Ouch! Blew my S14 motor today. What next?

[Tapeman]

Hi. A rod went through the side wall of my 1988 E30 M3 motor today. I need a new motor or a swap. It is a track-only car. 2 things:
1) I am looking for an S14(?) 1st gen M3 motor to put back into the car. Modified is ok if done right.
2) A few guys mentioned replacing it with a later model M3 motor (E36 or E46). Is this possible, who does it and how does it work out?
Thanks,
Tapeman

[Eecen]

Just cause you own an M3 doesn't make you exempt from the SEARCH rule....

[MattM]

1) I am looking for an S14(?) 1st gen M3 motor to put back into the car. Modified is ok if done right.

Start looking, they are hard to find in good shape unless you want to fork out a pretty penny

2) A few guys mentioned replacing it with a later model M3 motor (E36 or E46). Is this possible, who does it and how does it work out?

Its called the 24v swap, and is the most common Mod to E30's on the planet... the internet is littered with information. I have done 2 of them myself

[Schneller 3er]

This is a nice set up for a track car. He's a member on here, so you can PM him "Jason89i"
Also somewhat local

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?t=53190

[bloodshot-e30]

^^ regular 24v swap


if ur wanting an E46 M3 motor it can be done but it isnt as well documented yet. but a normal 24v + boost = titties



but like said B4


SEARCH

[MR 325]

A S50/S52 swap is a great alternative to another low HP and ticking-timebomb S14 engine. :D

Do lots of reading in this forum, and go for it. You'll love the extra power and the TORQUE!

[e30polak]

If it's a track car, it depends on your driving style. Having owned an s52 e30 before and now owning an s14 powered M3, the lighter s14 DOES make a noticeable difference in handling. Both cars have/had dialed in coil-over set-ups, so the difference is comparable.

The s14 allows you to carry more speed into a turn with less understeer, even some natural oversteer. The 24v motor will cause some understeer, and you have to be more careful correcting with throttle because of the big difference in torque.

The 24v engine will be MUCH faster in the straights, and more fun around town.

All this being said, I will be using my M3 primarily for a weekend fun car, and it will be street driven most of the time. Therefore I'm swapping the s14 out later this year for an s54. :woowoo:

[b*saint]

Just buy the fucking stock engine.

[reelizmpro]

Perhaps you should part the S14 and look into an S50/S54/LS6 swap. What's your budget? Does it matter to you if the car is original or do you just want to go fast relatively cheap? S50's give good power at prices comparable to a used S14.

[e30rapidic]

S5X all the way

[jlevie]

As rare as E30 M3 cars are it has always seemed to me to be a shame to risk one on the track. It will get destroyed. In a like manner an all orginal M3 is worth far more than one with a bastard engine. For a few thou one can make a coupe or sedan E30 into a real track rat that is nearly as much fun as an M3 (and sometimes moreso). And if you wad it up you can replace the body for a few hundred.

[17sd]

If my S14 dies, I will definitely look into swapping a S54.
It should make the M3 a much better street car.

[Holland]

Lol, all this S14 abandonment gives me hope.

[Blackangusinc]

Lol, all this S14 abandonment gives me hope.

Ditto!! If anyone really needs to get rid if their blown S14, I know this guy who might be interested...

[Edev]

Sell the car to me of course.