How badass is an e30 s50?

[87e30]

What does that have to do with it? Most modern cars coming out of Japan have 240 horsepower on tap from the factory as a starting point. Twin cam motors arent all that really. Sure they are quick, but there are plenty of cars out there that will make a joke of them rolling right off the dealer lot.

There are plenty of faster cars sure. But there are way more cars coming off the lot that are slower. 240hp in a new japanese car that weighs a lot more does not mean faster.

[Leaf]

I'm just mad you don't know basic grammar skills.

[RickSloan]

aren't they close to the same?

last i heard cause of all the valve train stuff the s5x motors may be a bit heavier

but dont hold me to that

[hugh jass]

What does that have to do with it? Most modern cars coming out of Japan have 240 horsepower on tap from the factory as a starting point. Twin cam motors arent all that really. Sure they are quick, but there are plenty of cars out there that will make a joke of them rolling right off the dealer lot.

its not about hp its about power to weight. a basic s52 swap car has a power to weight similar to a 135i, which is faster than any jap car with 240 hp.

[rThor432]

its not about hp its about power to weight. a basic s52 swap car has a power to weight similar to a 135i, which is faster than any jap car with 240 hp.

Yeah I know it's about the power-to-weight. In my opinion 240 horses in a 2750 lb. car can get an inadequate driver in as much trouble as it would in a 3100 lb. car.

The cars that I'm talking about that would embarrass an S52 E30 are in the $40k+ range anyway, I was just tossing it out there are faster cars out there. It just seems that a lot of guys think that they are the fastest thing on the street (not necessarily in this thread).

Liam made it sound like the amount of power is hard to control. The fact that the car is lighter does make a bit of difference, but I was just tossing it out there that plenty of soccer moms are driving around new cars with more power than that and not having any problems controlling them when the go pedal is mashed.

[FredK]

Yeah, rThor keeps on harping about dropping in an S14 to replace the S52.

:razz:

I'd say it really transforms the car. The everyday driveability, the smooth, silky sound of a twin cam inline six, everything is improved with an S50US except the weight on the snout of the car, which blunts the turn-in behavior of the car. It depends on what you want. Cleaver or scalpel.

[rThor432]

Yeah, rThor keeps on harping about dropping in an S14 to replace the S52.

I think that's my biggest problem with it, it isnt fast enough (to me) to offset the way it affected the handling. I've worked on/driven too many E30 M3's in the last month and it is messing with my head....

But really, it's just my opinion and I'm just tossing it out there guys. I've got one and I daily drive it now. I havent driven my E36 M3 in a month now cause the E30 is just that much more fun (as always).

[matt]

Cleaver or scalpel.

I prefer an axe. (Big turbo M52) Or a laser. (Twinscrew S52)

Bottom line, what are you trying to do with the car? I have built a ton of stock S52 e30s. They're a lot of fun.

[SamE30e]

Why so angry danny? and why are you even in the 24v section anyways?

Because he can dream in here. lol

[Holland]

16v all the way, lol I wish.

[mazur]

You must be under 40. ;)

Yup, 22, why? Do your reflexes get shitty at 40 or something? lol

[e30polak]

I've seen some scary fast ones (e30Polak for example, fucking scary how fast he walked away from me one night) but I personally prefer something I can control (a more holistic approach, a ballance if you will).

It's ok man. I gots 1.2L more displacement then you! :p

The first time I drove the swap was with open headers and a 4.10, so it was more then I expected! I only owned the e30 for a week before the motor came out, so I can't say much about stock performance.

I've daily driven my s52 swap for almost 3 years. Once all the bugs were figured out, along with suspension and better gearing, I can't think of a more fun DD. However, now my suspension is now too stiff for DDing. So, the e30 will be my fun car pretty soon and a Civic will be the DD.

The cars that I'm talking about that would embarrass an S52 E30 are in the $40k+ range anyway, I was just tossing it out there are faster cars out there. It just seems that a lot of guys think that they are the fastest thing on the street (not necessarily in this thread).

There are plenty used cars under $40k that will easily beat our swap cars. Even though you probably are only comparing newer cars, here are some examples of these cars:

Stock cars:

c5 z06, c6 vettes, '04+ cobras, e39 m5 (more so on the freeway)

Modded cars:

Too many to list. This counts because our swap cars are modded, in the sense of the motor, so everyone else with motor swap, FI, etc are a part of the same category.

[learningcurve86]

On a scale of One to Chuck Norris I'm gonna say its a Bruce Willis.

may i put this in my sig?

[Danny]

Of course.

[Farbin Kaiber]

I can't wait to one day drive my swapped car.