Some m10 questions for the Experts

[Tarn]

I have been reading around about turbo charging an m10 and I keep seeing recommendations to use the 2.0L/ "early m10 blocks". They are stronger and have forged cranks?

I want to put the engine in my 89 325is. My goal is light and powerful(200-250hp maybe 300??). I have contacts to get a 1982 320i or a 1985 318. My next question would be wire harness issues, i realize i will need a e30 m10 wiring harness to make this work but will that harness work with the 1982 m10? Also will the harness fit up to my m20 fuse box/ round connector?


My ballpark idea for parts from what i know now.

-MegaSquirt
-Bosch MotorSport 2x2 Coilpack
-ebay turbo header
-TD04H-13c-6 (came on some VOLVO and Mitsubishi cars)
-IE Heavy Duty Race Rocker Arms
-Rocker Arm Locks
-Schrick High Performance Camshaft -292 degrees
-Schrick Valve Spring Set
-ARP head Studs
-performance metal Head Gasket (or a 2002tii head gasket?? )

That's what i am at right now, lots to go i know. Any input from m10 turbo guys would be great.

Thanks.

[Holland]

My question is why an M10 in a late model? you could easily get that power out of your M20 with a turbo. I have an M10 but I would rather go the S14 route. I don't know about the 2.0 versions but you can use the S14 crank on the 1.8 and use the head gasket off of a tii engine to lower compression for boost. Unfortunately I don't know much as far as technical answers.

[Tarn]

My question is why an M10 in a late model? you could easily get that power out of your M20 with a turbo. I have an M10 but I would rather go the S14 route. I don't know about the 2.0 versions but you can use the S14 crank on the 1.8 and use the head gasket off of a tii engine to lower compression for boost. Unfortunately I don't know much as far as technical answers.

Thanks for the reply, i want the m10 over the m20 because it is lighter. Also because i would rebuilt the engine regardless if it is a m10 or m20 and that being said i think it will cost less for the m10. Unless i have gone horribly wrong i think it would be cool to have a late model m10 :D

[Holland]

Would definately be unique. I was doing some reading up on the M10, Performance BMW does a decent write up on mods for the thing. I have read you can get the thing to rev to like 10,000 RPM's which I think is pretty crazy if you can find a hot enough cam. Most of the write up though was on carbbed M10's though.

[mooseheadm5]

You are horribly wrong. It is not worth it. You have to change wiring (but you would for MS anyhow) transmission, driveshaft, and other crap, so why bother? Turbo M20

[Tarn]

well i was think of using the e30 m10 because it would have all the e30 drive train bits and wiring i would need. I also thought that the 260 Getrag would fit on the m10 am i mistaken? Only problem would be replacing the cast iron crank with a forged one and figuring out the pistion and rod combo.

[mooseheadm5]

No, the 260 will not fit the M10. It is a completely different style bell housing- same as an M30, actually. You will end up sprnding quite a bit on the S14 internals you would want for this to work out. The wiring would only be an easy plug in if you were using an 84/85 325e. What you are proposing will also end up causing problems if you end up having to pass any sort of emissions, since the M10 was dropped in 85. It is a losing proposition in so many respects. I would turbo the M20 or find an M42 car to turbo. Sell your 325i if you want a 4 banger turbo- it will be cheaper in the long run.

[whowhatwhere]

I have an m10 turbo in my late model. Its a great idea.