help with my motor swap

[McFLY425]

for the last few weeks i have been going back and forth between M50 and M30 for my 91 318i. i have read til my eyes hurt. so which is the better swap? (for weekend driven) please help

[yert315]

honestly, I would go with m30. reasons:
-cheaper swap - for the most part
-more power
-motors are near bullet proof
-torque

And you posted this in an M30 forum, where you will get a lot of praise for m30's

[E30SPDFRK]

This has been covered multiple times, but I'm bored so I'll compare the two.

M30 +'s
-cheap
-plentiful
-bulletproof
-torque
-simple

M30 -'s
-hard to find 5spds
-simple
-more custom work to the swap
-bad mileage

M50 +'s
-cheap
-plentiful
-good on gas
-simple to swap
-vanos

M50 -'s
-usually beat on
-less power than m30's
-vanos


Both are great engines that can be put into an e30 for cheap. It really just comes down to which one you prefer.

[RickSloan]

i was in your same place a year ago...

there is an m30 in my car now and i love it.

the best way i can describe the experience while driving it is raw

[Lurker27]

Id say the m30 is better for weekends - more torque on tap to break things loose.

[pegase747]

Go for M30,


I would go with the M30, for a similar price you will have a powerfull stock reliable engine ( 211hp stock ) and loads of torque, with a lot more power if you tune it ( turbo... ).

the plastic M50 :p needs to be revved hard to get some HP, so unless you want a track car with a light, hi-rev engine, then I would go for the Big 12v six, ideal for cruising !

Cheers / Pierre

[euroshark]

I agree 100% with everything that has already been said. The M30 is a pretty simple swap and in a light E30 chassis it's a blast. Tons of torque from super low RPM and they can still scream at high rpm, especially with a cam and headers.

[E30SPDFRK]

m50 doesn't even have a weight advantage, its only like 15 pounds lighter.

[RickSloan]

m30 ftmfw

and if you want to go FI there is no contest

[McFLY425]

thanks for your advice. the hunt begins

[pegase747]

he he, what did you expect on the M30 swap room ???

Bet you will enjoy it a lot !

Pierre