E30 turbo build

[HouseE30]

Good afternoon everyone. I have just embarked on my first turbo build. I have a basically stock 1987 325I convertible. It has a 2.5 inline 6. I have a T3 turbocharger, and am looking for info on wastegates, and headers. Who makes a solid and affordable wastegate, does it now need an air to air intercooler, does the system need an oil cooler? Any common failures to recognize and avoid? Since I know only little of the process, I humbly ask those who have gone before me; those who have failed, and succeeded both can teach a guy who has no experience. I will post pictures momentarily of the car, and turbo, including brand and measurements. Thank you all for being here, I have read an awful lot on the forum overtime and it has been helpful; decided to stop lurking and start participating.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

Since you're new to the process, you're best bet is to search and do lots of reading... everything you're doing and thinking about now has already been done many times over. Also e30tech.com is back up, they have much info on turbo E30's.

[someguy2800]

Here is my old M20 turbo







You definitely have alot of reading ahead of you to get up to speed. To answer some of your questions,

I like Tial and Precision wastegates. The size of the wastegate will need to match the size of the port on whatever manifold you use.

Here is a quality exahust manifold for an E30 which are made by a forum member here.

http://www.rapidspoolindustries.com/...g/m20-manifold

Yes you do need an air to air intercooler. This would be a good quality one for a beginner build

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vibrant-Perf...FU0Uh7&vxp=mtr

The other thing I don't see that you have addressed is a clutch, headbolts, and a way to tune it. This is your best bet on a way to tune it so you have the proper fueling and ignition timing.

https://www.diyautotune.com/product/...-bmw-e30-325i/

[euro2fast4u]

Step one. Install ecu and learn to tune and or have it tuned.
Step two. Install injectors and retune.
Step three. Install turbo parts and bits. get it running with out leaks. DO NOT DRIVE IT. Idling should be ok
step four. Retune car
Step five enjoy

[someguy2800]

I agree with the above