Engine swap questions

[DocG]

Hey there I own a 1990 E30 316i [not sold in the US]
The 1.6 101bhp [m40] engine is just not enough for me anymore...

I want to do a swap, however my mechanic informs me that doing a conversion to any engine ie a 24v DOHC means i can't have air conditioning unless i foul with the chassis [so as to fit the AC compressor]

I see many people with these conversions, so is this true? If so, my only option would then be to swap a m20b25?

I'd like to have power in the range or around 200-220 whp [at least] how can i go about that if i'm stuck with a m20b25?!?

I stay in India, and well my budget is considerably more than what most people have posted up on the site...so price isn't too much of a concern, however i want the biggest bang for my buck

[Modding the entire car, not just the engine...Brembo BBK, adjustable coilovers, FFE with custom headers, adding an LSD, interiors, new paint...everything you can think of]

[FredK]

As long as your car is already equipped with air conditioning it isn't too hard. If you have to retrofit air conditioning, it is more difficult.

The compressor is attached to the engine and requires no modification to the chassis. It is not difficult, but requires quite a few parts. If you have a large budget there shouldn't be any problems installing air conditioning in the car.

[DocG]

ok, sorry, yeah to clarify, yes my car has air conditioning, she's in great shape, just need more power, the rest of the mods are to make my 17 year old babe look better than new, and handle the power she will put out ina responsible manner...

so is that a "Yes the swap will work fine with your existing AC compressor, and you don't have to mess with the chassis"?
an S50 or S52 is looking mightly sweet right about now...

[FredK]

All you have to do is get two lines made, new o-rings, and possibly a new expansion valve.

[etxxz]

all you need is the zionsville lines (or make your own) $250

and if you want it done right you need:
dryer/accumulator, filter, vacuum job, oil, R134a ~ $60-80 + labor (or DIY)

there should be no mods to the car/chasis whatsoever.

[DocG]

yeah the entire job is being done by professionals...i'm well untrained in those aspects, don't get me wrong, i love my car, and know my stuff, just trust the pros more :D...and well thank god that labour charges in India are less than in thes states...[however that balances out with the F###ing frieght and customs charges!!]

Just glad to know that the job can be done retaining the creature comforts like AC :p...i'm doing up my interiors for comfort too, but now seriously thinking of getting racing seats cuz of all that extra power...

[DocG]

can some one please help with a few more deatails? anyone running this engine in their E30 vouching for the same? please walk me through it. The Zionsville Autosport website seems to be down...any links?!?!

[Farbin Kaiber]

search the sticky...

[325Projectz]

can some one please help with a few more deatails? anyone running this engine in their E30 vouching for the same? please walk me through it. The Zionsville Autosport website seems to be down...any links?!?!

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?

[DocG]

Hey I have since decided to go with the M50 instead of the S50/S52 motors.
The M50 will get new cams 272 Schrick, new pistons MaxSil, a port & polish, a new ecu, CAI, custom headers and free flow exhaust.
Transmission will be from a e36, reconditioned driveline from a 1998 328is.
3.73 LSD, axles from a e30 325.

Questions are
1) What flywheel should I use?
2) What would be a good stage 2 clutch option?
3) what is a good big brake kit that i can use? [Brembos are within my budget, but what are other options?]
4) What coilovers would be best? would like maximum adjustability

Thx

[kroberts]

Doc,

Do I understand correctly that you are having an E36 suspension installed? You will be running 5 lug suspension?

Have you seen Turner Motorsports's website?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/index.asp

They have a well-sorted website with all the parts you seem to be looking for. You could order all your suspension bits from them with one call.

I would think that European suppliers would be more convenient though. I cant help you there, sorry.

Frankly, you're not going to get a really warm response to statements like "walk me through it." and "well my budget is considerably more than what most people have posted up on the site." You (or better yet, your mechanics) have a lot of reading to do. I know it sounds harsh but there it is. I'm sure you didn't mean to sound like a POM with your post, but there are a lot of working guys here who have had to work through their swaps one paycheck at a time. The best suggestion I can give you is to order the OBDI conversion and the twincam swap CDs from Zionsville. If your mechanics are worth their weight in salt, they will not have a problem following them. The CDs are very well done.

kr

[madjurgen]

At least throw an S50/52 crank in there. M50s are pointless at 2.5l.

[DocG]

Doc,

Do I understand correctly that you are having an E36 suspension installed? You will be running 5 lug suspension? kr

No, thinking of installing D2 or eibach coilovers, although D2 racing is much more adjustable that the others. I am however interested in a 5 lug swap as well.

Frankly, you're not going to get a really warm response to statements like "walk me through it." and "well my budget is considerably more than what most people have posted up on the site." You (or better yet, your mechanics) have a lot of reading to do. I know it sounds harsh but there it is. I'm sure you didn't mean to sound like a POM with your post, but there are a lot of working guys here who have had to work through their swaps one paycheck at a time. The best suggestion I can give you is to order the OBDI conversion and the twincam swap CDs from Zionsville. If your mechanics are worth their weight in salt, they will not have a problem following them. The CDs are very well done.

kr

u r right my mechanic does need to do a lot of reading up, as the country in which I'm at currently does not see many modded bimmers! here bimmers are luxury cars that are maintained for years with original parts, and all the expense that goes along with it. And with regards to the knowledge base, well I have been doing my homework, but need to clarify stuff and hear it the hard way, as all of you have tons of experience, and well I've thus far maintained my car stock. I appologise if I came off as a "POM". however most people on other threads always get asked their budget, and mine isn't fixed.

At least throw an S50/52 crank in there. M50s are pointless at 2.5l.

Will do...basically u mean a forged crank right, will get that done...thx for the suggestion. When I'm done with the M50, it should put out around 220-230 at crank, depending on what route I take. Aiming for 200whp, which is enough for me.

I'm sorry for the n00bish questions, but i really can't afford to screw up this project as I just lack the time to have it drag on for months. I am a doctor, and my time is not my own. So please any help and definative answers are much appreciated, as I can do this only once, and need to get it done right.

Thx
Doc

[BigD]

If your budget his higher than the ones posted here, you're pressed for time and want 200-220whp, sell your 316 and buy an E36 M3.

[DocG]

If your budget his higher than the ones posted here, you're pressed for time and want 200-220whp, sell your 316 and buy an E36 M3.

my e30 isn't my only car, I currently use it around once a week, and drive other cars as daily drivers...however my e30 is special to me, so i want to do it up and use her as my daily car, and drive the other cars on weekends.

c'mon guys i know ya'll love e30s enough to point me in the right direction!!!