Should I boost an M30 or M50?

[makeshift]

My m20 blew in the last 300 miles of a 2000 mile road trip a couple weeks ago. I've been weighing the pros and cons of different engine swaps since. I know I want another BMW inline 6 motor for simplicity and so I have space for a turbo.

The question is, which engine should I get? I think Im leaning towards an m30.
I love the sound of mid range torque in the 3.5L, and I was thinking that a turbo would make up for the lack power in the higher rpms.
Also, the more modern DOHC 24v m50 scares me a little bit, it sounds like more to potentially go wrong when I add forced induction.

Are these assumptions accurate?
TIA

Edit: By the way, I want to build a reliable DD anywhere in the range of 200-300 hp and 10-15 psi

[Ether-D]

IMO, M30. I think it looks better in an e30 than an m50. Period correct also. And m50s are played out. Unless you want to be like everyone else.

[makeshift]

I agree

[lukeADE335i]

I love the sound of mid range torque in the 3.5L, and I was thinking that a turbo would make up for the lack power in the higher rpms.

Edit: By the way, I want to build a reliable DD anywhere in the range of 200-300 hp and 10-15 psi

The M30 already has 208hp, so it's in your target range without a turbo :)

[marshallnoise]

Both have their fitment issues. But an m30 looks better in my opinion. The tech in the m50 isn't much more advanced. Start pricing stuff out and go from there.

[Bearmw]

Not that I've driven either but with 350-500 foot pounds of torque easily attainable the m30 option seems more attractive but if money is no issue then who knows?

[makeshift]

The M30 already has 208hp, so it's in your target range without a turbo :)

True, I like to make my goals easily attainable

Both have their fitment issues. But an m30 looks better in my opinion. The tech in the m50 isn't much more advanced. Start pricing stuff out and go from there.

Ok. I agree that the M30 looks better.

Not that I've driven either but with 350-500 foot pounds of torque easily attainable the m30 option seems more attractive but if money is no issue then who knows?

It seems like we have come to a consensus heheh

[dannyyisntt]

Seriously was a no brainer. M50s suck.

[Razor1981]

Why everyone hating on the M50 so much?

[SkiFree]

No hate ....

The M30 is just that awesome. Personally when I see an M50 swap it screams "Corners Cut! Compromises Made!"

[Mr. Burns]

Not that I've driven either but with 350-500 foot pounds of torque easily attainable the m30 option seems more attractive but if money is no issue then who knows?

500foot pounds from an M30?

[ThatOneEuroE30]

M30. They are so easy to get power from and looks better then m50. Buddy here is running at 8 psi making close to 400hp ( hes got lots of head work) its still a beast of a motor.

[EatsHondas]

M30: SOHC 2-valve, Panzer-tank reliability, terrible gas mileage, torque everywhere, cheap, plentiful, simple, loves boost, one of Ward's Top Engines of the 20th Century (no joke, google it).

M50: DOHC 4 valve, better oem engine management, significantly less power/tq, nice gas mileage, also cheap, plentiful, and loves boost (go non-vanos for that). Basically an M20 with a 4 valve head, better engine management electronics, and a timing chain.

Both are cheap, reliable engines that excel in different territories, and are now both heavily documented, easy swaps. Yes I said easy. If you have played with legos as a kid and you're smarter than a monkey with a wrench, you can do both of these swaps. 99% of the necessary parts are OEM and already exist, implying you don't have to fabricate much, if anything at all. Study those system diagrams, figure out how everything bolts up, and go shred. Make an Excel sheet to keep your expenses in check, and start sourcing parts.

Make thy choice.

[Good & Tight]

500foot pounds from an M30?

600+ftlbs version M30, stock bottom end, stupid motor won't die.. :rofl:

[ThatOneEuroE30]

600+ftlbs version M30, stock bottom end, stupid motor won't die.. :rofl:

This just proves the m30 is the best motor ever