'79 323i restore/m20 carb project build thread

**onedroppr** · 10-06-2011, 12:04 AM

joe for sure, that cap is yours. it's your xmas present from the caribbean.

**onedroppr** · 10-14-2011, 09:01 PM

Take off the ETA head and clean the pistons. The "eta" setup produced a lot of carbon build up, I assume for the low flow rate characteristics. Also we clean all the oil and coolant passages. Next is install the head gasket, water pump and 323 head.

There is a bump on the road. I need to change pulleys between eta and 323 head. The pulley to be used is the eta one. So we going to take some pictures to show you how to do it in a future case. There is no way to run a 323 head in an eta block without doing this mod or changing crank sprocket.

**onedroppr** · 01-24-2013, 06:13 PM

**OLD MAN** · 01-24-2013, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the up date - looking forward to more info.

**onedroppr** · 01-29-2013, 05:28 AM

Engine is already coupled to the tranny. Willing to finish all the engine work already and then give the bay a nice clean up. I need to get the car out of the shop ASAP.

Will work this week with with the ignition setup and carb fuel system.

**Horstl** · 01-30-2013, 11:09 AM

Hi,
I'm just wondering how you made the eta block (according to the pistons it seems to be a super eta) work together with the 323i head?
My understanding is that only flat or dished pistons work with the 320/323i head.
Your head seems to be not compatible and you risk a head / piston collision. Only i-heads or super eta heads work on your block.

Only the 1st generation of eta (from e28) work with the 323i head.

Just a few thoughts.

Have done this some years before:
http://www.bmw-e21.hostingsiteforfree.com/specials.htm

rgds

Horst

**onedroppr** · 01-30-2013, 11:35 PM

After many obstacles in this build, for many time I forgot to update the thread.

At one moment I realized the piston problems. Then I used a early "e" short block for the build.

For more referece: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1734959

**onedroppr** · 10-04-2013, 12:08 AM

Finally today we got the carbed M20 running. We still have to do some work correcting pressures and all that, but engine is turning, firing and burning in the correct manner so that are good news.

Next Monday will work in the array of the pump, make a good cooling flush and give it an oil change. Let's see how it goes!!

**Tom D** · 10-04-2013, 01:01 AM

who has the luxury or even the shop space to take 25 months to install an engine? seems that there's a few in this forum.

**onedroppr** · 10-04-2013, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Tom D

who has the luxury or even the shop space to take 25 months to install an engine? seems that there's a few in this forum.

Low budget is low budget!! LOL

Car was sitting in a friends shop for doing the engine swap. In the middle of that, I encounter the pistons problems, so it got me like another year to found a decent block that can work with the original 323i head.

Project was mostly a DIY with the help of a friend, he has a big shop and lend me some space until swap and engine restore was finished. I work 6 days a week, so car work time is pretty rare for my. Mostly I was working on the car one day a month.

But finally engine is running good. We still need to correct some fuel delivery issues. After we finish all that, will start with the body restore, brakes, and all other things to come. Will be back in 8 months!!! LOL

**HarryPR** · 10-04-2013, 03:46 PM

Glad you have it running, Tony!

My own carbed 2.7 has been running for a couple of months, but I still have to find the reason for a pesky hesitation issue. I installed new spark plugs, cables, ignition cap and rotor, a Bosch red coil and still nothing. I also had the carb repaired (although it was clean) and re-jetted, but the problem persists.

**onedroppr** · 10-04-2013, 08:34 PM

Harry glad to hear from you!!

Have you checked timing? Initial advance on the distributor? Advance with vacuum?

Are you running original points ignition?? Or Crane Cams XR optical ignition?

Mine is running with crane cams and is plenty of spark! Let me know, lastly I've been working with a local crazy mechanic that knows con cojones!! So if you need some help just shout me a call.

**HarryPR** · 10-05-2013, 03:30 PM

I suspect that timing is the problem. I need someone who knows what he's doing to check it out (it has the original electronic ignition), so I might just take a ride to Ponce one day to have your guy check it out. I'll let you know. Thanks!

**onedroppr** · 10-05-2013, 07:27 PM

Whenever you want you can come to Ponce and check it out. As far as I know when you change your block, timing needs changes also. Rotating assembly for 2.7 is slower than the 2.0.

This guy has my 320i, 323i and the 944 running hard. Is an old school guy that knows all the tricks available, plenty of experience in this rare cars.

Hope to hear from you soon.

**HarryPR** · 10-06-2013, 09:29 AM

Thanks! I'll give you a call then.

**ButteDorFrank** · 10-06-2013, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Tom D

who has the luxury or even the shop space to take 25 months to install an engine? seems that there's a few in this forum.

haha I was thinking the same ... but then I looked at myself ... and I've had my 1980 jetta on blocks in my garage for almost 2 years already ... time flys ! ...

cool project, can't wait to see how it runs then ! keep working on it ... but I know what you mean, I also work 6 days on 1 day off ... and on your day off the last thing you wanna do is work all day in that garage ! ...

**onedroppr** · 03-26-2014, 01:32 AM

Finally here is my build running!! It needs a little more tuning but it's running already.

http://youtu.be/qtGN589KFLs

**jjgbmw323** · 03-26-2014, 06:46 AM

Nice work - I am going to PR next month I will let you know when I am in town, maybe you can give me a ride

**onedroppr** · 03-26-2014, 11:02 AM

For sure Joseph, write me via FB when you are at the island.

**onedroppr** · 03-26-2014, 05:53 PM

Thanks to all that followed my build thread. Finally engine is running pretty strong. Also thanks to all members that took some time to give me knowledge about these peculiar build.

Will keep thread updated as soon as more things are done to the car.

**onedroppr** · 04-14-2014, 09:27 PM

Due to the fact that this car was originally a K-Jet 323i, and we did the conversion to carb using the 320/6 manifold and throttle assembly; original accel cable was to short.

My local dealer found an original 320/6 accelerator cable (P/N 35411120357) and ordered it to Germany. It fits perfectly.

So if anyone is planning to run a 323i engine with the carb and manifold from a 320/6 this is the cable needed to make it original without any fabrication.

**hauckanizer** · 02-07-2017, 12:56 AM

Great Build!
I am headed down a similar path as you with my m20 build. 3.0L 85mm bore, 320/6 intake, holley 390cfm.
Do you have any more pictures of the finished product?
Curious how you mounted your throttle cable to the holley. My cable just came in the mail today.
Where did you route your vacuum lines to from the distributor?