Turbo M20B20

[Diake]

Hi everyone,

I will buy in the next days an old crappy '87 320i e30 which I want to prepare as a project car to learn how to turbo.
It will come with two engines, a 2.3L and a 2L M20 with a cracked head, but fortunately they use the same head.
Since I would like to rebuild the internals to learn more than for necessity, it is also the occasion to modify something to get it more reliable.
My target would be in the 250whp and I want to ask if you suggest, apart from ARP studs and MLS gasket which I already plan to put, to change pistons as well and which other upgrade should I need.
I know swapping a 2.5 would be the best choice but here in Europe they are ridiculously expensive and this car come really cheap.
Moreover, I've just finished reading Street Turbocharging by Mark Warner and I'd like to know if you could suggest any other book or source from which I could learn more about the subject.
Cheers,
Luca

[Pelican Parts]

Hi Luca - that's quite an ambitious project, but we're here to help you! I've attached a link to our site's DIY tech articles on the E30, this should greatly help you when you're starting the project/build and will save you a lot of headaches. If you have any questions about the info within the articles, feel free to post a Comment just below one of them and someone will get back to you with more details. Best of luck!

BMW E30 DIY Technical Articles


-Dmitry

[Diake]

Thank you Dimitry, it will definitely be very useful during my rebuilt! Do you suggest any book or source fundamental during rebuilt or preparation?

[Pelican Parts]

Other than the tech articles I linked you to, I would also get the Bentley Workshop Manual for your car, as that will have all the wiring diagrams and torque specs that you'll need. This forum is also an excellent resource, with any very knowledgeable members.


-Dmitry