Price vs power vs little to no engine mod exp

[BMWamongJDM]

Ok so numbers I'm looking for 180-220whp torque with in reason.
Application. DD/weekly drift car.
Resources currently have ,1987 325e m20b27 w/3.93 <----don't quote me IDR off top of head but it's a high ratio and welded.

Finances. $8/hr job, $700cc, $300 savinga item that will fund build(2driver seats, 1 passanger, set of style 10s, csl e30 body kit. 2.93 open diff)

Options or possibilities or thoughts.
M20b27 stroker @ 2.9l or 3.l n/a
M20b27 turbo no clue on boost lvls 10-16 on stock internals. Since turbo builds are in the 1500-2000 range
Scrap yard m5x 200-700yet to check prices or all parts needed
cl s5x 1000-1500 full swap pop up now and then.

Conclusion/question.
Spending cap 2k
Want to spend less than 1.5k
Build lvl/skill level. 5-8
Runs a 13-15s 1/4mile
Whp180-220

What build should I go with based on my finances and knowledge and skill set.
I'm not a clean handed newb but my diff was the biggest swap/build/mod I've done. Have local friends whom can help in both a engine build and friends who can help with swap(Honda and 240sx guys). Build time window wanted3-4months if it's stroker build on stand swap in. Swap build parts swap over fast as possible.

If you don't understand all of that sorry. For the analytical. 2k budget wanting to have a e30 with 180-220 whp that runs 13-15s 1/4 mile built by a 20y/o with minor knowledge of engine work. What would you suggest for an easy/easiest route to achieve my goals.

[BMWamongJDM]

Also tools available. Basically tools that can be had at a harbor freight and tools.

[craiggroves91]

With that budget every option will be tough, besides a budget stroker and m5x

[jp_slick]

obd1 m52b28 is what i would do with that budget

[ttrousdell]

M50/52 or m30. Usually 1000(low end) to 2500 to swap. Depends on how good a deal you get on the engine or do the 2.7iT but the cost of an i conversion plus all the turbo parts will most likely put you over budget.

[BMWamongJDM]

Any one have a stroker build list?

[BMWamongJDM]

Nvm found one

[bmwguy325is]

If you want cheap/power speed swap in a SR20DET.
However keeping the BMW up front the S50 motors respond better to parts add on than an M20.

[SkiFree]

or m30

This would be worth looking into given your budget and intentions.

[Exodus_2pt0]

If you want cheap/power speed swap in a SR20DET.
However keeping the BMW up front the S50 motors respond better to parts add on than an M20.

From the sounds of it, I think a Sr20 swap might be out of this guys reach.

Honestly if your budget is that tight with no room to go over, you better have a second car to drive before you take on this project.

[evandael]

just drive the car until you're flush with cash.

for real though, i'm just as poor as you and am starting an m50tu swap. i expect that it'll end up costing me around $2K doing it right (with new maintenance bits) and rebuilding a lot of the drivetrain along with it.

i am considering finding an alloy-block m52 to switch to obd1 though... ain't no replacement for displacement.

[Exodus_2pt0]

ain't no replacement for displacement.

Ummm......


or


Choose your poison.

The replacement for displacement has been found, it's called Forced Induction.

[Cabriolet]

tbh. you have been caught up in the rush of things. slow that horse down. $8/hr doesnt go far, been there done that.
here are tips that will save you a lot.
DO MAINTENANCE!!!!
then do suspension
then do power.
if you have done 1&2. and on your budget. get a 3.73LSD and a chip. that's it. when you are making 20/hr then buy a second a second car to go nuts with. it you start going nuts on your only car, buy a bus pass, you'll need it.

you are starting with the wrong engine to do what you want. if you cant afford to upgrade get an e36 and screw w/ that.

[LowR3V'in]

If you love your e30 just make it clean, make it ride nice because the m20 sucks for power
and takes a lot of money to meet your goals. It really is. Keep it stock, don't waste the cash.

Cheapest and easiest would be m30b35.
You're $1,500 is basically get junkyard parts and drop it in.

[Hey_You]

Buy an M10 to swap in. Drive that for a few days. Swap M20 back in. Be happy. Done