Engine swap advice

[shabz]

I'm looking to build a full track/drift car and have chosen the e30 as a good platform to start

What I want to know is which is the best engine to swap? For out of the box power, and possible forced induction in distant future

I've never done an engine swap before, but I have loads of good tools, garage space, lots of time and patience to learn anything i need to

So...how difficult is an s50 (321hp version) to swap? In terms of fabrication of mounts? clearance etc? and how do you guys learn how to do these conversion? is it by trial and error or a guide? Are there conversion kits available? and would you use the gearbox from the e36 m3 or something else?

An LS1 would be amazing but I don't think its a good place to start as I have little experience and I'm guessing there's a lot of fabrication

How about the V12 from 850CSi...? S38 from E34 M5...? e39 m5 engine...? i've seen an sr20det 200sx engine? Where to start?

[Jean]

Out of the box, m50/m52/s50/s52.

V8s require more fabrication and research and labor to get everything running.

Since you are in UK, go for a euro s5x variety or S38 :)

[shabz]

is there anywhere that will sell conversion kits? and if so i'd assume the swap should be a lot easier?

2jz looks like a nice option if i don't go for a euro s50...both engines are well priced in the uk

[e30s52]

putting in a 2jz would be alot of custome work. if your going to go asian go rb25det way better motor and cheapper too

[shabz]

i am a complete n00b obviously but surely with a conversion kit a 2jz can't be any harder to fit than an s50? all the fabrication work would be done already?

[FredK]

You can fit a S50B30 or B32 without modifying or fabricating a thing in the E30. You can use the stock M3 transmission.

[shabz]

so it just slides straight in and sits on the existing mounts? no clearance issues?

besides brake/suspension/wiring...is there anything else to consider?

[FredK]

You need to use E28 535i hexagonal engine mounts. There are clearance issues with the stock brake booster with the Euro S50. You can

1. Use a Geo Metro booster and master cylinder
2. Use the hydroboost system from an E28
3. Use manual brakes, fab an increased ratio brake pedal
4. Use a custom Tilton dual master setup made by Mike B.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=78855

[Mike B.]

Here are some issues on top of typical x50/52 US motors to contend with:

1) Brake booster
2) Passenger side foot well needs to be massaged a bit for the euro headers to fit
3) Subframe needs to be notched for the euro headers to clear
4) Treehouse Racing CAB's or something with a similar profile are necessary to clear the euro headers.
5) Front sway bars will have clearance issues with the euro headers. It is pretty much impossible to mount a 25mm sway parrallel to the ground unless you go with something custom (headers or sway bar).
6) I removed the air/oil separator and just ran a hose to a catch-can, otherwise you will need to add a port to the oil pan.
7) If you have a RHD wiring harness it will be VERY short on the ECU side. You can either lengthen the harness or get creative with the ECU mounting. I rotated mine 180, so the ECU plug faces the fire wall. It's tight but it has enough length.
It's possible to hide the harness under the US E30M3 wiring cover, but it is a LOT of work to get it to fit. Try and remove as much unecessary wiring as possible.
9) EWS-II -- You will need all the necessary parts from the donor car to make it work (EWS module and key) or if the firmware is the right version it can be bypassed.
10) The temp sensor needs to be reworked in the same manner as the US S52.
11) The dipstick tube will need a large "S" bend to clear the VANOS oil reservoir. Use a good pipe bender so you don't collapse the tube.
12) How are you handling the oil cooler? Tuner or VAC has some nice pieces to make things work with AN-10 lines.
13) The throttle cable for an E30M3 works with the Euro engine.
14) Get the Euro S50 specific radiator hoses, they fit my PWR radiator with no issues.
15) If you remove items (air/oil separator, secondary air pump, brake booster, etc...), don't forget to plug up the vacuum ports on the intake.