Dumb swap, I am an idiot.

[bolognablake]

I have a clean '85 318, manual trans with a motor with no compression.

I have access to a 1998 323i auto, that's a complete driver, with the exception of the front sheet metal that was used to for another project for a few hunderd dollars.

I know it's a neutered M52, still worth it? I'm out of work for another month due to knee surgery so I have all kinds of time.

[haaken675]

If it's only a few hundred dollars for the 323, I would definitely pick it up! Even if you pulled the motor I'm sure there are probably some other parts you could pull and sell to recoup some of that money as well!

If you swap for an m50 intake manifold, do headers, and a tune you will make decent power for not much money.

[Northern]

I wouldn't do it. No manual trans and weak M52. If you could find a smashed 328i manual or even a drivetrain, it would make the end result that much better

[e21jps]

m52 will bolt directly onto the 318 gearbox and even have the right angle on the gear lever etc, i sell a nice little Flywheel that takes an m20 clutch thats perfect for the conversion since it fits nicely into the 318 g240 gearbox etc..

The m52 323 is actually a 2.5L engine and with alloy block etc it will be a really nice conversion!.. plus one day can always drop in a b28

edit. dont worry about the gearbox strength! i put one in my 325i e36 DD and drove it for years!! lots of people do that for e36 auto to manual conversion since the box virtually bolts straight in!... and because its overdrive so the auto diff ratio is all good

[Das Delfin]

^ an m52 will NOT bolt up to a gearbox originally fitted with an m10 motor. The bellhousing is different from an m20/m50 bellhousing. If you want to keep your tranny, get an m30

[Streichholzschächtelchen]

get a november 87 m30b35, best one they made. beefy block, b35 top end, bolts to your tranny.