Turbo m5x or s52 build first?

[McGyver]

I finally have the income to start saving/piecing together an engine swap for one of my two cars. I think that I have decided on a turbo m5x for the 1989 convertible and an s52 for the 1991 coupe.

The reasoning is that the vert is set up to be able to handle more power due to the suspension, brakes, and fuel supply. It will also be the toy that I anticipate having to tinker with to keep running properly.

The coupe is going to be my daily driver that just needs enough power to have fun, but will also be the car I take whenever it rains.

When building the turbo vert, I had planned to do the m5x swap and get it running properly on a standalone system before introducing turbo. The coupe with an s5x would seem to be a slightly more straightforward swap.

The goal is to have something more unique and fun for the Vintage next year. The cost difference between the two swaps isn’t an issue and both cars are equally reliable. The question is which do I do first?

[evandael]

ooh tough one. personally I would do the s52 swap first as practice, as it will make the m50 turbo build less complex (instead of concerning yourself with swap complications, you can instead focus on the MS build and piecing together turbo parts)

also, you should consider getting some additional bracing on the vert before you throw 400hp at it.. strut tower brace, rear tower/diff brace, seam welding, e36 or mason tech x-brace..

[aPapester]

Yeah do the s52 to get the swap complications figured out then focus on doing the turbo the second time around.

[howelll]

One thing i wish someone would have told me about a turbo m5x, is that it is way too much power for a stock bodied e30. With out any sort of widebody work you will not be able to get enough rubber under it.

[Northern]

Either way it will be fun and a great end product, As long as you don't try to build multiple cars at once...

[ForcedFirebird]

One thing i wish someone would have told me about a turbo m5x, is that it is way too much power for a stock bodied e30. With out any sort of widebody work you will not be able to get enough rubber under it.

Turbo m20 is no different lol. Anything that makes 350+whp and weighs <3k lbs will be a hand full.