N20 engine Swap with N26

Oberumen · 03-03-2021, 07:48 AM

Which parts will have to be purchased in order to fit the engine. I know they are both similar since they both share about 95% of their part numbers. I found a good deal on a N26 engine but I want to make sure this will work before I consider doing it.

Thanks,

ScottSmith · 03-03-2021, 10:23 AM

I've never done this, but from what I've researched if you already have a car fitted with an N20 you don't have to get anything. The fuel line that connects the chassis to the HPFP can be reused from the N20, along with the downpipe from the N20. You'll have the extra hose barb on the PCV on the valve cover that is supposed to go somewhere on the airbox, but you can probably just leave it open (maybe cover it with a rag for an ad-hoc filter). You'll need to recode your ECU for the injectors; I think the value is the same that TIS has for "no value listed."

Oberumen · 03-03-2021, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSmith

I've never done this, but from what I've researched if you already have a car fitted with an N20 you don't have to get anything. The fuel line that connects the chassis to the HPFP can be reused from the N20, along with the downpipe from the N20. You'll have the extra hose barb on the PCV on the valve cover that is supposed to go somewhere on the airbox, but you can probably just leave it open (maybe cover it with a rag for an ad-hoc filter). You'll need to recode your ECU for the injectors; I think the value is the same that TIS has for "no value listed."

Thank you for posting.
I'm leaning towards getting an N26. I found a used engine with low miles and at a good price that will hopefully work on my car. Just a couple weeks ago, the engine started knocking and after posting the video on a couple forums, mostly everyone suggests Rod knock. Took it to my mechanic and he suggests a new engine. We remove the valve cover and see that the timing guide is broken where is clips. My hope was to keep checking and perhaps find a fix that did not require a complete new engine but at this point all I want is my car back lol.

BennettBucsFan · 03-03-2021, 08:29 PM

The engine itself should be fine to swap but you may run into some issues when it comes to connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold.

MTWO · 03-03-2021, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BennettBucsFan

The engine itself should be fine to swap but you may run into some issues when it comes to connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold.

+1

SuperHamz · 03-04-2021, 09:32 AM

Genuine question, why swap the N20 for an N26 - doesn't seem like there's much difference between the engines?

ScottSmith · 03-04-2021, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BennettBucsFan

The engine itself should be fine to swap but you may run into some issues when it comes to connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold.

Why? The clamp, gasket, and turbo are the same for N20 and N26. As long as he uses the downpipe/cat, wiring harness, and ECU that came with the car, he should be fine right?

Oberumen · 03-04-2021, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperHamz

Genuine question, why swap the N20 for an N26 - doesn't seem like there's much difference between the engines?

My engine is done. I have been looking for well priced used N20 engines but no luck. I found a couple N26's a lot cheaper than N20. That is why I was considering it and asking for input.

BennettBucsFan · 03-04-2021, 03:51 PM

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the N26 cat would not work on an N20 because it was a little longer. I'm not sure if that is the case vice versa. Just something I'd want to be sure of before making a major purchase.

cedaj · 03-14-2021, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BennettBucsFan

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the N26 cat would not work on an N20 because it was a little longer. I'm not sure if that is the case vice versa. Just something I'd want to be sure of before making a major purchase.

Different connection type for the N26 catalytic converter to midpipe, but the turbo side of the catalytic converter is the same for both

Dmitry235 · 04-19-2022, 04:48 PM

Hello everyone!
I have a 2013 BMW 328I. Originally was installed the N26 engine which was apart when I got the car. I purchased another N26 engine from jankyard and swap it. I have to install a new valve cover for N26 and used HPFP from the N26 engine.
Long story short, junkyard sold me N20 engine and now I'm getting a mixture too lean code. Check engine light on. The car runs great, sometimes a bit rough cold start.

I was looking for info on what I need to swap to get the job done.

- injectors coded
- engine was smoked, no leaks.
- since I installed a new valve cover from N26 it has a small hose going from PCV valve. Should I leave it open or just clog it?

03-03-2021, 07:48 AM	#1
Oberumen New Member 5 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 428i XDrive M sport p Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	N20 engine Swap with N26 Which parts will have to be purchased in order to fit the engine. I know they are both similar since they both share about 95% of their part numbers. I found a good deal on a N26 engine but I want to make sure this will work before I consider doing it. Thanks,
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03-03-2021, 10:23 AM	#2
ScottSmith Private First Class 30 Rep 105 Posts Drives: BMW E46 N20 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I've never done this, but from what I've researched if you already have a car fitted with an N20 you don't have to get anything. The fuel line that connects the chassis to the HPFP can be reused from the N20, along with the downpipe from the N20. You'll have the extra hose barb on the PCV on the valve cover that is supposed to go somewhere on the airbox, but you can probably just leave it open (maybe cover it with a rag for an ad-hoc filter). You'll need to recode your ECU for the injectors; I think the value is the same that TIS has for "no value listed."
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03-03-2021, 08:29 PM	#4
BennettBucsFan Private First Class 43 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Sportline Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	The engine itself should be fine to swap but you may run into some issues when it comes to connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold. Last edited by BennettBucsFan; 03-03-2021 at 08:40 PM..
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03-04-2021, 09:32 AM	#6
SuperHamz Major 742 Rep 1,475 Posts Drives: F31 328i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Middlesex iTrader: (0)	Genuine question, why swap the N20 for an N26 - doesn't seem like there's much difference between the engines? __________________
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03-04-2021, 03:51 PM	#9
BennettBucsFan Private First Class 43 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Sportline Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the N26 cat would not work on an N20 because it was a little longer. I'm not sure if that is the case vice versa. Just something I'd want to be sure of before making a major purchase.
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04-19-2022, 04:48 PM	#11
Dmitry235 New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328I Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Hello everyone! I have a 2013 BMW 328I. Originally was installed the N26 engine which was apart when I got the car. I purchased another N26 engine from jankyard and swap it. I have to install a new valve cover for N26 and used HPFP from the N26 engine. Long story short, junkyard sold me N20 engine and now I'm getting a mixture too lean code. Check engine light on. The car runs great, sometimes a bit rough cold start. I was looking for info on what I need to swap to get the job done. - injectors coded - engine was smoked, no leaks. - since I installed a new valve cover from N26 it has a small hose going from PCV valve. Should I leave it open or just clog it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote