'79 323i restore/m20 carb project build thread

[onedroppr]

For the first time since I started this build 6 years ago, I did a compression test. The b27 short block used with the original b23 head came from an automatic 325e. Gladly engine seems to be still healthy.

[JBasham]

Glad to see she's still chugging along!I got my 79 323i with the original motor, 320/6 intake, and Weber 32/36. I still have that motor, but it could use a rebuild, and it's stored in my garage right now. I swapped in an M20B25 Motronic and have been tracking the car in the mean time. I don't need it as much for the track right now because I just finished an E36, so I have time if I want to start wrenching on the E21 again. I keep trying to decide whether to freshen up the M20B23, or give it away. It's kind of cool to have the car with the original motor type, but it's a mutt with the new carb/intake anyway, so it's kind of a wash.

[cgifool]

There was a full 323i injection system on craigslist not long ago, perhaps ebay as well. How about converting the engine back to stock? Don't do it because its easy, do it because its hard!

[mossyoaks]

K-jet is the coolest

[onedroppr]

Sincerely, I love K-Jet. My '83 M10 is running Solid on K-Jet, and will never go back to carb. But in the case of my 323 when I bought it, previous owner already get rid of the complete k-jet system and sell me the car without it. Everything was missing including intake manifold.

At that moment I found a forum member selling the Holley setup with the 320/6 Manifold and ignition; and I decided that was the route to go if I wanted the car to be running in a budget and in a considerable shorter span of time. But by far I would liked that the car came with the original K-jet setup. I like k-jet and understand it very well.

[JBasham]

There was a full 323i injection system on craigslist not long ago, perhaps ebay as well. How about converting the engine back to stock? Don't do it because its easy, do it because its hard!

I hear you. That package appears to be gone now. But it's something I would be willing to tackle.

[jjgbmw323]

So are you still running my head?

[onedroppr]

Sure Joe!! Still running your head. Those compression numbers are for your head with the 2.7 eta block.

[onedroppr]

Both rear fog lights are working now:



All four 15mm spacers installed:

[onedroppr]

We were trying to fix an annoying miss, that was corrected with a spark plug change. Car was running Autolite 64 (don't know why) too way cold.

Changed to the NGK BP5ES, hotter, resistor less and with less gap than the Autolite (0.031" actually). Engine was fouling the Autolites.





With the BP5ES it's a whole different world. Smooth idle, very good throttle response. Using a Pertronix Flame Thrower 2 45k volts coil.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....ML._SY355_.jpg

[onedroppr]

Few new toys arrived this week incluiding BavAuto KMAC Camber Kit and H&R Lowering Springs that will be installed with Bilstein Sports that we already had:





After few hours of grease elbow and Simple Green things started to look better:




.

[cgifool]

Just in case you're still looking for these parts:

323i air box, fuel distributor, fuel lines, suction hood on ebay for $116 shipped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263290315747

(not affiliated)