M6x vs LS1 into a E30 Touring. Pros/Cons of either power plant?

[Exodus_2pt0]

350whp? Ls1 if you have the funds.

If you're on a budget, and aren't dead set on 350, there's always the 5.0 option. Good heads/cam/intake and you can be at 320-330whp easily.

I have been dailying mine for about 2 weeks now. I have all my original comforts of the E30, but lots more power and so far, it has started every time I turn the key.

Wait a sec... Italy?

I have a feeling the m60 will be your best bet. Due to parts availability.

[Vtec?lol]

^ a 302-306 can be built to 400hp NA with not much money at all. Heads, cam, fuel, timing. That is another great alternative.

[Viking445]

budget for the drivetrain probly 5-6k

[Madhatter]

If you want "rock solid reliability" dont buy an LS1
If you do m60 do the timing chain guides

For me it would be no question..m60

why? they sell thousands of them in cars here and they are VERY reliable. We have commodores running low 11, high 10 second 1/4's now with minimal mods. Thats super quick considering the weight (3800-4000lbs).

[Wanganstyle]

Howdy guys. :) I'm looking for advice on which power plant to put in the E30 (probly a 318i) touring i'm gonna be getting while i'm stationed here in Italy.

Please dont say M60 series motor just b/c its a bmw. I care about rock solid reliability, ease of repair and cheap mods not what symbol is stamped on the valve cover. Looking for 350rwhp after the mods.


Should i budget for a new rear end? Does the stock unit come with a LSD and will it stand up to the abuse? I plan to take the car to the track and street abuse.

4 cylinder rear end will burn up with 4000cc+ of power going through it;

The bmw 6 cylinder rear end will take 500rwhp happily and be streetable if built with new internals for the torque.

M60/62 is much less money to swap than lsx in the usa; for one in europe it would be even more so.

350rwhp is out of range for 4000-4400cc; even dyno tuned by miller the m62b44 will not put down over 300rwhp. S62 would be close and the cost for s62b50 is similar to lsx- but you would get 8x throttles in the deal :)

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2