M42 -> M50. Satisfied?

[khnordeen]

Hello r3v,

I'm looking to do a 24v swap in my 91 318i, and am currently trying to decide which motor I want to use.

I have read just about every thread in this section concerning swapping an M50, but those are usually people moving from an M20 as opposed to an M42.

For those who have moved from an M42 to an M50, were you satisfied/happy with it? I have an E36 325i with a Dinan-chipped M50 and it feels quick to me, but a lot of people I have seen say they would go atleast S50/S52...

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

-Kyle

[Danny]

S50 is ftw.

[ak-]

Sure you will be satisfied.
Now that plus the feeling with an S5x.

[StereoInstaller1]

M50 is fine for DD duty.

S50 is WAY more fun, might not be all that smart if you have poor self-control.

[Alpine e92]

i'm in the process of doing an m50tu in my 91 318i, but my e30 is my DD so i guess it depends on what you are using it for. I plan on putting a SC on it though.

[325issguy]

Why not find a m52 and swap it in.... Cheaper but still almost puts out as much as s50 with obd1 and cams.

[blackhawkimpact]

S50 is ftw.

+1

My 91 318is makes me feel good with the s50 inside.

[cabin]

I am hoping my s50 is satisfying after putting all of this work into the swap. Coming from the m42, I don't think I am asking much.

[e30pq]

I drive 2 swapped E30's.

One started life as a 325ic. I pulled the M20 and installed an S50. It's a great car. I love the way this engine sounds and drives. The added power over the M20 is great.

This is a thread on that car.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=107147

This is a recent autocross video of the S50 cabrio

http://www.youtube.com/user/e30pq1?feature=mhum#p/a/u/1/g5GOKXZO_80

The other car I co-own with a buddy of mine and I race. It started life as a 325i. The project began as a dedicated track car and turned int a D-Mod BMWCCA club race car. We pulled the M20 in favor of a turbo charged M42.

This website covers the race car.

http://www.hqautosport.com

Both cars are amazing to drive.

If you have to go 24v go with either an S50 or S52 otherwise it isn't worth the effort IMHO.

If you want to be different, build a turbo M42. We just added some dyno tuning info on our website. Check it out.

[etxxz]

blahblahblahblah

If you have to go 24v go with either an S50 or S52 otherwise it isn't worth the effort IMHO.

more text

QFT!!
...short of a budget (even built) boosted e36 motor. Plus they are SOO CHEAP NOW

[Schwarz325]

I swapped a m50 i have yet to drive it though. But i think anything is better than a m20 that my 318 had swapped in it. I hate m20's, they sound like they're gonna blow up any second, and i'm spoiled on the e36 smoothness, so i think i'll like it for a while, then plans are for boost or s52 we'll see.

My point is, don't listen to people, do what you can afford and upgrade later. If an m50 moves an e36 pretty quick, now imagine that in a lighter 318, that's the way i look at it. Don't get me wrong though, i'd love a s52 but i couldn't afford so i'm sure once i get tired of the m50 that's next, matter of a fact that's the winter project, build an s52 lol.

[StereoInstaller1]

I have driven all the popular swaps: M50NV, M50tU, M52, S50 (not S52 or S54 yet) and a couple of M30s. Undeniably, the S50 is easily the bang for the buck winner...but if you can pick up everything you need for like $800 or so, it is a no-brainer.

I think if I were trying to build a serious brawler, I would do the M30. That torque is awesome, plus then you are kinda ready for an S38...IMO, the #1 best swap. I know there are better motors out there, but DAMN, the S38 is pure sex.

[straight6pwr]

i love my m50tu! coming from an m20, its a great upgrade. With the lower gearing (of the e36 transmission), and the 30+ hp or so it feels much faster than even the m20. from the m42 its going to be a big upgrade. if you cant spring for the s50 (which is the most expensive part of a swap) and can get an m50 for cheap, do it. (you can always drop in an s50 later really easily)

/$0.02

[StereoInstaller1]

i love my m50tu! coming from an m20, its a great upgrade. With the lower gearing (of the e36 transmission), and the 30+ hp or so it feels much faster than even the m20. from the m42 its going to be a big upgrade. if you cant spring for the s50 (which is the most expensive part of a swap) and can get an m50 for cheap, do it. (you can always drop in an s50 later really easily)

/$0.02

'zactly

[Boosted E30]

I just went from a turbo m42 makin 270whp and 260tq to a S50 swap and i love the s50 way more, its not as fast but so much more reliable i dont think twice about taking it on long trips ive drive over 10,000 km with track time with not a single hickup S50 FTW.