How many of you actually have a reliable swap?

[2mAn]

I keep reading problems after problems with people who have done the swap. Makes me wonder if these are just issues getting the swap dialed in and then no problems, or is it an issue with installing a modern motor into an old chassis and chasing down one issue after another.

Also, curious who shelled out some coin and paid someone else to do it, whether they also experienced issues after the fact. money well spent or??...

[I*Do*Werke]

Over 2 years since I finished my swap. Since then I really havent done any maintenance except for some fluid changes. As long as you properly swap in a good condition motor, I would say that swapped e30s are more reliable than original

[KVF]

I'm debating on whether or not to pull a perfectly solid running M20, to toss in a M52 over the next couple of weeks. I come here for refreshers and inspiration, and I'm met with this post... LOL

Really hope you get some good replies!

[bimmerteck]

I was technically DIY, for my car at least. I would have hated to see what I would have billed myself had I been a customer. :D

[berlow94]

99% sure that all of the swaps that have problems relating to "new motor in older chassis" are user/mechanic error. Just look at any professionally swapped car.
Every Guten 24v swap (R.I.P) ive seen looks cleaner then factory. OBD 2 port, A/C, all OEM connectors and OBD 2 functionality, customize tune for specific application, etc.
Same goes to many other BMW 'swap familiar' shops that have a similar reputation.
So in my opinion yes! (which is saying something for how great m20's are!)

[Beau B]

I have done two swaps to two of my previous E30's ran them both for years without issue. Dont cut corners and you should be good.

[agent]

The poll is missing the option most applicable to me, which is "got my hands dirty with someone who'd done swaps before."

I have a couple of things still to iron out, though it starts every time I turn the key. So to answer the reliability question: very.

[Roysneon]

The only things that messed me up on my swap where things that I half assed (exhaust) and things I didn't replace when I should have (intake boot, O2 sensor, thermostat housing)

[FredK]

I drove 40,000 troublefree miles with S50 E30s, and have never been stranded by one, knock on wood. I did the swaps myself. They were not as pretty as some of the cleaner swaps out there, but they were definitely functional with the essentials all covered.

[dereliiict]

I purchased mine swapped. Professionally. I drive hundreds of miles a week in it all through shitty terrain.

I want to boost it, but just can't bring myself to since it is so reliable. It runs better than my e46 did stock.

However, do yourself a favor and look up Sump Armor. You will need it.

[Jand3rson]

Not a single issue really here. I pulled my swap that winter after the first install, to change a few things and install the ceramic coated headers. Now there's few little niggling issues like rattles and what not (I think my motor mounts might be shit, I think my exhaust is touching the frame), but other than that, runs perfectly.

[matthugie]

Mine started up on the third crank and has been running pretty much flawlessly since. The only issue I've had was with the original alternator taking a shit, which is amazing since over the past two years the majority of its service has been driving to, from, and being flogged on track. I agree with the others though, making sure you start with a solid motor and not cutting corners is the key. A lot of the issues you see are user/mechanic error or something that probably could have been taken care of before the swap (sensors, gaskets, etc.).

[ian e30 318is]

Finished my swap in November 2011. Only issue I had with mine was a refurbished alternator...do not buy refurbished alternators lol

[Bimmian89]

Put almost 7k on my swap so far and it seems to get better everyday! Never thought I'd love a car so much! The e46 got pushed back to number 2 ��

[gkurey]

I've put 20k on mine in 3 years, and it has never once cause any issues. The car is a dream....has AC, cruise control, and reliable power! If you do a good job on everything, it will be great. Like anything in life, you will get out what you put in.