Updating Electric Injection

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GripGreg
Posts: 1797
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:50 pm
Location: Long Beach, Cal.

Updating Electric Injection

Post by GripGreg »

Is it advisible to change the system from the '75 era to the 1980 system?
If so, just what should I change? I have a whole 1980 to strip.
I'm thinking all the wiring, including the ECU in the glovebox & distributor. Would this lead to too many issues? I'm thinking I don't need to change the plenum?
I hope I don't need to change the loom! The '80 runs niceley except for the flywheel needing some dental work and the shocks being too soft. As in stock shocks. I think the rear shocks are white in color.
Is it worth it for a lil better gas mileage? I, of course would like a trouble free '75.
I don't think the FAQ section covers this situation. Am I wrong?
I think I remember you guys saying this could be a positive move.
Please post What I NEED to change w/o going crazy, or, AM I going crazy?
I just found that the rear rotors on the '80 are solid & not vented.
Thanx for offering ANY thoughts & opinions,,,,Greg
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Mike W.
Posts: 2889
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Post by Mike W. »

Definitely get the electronic ignition, it's a good setup with a good hot spark. You need the distributor and wiring and the ICM (ignition control module) It's aluminum very roughly 4" square and lives on the inside of the front fender, just follow the wiring. It's #8 below.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=12&fg=05

No more points is a very good thing. You could change the whole FI system to the Lambda based one and install an O2 sensor, it too is a good upgrade with better mileage and lower emissions, but much more work than just the electronic ignition. An 80 would be a 5 speed if manual. White shocks would probably be KYB, not a bad shock IMO, but they could be worn out too. Front brakes are vented, not rear, for that you have to use 633 trailing arms, rotors and calipers. Which I have, but that's another story. :lol:

I would do the wiring upgrade to Lambda, including the ECU etc for all the stated reasons plus wiring is easy for me.
Mike W.



02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
GripGreg
Posts: 1797
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:50 pm
Location: Long Beach, Cal.

Post by GripGreg »

Thanx Mike. I printed out what I need to transfer to the elec. ignition.
A pix is worth everything.
Would you please send me a hard list of what needs to be switched to upgrade to the lamda system? This way everything necessary will be switched & nothing unnecesary will be switched.
Maybe this can go to FAQ?
BTW, your check's in the mail.
Thanx in advance,,,,Greg
Ps- The check will 'self destruct' in 7 days using the Mission Impossible recipe, if I don't get my wheel :wink: Again, thanx for EVERYTHING. :D
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Mike W.
Posts: 2889
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Post by Mike W. »

I'll try to get something together in the next few days, but there is a FAQ on it and at first glance it doesn't look too bad.

http://www.firstfives.org/faq/ljet/lambda530i.html
Mike W.



02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
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