M50/S50 swapped w/ Turbo??? Info???

[Black96M3]

I am sure this can be done but say you have the run of the mill e30 M50/S50 swap. Anyone have any experience running some of the more common Turbo manifolds successfully (Turbonetics Technique Tuning, Active Autowerks, Spa manifold)? How about intercooler set ups???

[e30ryan///m3]

I have the exact same question. I am in the process of swapping an s50 into my e30 m3 right now and I would love to turbo it but I don't know which manifold will work(size & location). And if someone has figured out how to run an intercooler behind the stock front bumper please let me know!!!!! I have removed the A/C system and lines to make more room.

Also, if you are running boost what are you guys using for a rear diff? I was going to use a 3.43 LSD but I am thinking with boost I should probably go with a 3.15 LSD any thoughts are appreciated.

[Black96M3]

where did you find so many e30 M3s???? Also where did you get the kit for the cabrio ?!?!?!?!

[e30ryan///m3]

The e30 M3's are kind of like an addiction, once you get one you want more! As for the cabrio, I bought everything OEM except for the rear quarters which are fiberglass replicas from Fiberartz in new york. It is the greatest car I think I've ever owned, well except for my e39 M5:mrgreen:

Thanks,
Ryan

[Black96M3]

The e30 M3's are kind of like an addiction, once you get one you want more! As for the cabrio, I bought everything OEM except for the rear quarters which are fiberglass replicas from Fiberartz in new york. It is the greatest car I think I've ever owned, well except for my e39 M5:mrgreen:

Thanks,
Ryan

very cool. I would love to have one but I can't seem to find any at a decent price.

[matt]

The SPA manifold fits in an e30/S50.

[e30ryan///m3]

The SPA manifold fits in an e30/S50.

Where can I find this SPA manifold?

[matt]

https://www.racersmarket.net

[808BMW]

Something custom would be the easiest IMO

[Mr Deagle]

that manifold looks like crap imo, if i had to choose between cast iron, and that i would choose cast iron

[matt]

Plus its a top mount. Boooooo.

And how is that easier than buying a manifold and bolting it on?

[808BMW]

Plus its a top mount. Boooooo.

And how is that easier than buying a manifold and bolting it on?

Because buying a manifold for a different motor in a different car and HOPING it will fit is sketchy IMO.

At least with something custom you can work on fitment issues as they come up (it's damn tight with a dohc, why do you think they made eyeball arms).

And whats wrong with top mount?

[matt]

The SPA manifold DOES fit. Not will fit... it has been tried and tested. It fits. Pics have been posted.

Top mount turbos put a relatively heavy piece of car high and far forward of the front wheels. Thats the last place an e30 needs weight. They also require a twisty downpipe.

Any sort of fabricated turbo manifold will crack eventually also, whereas a cast manifold (all bottom mount, BTW, because anyone with the know-how to cast a manifold knows that bottom mount is better) can last basically forever.

[e30polak]

hey don't knock on that manifold, i'd like to see u do a better job, there is a guy with a red s50 turbo, can't think of it, and his is top mount, he made his own manifold, and works great, plus when ur adding a turbo the up front weight wont matter as much b/c its hard to find space to do a turbo on the swap, plus ur adding a lot of extra power, i have a custom 6-1 manifold with 3" exhaust bolted up right now to my s52, but i will bottom end turbo it next year...either way if u can find a way to turbo the s50/2 swap successfully i give props, its no easy task...wut do u guys recommend as far as tuning? i know megasquirt is too simple to work on the s50/2, i've seen vems work, wut other options r there?

p.s here is the header i'm using that is almost the same design as spa...stainless steel(better than cast iron) and 200 cheaper

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bmw-E36-M3-325-328-Turbo-Exhaust-Manifold_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33742QQitemZ170092905089QQrdZ1#ebayphotohosting

[matt]

I don't usually reply to people who put this little effort into their spelling and grammar but I feel like I need to warn you. That manifold is crap. It is not comparable to the SPA manifold at all. It will crack eventually, possibly soon, and it may not fit in the e30 chassis. You have a long way to go learning about this stuff.

I am also not sure why you think it's hard to find space for a turbo. There is a ton of room between the motor and the frame rail and the ground... AKA the proper place for a turbo.