best way to get 250 whp reliably?

[pdmjr1]

Ok so i have an 86' 325e and am trying to figure out the best way to get more power, the engine only has 94,xxx miles so id like to keep the block unless I can do a swap for less. I know there are many paths to go down with this- 885 head swap, small turbo, 885 swap+turbo, engine swap- I was hoping to get peoples opinions an the most reliable and cost effective way to put down 250 rwhp

[itsonlygeorge]

for m20:
-rebuild i head and all accessories
-custom pistons if NA
-forced induction: most people go turbo for a peaky high reving motor or supercharger for more linear. Theres a guy in the forum that did a "twin charge" by running one into the other. Pretty nuts.
-Aftermarket ECU: MegaSquirt or other engine management for tuning is a must, Wasted Spark if you want to get fancy

m30 swap:
-cheap and readily available and starts at 200hp so getting an extra 50hp is not too hard
-cam, headers, exhaust, and a tune and your already close

as for 24v, most people go with m50 or m52 or whatever they can get their hands on for cheap. it really depends on what your budget is and if you want a modern engine or a simpler more period correct engine

Personally, I am in the same boat as I have an m20b27 in good shape but I am not convinced that the i head swap without other mods is worth it. For that swap to do 250hp NA you need to modify the intake for better flow as well as the headers and exhaust to match, as well as some head work to support those mods. None of that is cheap as a rebuilt head is 1k+ to start. You can find an m30 engine for $300 bux, rebuild it and have a much better starting point.

[BECKSTER]

You don't need to go all out on building an M20 motor for boost if all your trying to achieve is 250whp.

ARP studs , 885 head plus boost and tuning is all I think you need to get to 250whp.

[TobyB]

Smallblock Chebby.

It's the torques, mang!

t