - Exhaust Thread - Link

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by OLD MAN View Post
    Hi Tony, looks like you have a good base for a great project! I have done some work with a four barrel on an M20 Most of the info is on the track car build thread, I have also done a couple of threads on the intake work in this forum also. You will not need much wiring to get the motor to run with a carb and distributor if you go that way. Daryl
    Thanks.

    That's the point Daryl. Will use the essential part of the 320i harness (starter, alternator, pump relays). Then run the ignition via MSD or Crane module that is pretty standalone.

    Will keep informing via this thread. Your four barrel build is mainly my guide, but I'll be using the 323 head on a 2.7 block.

  12. #12
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    We have a 2.7 super ETA that we hope to get into the car next year, Adam and I are excited to see what more HP and Torque will do to the the cars performance! Looking forward to your updates.

    Always FUN TO DRIVE - Build Thread & Tech info - 79 320/6 track car build thread -- Videos of track car -Adam in car Auto-x video - Start-up video - 4/2011 Adam's TOP BMW time San Diego BMWCCA - 4-5-15 Dyno break-in run new M20B25 - Exhaust Thread - Link

  13. #13
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    Great progress, Tony!

    If you need to take a look at my 320/6's harness, let me know.
    HarryPR
    '81 320/6 Baur (#2569)
    BMW CCA # 19290



  14. #14
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    Sure Harry. Thanks a lot.

    I'm waiting for the head to arrive. Then we going to start working with the engine setup outside of the engine bay. While we do that, will clean an repair any rust in the empty engine bay.

    The idea of working the engine outside, is that when the engine is ready, it will be a plug n' play setup.

    I have already ordered the timing belt, water pump and the head gasket to replace at the moment of the head swap.

  15. #15
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    IIRC you have to use the cam gear from the late head with the 200 head. The timing belts are different (at least on my M20B20 it is).
    HarryPR
    '81 320/6 Baur (#2569)
    BMW CCA # 19290



  16. #16
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    Just received today a few parts to continue the engine rebuild.

    New contitech timing belt


    Water pump


    Goetze m20 head gasket


    Also this week will be receiving a Crane xr-3000 ignition module with a Bosch red coil and 8.8 wires, 16'' electric fan, holley fuel pump and the head stud kit.

    323 head is out of the machine shop, ready to be installed on the 2.7 eta block.
    More pictures soon.

  17. #17
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    How is the head?
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  18. #18
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    Joe, only one bent valve, luckily the local parts dealer have it and all guides were good, all seals were replaced.

  19. #19
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    Glad you're making good progress, Tony! Hope to see it running soon.
    HarryPR
    '81 320/6 Baur (#2569)
    BMW CCA # 19290



  20. #20
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    Crane XR3000

    This afternoon I started working on the install of the Crane XR3000 points conversion for my Bosch 007 (6 Cyl) distributor.



    The process was straightforward as many members stated on their builds. Optical sensor is mounted in the same screw position of the breaker point assembly. Did a little clean with contact cleaner and then lubed it.



    For me the only PITA moment is adjusting the clearance of the sensor and the shutter wheel. You need to be sure that the shutter wheel and their mount don't mess with the correct movement of the distributor shaft or the rotor. That part take me like 20 minutes.

    In this picture you can see of what I'm talking about.



    And this is the finished optical distributor ready to be connect to the XR3000 module and a Bosch Red Coil.


  21. #21
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    What is the advantage of converting from points to the electric ignition? Does the cranes XR3000 do something better that the stock?
    Last edited by jjgbmw323; 09-18-2011 at 07:03 AM.
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


  22. #22
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    Well, if from the beginning my distributor were an electronic one, there were no need of the conversion. But Points is rock-age technology; you can't run hotter coils, arcing, ballast resistor, adjusting, etc.

    The XR-3000 converts the points to an optical pickup, and then you can run any hot coil and bigger gaps on the sparks. It's pretty similar to an MSD module or something like that, but with the advantage of the points conversion.

    OEM electronic ignition is very good, so I understand there is no big advantage of replacing it with this kit.

  23. #23
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    Today we removed the timing cover to replace the water pump, timing belt and tensioner. Also we test the fitment of the traditional distributor on the m20b27 block.

    Is impressive how BMW makes those engines, so they can share parts from older to newer.




    That was just a fitment test. Later this week we are going to scrap clean this block to be ready to receive the 323i head.

  24. #24
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    We received today the 323 head from the machine shop. They were verifying the guides, changing all the valve seals, replacing a bent valve and doing the routine cleaning and sand blasting.



    Also we were placing the 320/6 carb manifold and installing the new gaskets.




  25. #25
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    Good to see the head is going to a proper home....if you decide to get another oil cap, may I have the old one...
    "..Horsepower is a measure of work done over time, or the rate at which work is done."




    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/579694/1


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