Engine swap....

[Giga Shadow]

Hello,

I know this message board is only E30, but I'm really tired of being slower then a 1.5L honda. :oops:

I've driven 325is when I was looking for an e30 and they are not exactly, "quick"
I was thinking more of a S50/S52 swap. :shock:

Do The 36s have the same motor mounts as ours? Do I need the tranny/Drive-shaft/diff from the 36? Is it a pretty bolt on swap? How much would a 3.0 engine/tranny/part's I need for the swap cost me, ball park?

Thanks allot guys.

[Chris]

The following may help you out:

http://e30tech.com/viewtopic.php?t=121

[bimmerjim®]

no offence man, but a stock 325i should make short work of pritty much most any civic. you might look into a tune up first... check the compression and leakdown. or you can check other performance mods for the m20 before droping 3-5k on a m50. there are far less expensive things that can make just as much if not more hp than a m50 swap.

just curious..... have you dynoed or ran it at the track? the stock m20 should put down about 135 - 140 hp to the wheels stock. and you should run about a 15.7 - 16.0 in a 1/4 mile for a manual, 16.1-16.5 for a auto.

[Giga Shadow]

no offence man, but a stock 325i should make short work of pritty much most any civic. you might look into a tune up first... check the compression and leakdown. or you can check other performance mods for the m20 before droping 3-5k on a m50. there are far less expensive things that can make just as much if not more hp than a m50 swap.

just curious..... have you dynoed or ran it at the track? the stock m20 should put down about 135 - 140 hp to the wheels stock. and you should run about a 15.7 - 16.0 in a 1/4 mile for a manual, 16.1-16.5 for a auto.

I have a ETA :shock:
Thanks for the advise; I don't know exactly what parts I actually NEED, because nobody has had any experience with this :cry:
But, I have been priced $800 for a complete M50 w/Tranny.. I would have no problem paying 11-13 hundred for a 70hp upgrade with STOCK reliability and plenty of room for more power.

140hp isn't "quick" in a 2700lbs car. I know it's quick in a 1800lbs car though.. 8)
Not shooting down the M20 at all though.. But like you said, a best of 15.7 in the 1/4 :roll:


BTW: I'd rather pay $300 for the M20 swap ANYDAY!
But, I get the impression from many people that it can bairly brake 180 to the crank, even at a 2.7L ..

[Jay Stock E30]

$800 for an m50 and tranny? Does that include the ecu wiring harnes, and other things needed for the swap? If so thats a pretty good deal.

Since you have an eta I am pretty sure you will have to upgrade to the later style e30 radiator set up, as well as a 325ix or e21 320i brake booster.

Here is a great website for info on the m50 swap

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/

you can also check out:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2129&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=m50+swap+info

hope this helps.

[Giga Shadow]

Thanks for those links, I'll read up on the swap as much as I can...

Ya, it's $800 for tranny, comlete motor, and ecu. BUT, that's just the 190hp one... The M is $2,400 :x I guess it's worth it for the M engine ?? :roll: I don't think so...

If anyone that's done this [not just reads about it on the internet] can give there advise :o
Thanks.

[Jay Stock E30]

you may try pm'ing or emailing bluntheadtrauma. He has an s50 in his car. In my opnion the extra $ spent on an s50 are not worth it. The US s50/52 are not that special, they are just a built m50/52. The block and head are the same, just hotter cams and slightly longer stroke. They only have 50 more hp. I haven't done price checking, but I know that I could build an m50 to have more power than that s50 for less money.

[Giga Shadow]

Ya, the more I look into the M3, the more it's looking like a waste of money..

"bluntheadtrauma" I'll read up on his posts and PM him.. . Thanks again, this will be a big help.

[Chris E30 Cab]

[quote]
BTW: I'd rather pay $300 for the M20 swap ANYDAY!
But, I get the impression from many people that it can bairly brake 180 to the crank, even at a 2.7L ..

You got the wrong impression then.....My pals 2.7L stroker w/ stock cam & Unichip piggyback is putting out 172rwhp.

[Jay Stock E30]

Chris,
Do you think the cost hp ratio is worth it? 172 rwhp is pretty nice thats about what 30 more hp than the standard 325i?