S38 vs. S50/S52 swap

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

and I'm sorry if that was a bit harsh, m3fan4eva

[digger]

no way could an S38 be lighter than an S50.

I mean, S38 = 3.6/3.8L S50=3.0L it would just be common sense for an S50 to be lighter....noo?!

not neccesarily, if all you do is bore an engine it gets lighter as you remove part of the block (cast iron) and add a bit more piston diameter(aluminium). S38 has shorter stroke so the crank may be lighter and its bore is around 9mm bigger. I have also heard the s38b38 is lighter from the UK guys on E30zone

[SpecM]

-Yeah but the s38 is based from a m30 which are much heavier than m/s50/2s

[matt]

-Yeah but the s38 is based from a m30 which are much heavier than m/s50/2s

It's like the difference between a small block and a big block chevy.

There is NO FUCKING WAY an S38 is within 50 lbs of an S50 with the same accessories installed.

[Mike B.]

Take a look here for engine wts. - http://www.bimmerforums.com/engine_faq/

The US S50 is 136kg (299lbs) and the S38 (E34) is 151kg (332lbs). The Euro S50 is 152kg (333lbs). The M20 is 117kg (258lbs)

I would personally go with the Euro 3.2. This is what I am going with and can line you up with one (<75k mi.) if you are interested.

[euroshark]

-Yeah but the s38 is based from a m30 which are much heavier than m/s50/2s

The M30 is only 16 lbs heavier than a US S50... 315lbs. The torque alone would be worth the swap. Im sure the S50 is sick, but the S38 still revs out to 7200rpm and has more torque in wider range.

[bmw335ist]

First the M30 and the s38 are completly different the block walls are thinner in the s38 so if you are going for abuse stay with the 3.6 N/a app go 3.8 all the way I know what 300hp and 400hp feels like in an e30 I wish I had the chance to use the e30m3 like you but both could be built for 400 hp the FI will add weight, N/A by building the motor you shave weight ether way its fast and fun and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ if you break anything.

[euroshark]

The cylinder walls are thinner in the S38, but the blocks are the same. The M88 and S38 both share blocks with the old race motors, the 3.0 3.3 and 3.5 (CSL race cars) that eventually led to the production M90 motor, the 93.355mm bore M30 found in early 635CSi and M535is. This block was used in both the M88/3 and S38 with a different cylinder head configuration, and maybe a few small differences as far as cooling is concerned. Evenentually the same block was cut down to create the S14 block for the E30 M3, same 93.355mm bore. This is all from memory after reading the 6 Series Enthusiasts Companion, so don't flame me if I am not 100&#37; correct.

The basic point is that the S38 is only slightly heavier than the M30, and its because of the extra gear up in the cylinder head.

[blueapplesoda]

just loose 15 lbs off your ass and do the s38 swapage......and document it very very well so i can do one later

s38->e30m....shiiit...

[euroshark]

-45lbs = sound deadening material from the trunk floor.
-35lbs = Spare tire (if you are brave)
-15lbs = Stereo and speakers (for the truly hardcore)

[bmw335isturbo]

-45lbs = sound deadening material from the trunk floor.
-35lbs = Spare tire (if you are brave)
-15lbs = Stereo and speakers (for the truly hardcore)

That is what I did and more the 335isturbo with me init weighed 1950lbs

[euroshark]

I'm not being a prick, seriously, but I can not fathom how a street legal E30 with you in it could possibly weigh 1950lbs... My '84 should be right around 2600lbs stock, + or - a bit after the M30 swap (no AC system), so I am estimating with me in it she should be around 2800lbs to 2850lbs depending on the fuel load.

[Andreas]

Hi e30ryan///m3, you might want to browse this German forum http://www.e30.de/

There are quite a few S38 into E30 conversions on this forum. Just browse the Fotostories. Even if you don't understand German, there are quite a few pictures.

BTW, I love what you're doing with all those cars. I drove an E30 with a M5 engine here in South Africa once and while it was not Earth shatteringly fast, it was surely nice. Good luck.

[Funkmasta]

The S14 engine is NOT 2/3rds of an S38. It does share many parts, but most parts are not interchangable. It is a common misconception that I corrected myself on shortly ago...

[Funkmasta]

I assume that since the S14 is basically an S38 minus 2 cylinders that the S14 tranny would be able to be used?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Ryan

Regardless of my previous post, you CAN use the M3 transmission, but you will need to get a G265 bellhousing from a big6 car. I believe I have one... I at least have one available to me.

The G265 is arguably the best transmission. It is overbuilt for the M3, as it was originally designed (and used) for the big 6 engine.

I have an M88/3 up for auction right now, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...7688922&rd=1,1
It could be a good starting point.

Also, I may have a 500hp b36 motor coming in. the car was wrecked about 5 hours ago... (03)

Unless you want an S54 and 6 speed. I have one of those coming in next week? (04)