The comprehensive DOHC engine swap thread.

[Tony S]

Engine configurations

Well since I want to use the m52 aluminum block I know the s50 s52 crankshafts will work, my question is

Will the e46 m3 m54 crankshaft work in the m52 engine. The longer stroke will yeild a little more torque.

Thanks

[Stu]

Re: Engine configurations

Well since I want to use the m52 aluminum block I know the s50 s52 crankshafts will work, my question is

Will the e46 m3 m54 crankshaft work in the m52 engine. The longer stroke will yeild a little more torque.

Thanks

No, rod bearing journals are 5mm wider. For max stroke, you have to stick with the S52 crank. (or some aftermarket)

[Bryson]

which coolant sensor do i need to replace for the guage cluster? The front or the rear one? Where does the radiator coolant temp signal go (what is its use)?

-Addis

radiator temp sensor is used for the aux fan, possibly another funtion as well

I think that on the m/s50 motors (OBD1 head) the threads are the same on both senders, but every time I do the swap I forget whether the front or rear one needs to be changed, so I consult the ETM, my best friend.

[OOMPH!]

Has anyone used Pete McHenry's kit from Precision performance for the swap?

Also, has anyone used the plug n play kit from treehouseracing?

Thanks, George

[white chocolate]

1) I am from Sacramento.

2) No, your current tranny wont work. You can use a e30 Getrag 260 with the stock 325i driveshaft and 3.73LSD. Or, you can use the manual tranny from an e36 (325i, M3) with the e30 m3 driveshaft.

Aaron

Are you doing a swap Aaron? I'm located in Sac, too, and will be doing a swap this fall. I have all the parts, just need to find the time to do it.

[JGood]

Hey guys, just need some advice.

I bought a 93 325is, for the engine, but dsidn't realize it has 178k. So I'm parting the car out (made about 4 times what I payed so far). I figure I will use the money to buy an m3 engine. But, looking at prices they appear to be around $3k for an s50. I can get a sub-100k mile m50 engine for like $700, so is it worth the price difference?

Either engine I'm obviously doing custom intake and exhaust setups and would get a chip. What about an m52 converted to obd-1? I don't want to spend an extra 2 grand for an m3 engine if it's not THAT much better performance wise.

Also, are 95 m3 transmissions the same as m50 trans, and they got the bigger ones in 96, or is the 95 tranny the bigger one too?

One more question, is it easier to use the e36 coolant setup due to not needing a remote resevoir?

Justin

P.S. anyone who needs e36 parts let me know, the black interior is mint, including black leather heated and electric sport seats, 178k engine actually runs, idles, and starts excellent (I cummute every day so I don't want to start off with a high mileage engine, that's the only reason I don't want it), and tons of other stuff.

JGood325@excite.com

[325Projectz]

I bought a 93 325is, for the engine, but dsidn't realize it has 178k. So I'm parting the car out (made about 4 times what I payed so far). I figure I will use the money to buy an m3 engine. But, looking at prices they appear to be around $3k for an s50. I can get a sub-100k mile m50 engine for like $700, so is it worth the price difference?

I love my m50 and its got a ton more power than my m20, but do yourself a favor and pop for the s50.

Either engine I'm obviously doing custom intake and exhaust setups and would get a chip. What about an m52 converted to obd-1? I don't want to spend an extra 2 grand for an m3 engine if it's not THAT much better performance wise.

Get the s50 instead of trying to mod an m50/2. In the end price will be the same or close, and you can always mod an s50 for even more power.

What year car are you doing this to?

[JGood]

It's an 85 325e. The thing is, several of my friends have e36 325i/is's, and whenever we race or anything, they are never that much faster, and I even have an eta. I have a chip, Borla exhaust, 3.25 LSD, 5 speed conversion, and it runs awesome, but 120hp vs. 192, come on. I guess the torquey low end is what does it for me. Is it the weight too? Anyone ever do any 0-60 or 1/4 mile runs, just so I have an idea of the actual difference I can expect, in there engine swapped cars?

Justin

[OOMPH!]

It's an 85 325e. The thing is, several of my friends have e36 325i/is's, and whenever we race or anything, they are never that much faster, and I even have an eta. I have a chip, Borla exhaust, 3.25 LSD, 5 speed conversion, and it runs awesome, but 120hp vs. 192, come on. I guess the torquey low end is what does it for me. Is it the weight too? Anyone ever do any 0-60 or 1/4 mile runs, just so I have an idea of the actual difference I can expect, in there engine swapped cars?

Justin

I believe the e36 weighs about 500 lbs more, but an S50 will own you.

[JGood]

I know it weighs 500 lbs more and an s50 powered anything would smoke my car, I was simply asking if he m50 would be THAT much better then my chipped eta, because in an e36 it's NOT, and if the s50 is worth the cost. basically, how much faster will I be with that?

Justin

[325Projectz]

ETA + mods = Does alright for an old car
I = Good, but can do better
M50 = Way better than stock, but a I with mods can hang
S50/2 = Bye to all. Way to go, pop for the power now. Its worth the money

[Addissimo]

Yeah... I just finished my m50 install and have been driving it for a week... I'm already looking into building an engine... or turbocharging, I havent decided if I'd rather have 300NA HP or 350FI HP... Annother winter project awaits me i suppose.

-Addis

[Addissimo]

A little tid bit of info for those using the wiring harness from an e34- The two random black wires coming off of the ecu end of the harness and from the firewall gromet- They're both ground wires.

That is all.

-Addis

[timers]

If I can get a 94 M50 w/ 200K miles on it, for lets say 200 dollars or so, is this worth it you think? Needs the M50 manifold and oil pan, but I here this needs to be upgraded anyways, so it does not matter.

Someguy I know recently totalled his car, and this engine is from it. He can basically hook me up with it, but Im just wondering, for an M50 swap, is 200K miles too much?

Thanks.
Im thinking about actively pursuing an M50 swap come this summer. Just getting ideas rolling...

[Bryson]

If you need somebody to do the swap for you, I'll do all the labor for $1000 and provide you with a list of parts you need for the swap. I've done several of them if you'd like to check out what they look like

^shameless plug

If I bought an m50 with 200k on it for $200, I'd have the head refreshed (new guides, clean up the valve seats, check for warping, etc) and throw it together with a new headgasket/water pump before I put it in the car