What Should an M20 Rebuild Cost?

[thedmkshow]

Ok, so I bought my E30. Engine runs beautifully and exhaust sings but to be certain and confident, I want to rebuild my engine this year professionally.

What are your thoughts on what that should cost?

OR would I be better off waiting and doing an S14 or M50 motor swap?

[MT325is]

Do some research.. There is a lot of information on this forum.

1. Do you know how much an s14 costs?

2. M50 swap is done by a lot of people and considered an easier swap. (Some people like I for example don't see the point of an m50 there isn't much of a difference in power... But it's is a dohc)

3. A rebuild kit with everything except crank from bavarianauto runs $1400... For every seal, valve, piston, etc... If you want it done professionally done then add idk how much for labor on top..
You can pick up an s52 for about $2500 ... So idk if it's even worth it.

But if your engine runs good why rebuild it... Save up for a s5x swap or anything you might wanna decide.

[ButtJuice]

Just my .02, but the difference between an m20 or m50 is totally different than an s14. Especially in price difference. If you can afford an s14, why would you even consider keeping your m20?

But in attempt to answer your question, it all depends on who is going to rebuild your motor and how far you want to take it. Some simple head work can range around $1,000 or a full head rebuild can get up to $3,000. That doesn't even include the block.

This info is just from my experience.

If it were me, I'd rather spend the money on an m50, m52, s50, or s52 swap.

(albeit I'm currently fixing my m20 cylinder head, I just can't afford a swap)

[ButtJuice]

Do some research

1. Do you know how much an s14 costs?

2. M50 swap is done by a lot of people and considered an easier swap. (Some people like I for example don't see the point of an m50 there isn't much of a difference in power... But it's is a dohc)

Power difference isn't great, but the maintenance of an m50 compared to an m20 is great.

hydraulic lifters = no valve adjustments
no timing belt
you don't have to tension belts n shit.

[Holland]

Yeah you aren't doing an S14 swap. If you have to ask how much, it's too expensive.

[XW70]

If you have to ask how much, it's too expensive.

This. Pretty sure you could have the head rebuilt on M20 for the cost of a the S14 timing chain tensioners.

[george graves]

Street car? On the street, an s14 will be s-l-o-w-e-r.....

Awesome motor - but....worst in it's class for HP/dollar.

Someone should do a ruff HP/$$$ for swaps for each motor - that is - you'll pay X amounts of bucks for X amount of HP.

[nando]

Do some research.. There is a lot of information on this forum.

1. Do you know how much an s14 costs?

2. M50 swap is done by a lot of people and considered an easier swap. (Some people like I for example don't see the point of an m50 there isn't much of a difference in power... But it's is a dohc)

3. A rebuild kit with everything except crank from bavarianauto runs $1400... For every seal, valve, piston, etc... If you want it done professionally done then add idk how much for labor on top..
You can pick up an s52 for about $2500 ... So idk if it's even worth it.

But if your engine runs good why rebuild it... Save up for a s5x swap or anything you might wanna decide.

why on earth would you spend $1400 on a rebuild kit? I guess you get new pistons, but they're going to be crummy made in china pot metal. I'd rather have reconditioned stock pistons and an extra $800 for a cam.

[jlevie]

The amount of wear in the engine is a major factor is the cost of a rebuild. If the cylinders are worn out of tolerance an overbore and new pistons are required that alone is about $1000 in parts and machine work. A head rebuild can be a few hundred or over $1000, depending on how much wear there is. So until the engine is torn down and inspected one can't predict the actual cost.

[Vtec?lol]

.... M50's aren't worth the time or effort. Not unless it's being built for boost.
s50 or better cuz

[FasterSoonerNow]

You can definitely pick up and S52 for around the cost of a professional M20 rebuild, but who knows when it will need some major work. I've seen so many threads where people are comparing rebuilds to buying a motor out of some salvage car. They aren't comparable, it's apples and oranges.

[redsubdivisions]

Although I'm going the stroker turbo route, I have considered an M5x swap because of maintenance. It's all about your preference, bud.

[Cabriolet]

the s14 is crap in traffic and as a DD. but heaven in the hills
but here's the kicker. you can't afford this swap. it's about 15k+ and so not worth it. (hp/$)
7k for the s14, 1k for trans, then add on new DS,diff,clutch,wire harness, etc... then rebuild costs on the S14 can be as much as 3500 (for a light refresh)... all to get the same power as a built M20 just makes this a bad idea.
To do a refresh on an M20 costs $1000 for bare min and 2500 to do it right. but to get more power our will run you about 5k to do it right.
an S52 swap should run you 5k and it will out preform the M20.

[nando]

the s14 is crap in traffic and as a DD. but heaven in the hills
but here's the kicker. you can't afford this swap. it's about 15k+ and so not worth it. (hp/$)
7k for the s14, 1k for trans, then add on new DS,diff,clutch,wire harness, etc... then rebuild costs on the S14 can be as much as 3500 (for a light refresh)... all to get the same power as a built M20 just makes this a bad idea.
To do a refresh on an M20 costs $1000 for bare min and 2500 to do it right. but to get more power our will run you about 5k to do it right.
an S52 swap should run you 5k and it will out preform the M20.

yet again.. people compare a junkyard $5k S5x swap to a brand new, built M20. Not a valid comparison. of course the junkyard motor costs relatively less..

[Cabriolet]

yet again.. people compare a junkyard $5k S5x swap to a brand new, built M20. Not a valid comparison. of course the junkyard motor costs relatively less..

s52s here are now selling for 1500, so im figuring in new HG, and head lightly refreshed.

Don't get me wrong. i love a built M20, the sound, the torque, the period correctness. but the only drawback is hp/$