Plenty of time to mod, what to do?

[willo]

I've got a M50 in a 1994 e36 with 114k that I'm interested in swapping into my e30. My e30 has about 145k from the original owners (timing belt change 11k ago) with all service done at the dealership.

I can take my sweet time with the m50... what should I seriously consider doing to it. I don't mind dropping say, $2k into the engine as long as I can stage it a bit.

I'll probably use the better trans from the e36 when I do the swap, I'm in no rush at all - I'm happy to toss it on the engine stand and turn it into a fun powerplant.

Local gas is generally 91 octane, I normally buy 89 for my daily driver, 93 is available, but not always easily.

[Dj Buttchug]

tarbo can be had for 2k if you source parts yourself

[Adrian_Visser]

2k show me a 2k turbo kit. Don't forget tuning.

[ak-]

He said source parts, not kit.

[justin_l_]

Timing belt?

[Holland]

2.9 stroker.

[straight6pwr]

chip, big injectors, m3 cams, well-made exhaust, all seals replaced when you have the engine out, any worn accessories replaced, lightweight flywheel, refresh shifter. thats at least 2k.

[jrdeamicis]

The M50 is a useless swap for the E30. Really. Vanos or Non-vanos. I would swap in nothing less than a 2.8. And this is how I would do it.


Take off all the OBD1 stuff from the M50 motor find an M52 and convert it to OBD1.

Replace the lifters, get an elring top end and bottom end kit. Do besian seals in the vanos, Find a set of M3 cams, replace all chains and guides, rebuild the oil pump (rebuild not buy) and a tune.

Buy a decent clutch for it.

Replace the crank position sensor
and
The O2

And get the head refreshed.

Thats right around 2 if you do it right.

[nrubenstein]

Use that $2k to get an S50 or S52.

[straight6pwr]

The M50 is a useless swap for the E30. Really. Vanos or Non-vanos.

Maybe useless to you. Don't assume everyone wants the same thing out of their e30. I have an m50 and I love it. Although you dont get the HP numbers of an the other swaps, you still get some extra power while saving money. I drive my e30 everyday, I dont need to be able to lose traction every time I accelerate.

[jasonsnoddy]

i would rather have an m50 that i can put 2k into than an s5x that breaks the bank for just the swap. for a dd ofc.

[JGood]

OP: s50 cams with a proper tune, along with all new seals and gaskets, plugs, water pump, etc...

You'll have some $$$ left over. Spend it on the gas you'll use enjoying your 200whp car that cost 1/4 of the 230whp s52 cars :)

[325issguy]

Iv got the m52 obd1 swap with m3 cams and love it. I would love to run a s50 to see where i stand...