School Me on M30 Heads

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The chart is wrong.
Use the bmw factory technical info.
 
Pistons


The etk says...


11251261970
Csi

11251261954
Cs euro

11251261948
Cs USA



 
This is all fantastic information.

According to this table https://motor-car.net/bmw-engine/item/16041-m30-engine , the B30 had 9:1 compression in al three forms. All three have the same bore and stroke (89x80). Would a head or piston difference be the cause for differing compression ratios in Euro vs USA motors?

Side note: my block has flat top pistons, if any info can be gained from that. I also confirmed the bore and stroke. Strangely, the block has no serial numbers; just two Xs.

Disclaimer, I’m not an expert on this stuff, I’ve only driven the high compression euro B28 in my 2800CS.

I wouldn’t waste your time with a 3.0 block if it isn’t the original block. I don’t know your end goal or your budget, but a 3.0 will only be good if you stick with original carbs, or go fuel injection with a custom EMS. As @sfdon mentioned all of the other factory computers won’t align to an injected 3.0 requirements. Perhaps there is an early L-Jet 3.0 option, but again why bother.

This is my personal 12v motor swap priority:

1. M90 - Megasquirt, cam, etc.
2. M30B34 Euro - Megasuirt, cam, etc.
3. M30B35 - US Megasquirt, cam, etc.
4. M90 - Factory EMS (note there are two options)
5. M30B32 - Megasquirt, cam, etc.
6. M30B32 - Factory EMS
7. M30B34 - US Spec, Megasquirt, can, etc.
8. M30B34 - US Spec, Factory EMS

You have some cheap, readily available options in that list. Asking an engine builder (like @sfdon) if you should install a 100K+ mile used setup is like asking a dentist if you should brush before bed. You know the answer before you ask.

If you are a DIY guy and you don’t mind potentially breaking down on a club run, then you can buy a good motor with a car wrapped around it for $500-$1,000. Members like @Mike Goble with permanent dirt under their fingernails come to mind. You can replace your motor every year for 10 years and come in under a rebuild. This setup has questionable resale value, and real risk of future problems depending on what you start with. A big part of installing a newly rebuilt big six is taking-your-coupe-to-the-next-level. If done right, I think it is an investment. The Granatrot sale on bringateauler is a good example of that IMO.
 
Great. Thanks for the info, guys.

I see that I have a 25k mile 3.0 block with 8.0:1 compression, based on the flat tops. The good news is that it was free. I’m not concerned with investment, but it’s good to know what’s worth bothering with doing.

I currently have a seemingly solid 2.8L in the car, which I’ll hopefully be converting to L-Jet soon. The 3.0L bottom end is, in my head, a backup plan. I started this thread trying to figure out some options, and I think we’ve uncovered some.

Thanks, guys!
 
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