Looking for everyone's thought on swaps.. read this please.

[e30austin]

Buy that S50 and ZF trans for $2500. You won't regret it.

[XW70]

Don't bother with the swap. Just freshen up your existing engine:

• New bearings
• New rings
• Check rocker arms and valvesprings
• Valve timing adjustment
• New timing belt
• New water pump
• New radiator and hoses

Then freshen the rest of the drivetrain:

• Check driveshaft flex joints
• Check LSD or proper lock-up
• Replace clutch
• Ensure CV joints are good
• Flush/fill transmission and diff lubes
• Check engine, trans, and diff mounts

Doing all that will cost about the same as an M50 swap. But instead of putting another worn-out engine in your car, you'll have essentially a brand-new drivetrain that will last you another 200k miles.

This is the plan i am going with on my upcoming engine upgrade. More satisfaction knowing everything is in great shape to drive for the next 20 years, rather than thrashing on a newer, but still second hand engine with everything else in the drivetrain worn out.

[dannyyisntt]

What you need in your life is an m30

[Emre]

Don't bother with the swap. Just freshen up your existing engine:

• New bearings
• New rings
• Check rocker arms and valvesprings
• Valve timing adjustment
• New timing belt
• New water pump
• New radiator and hoses

Then freshen the rest of the drivetrain:

• Check driveshaft flex joints
• Check LSD or proper lock-up
• Replace clutch
• Ensure CV joints are good
• Flush/fill transmission and diff lubes
• Check engine, trans, and diff mounts

Doing all that will cost about the same as an M50 swap. But instead of putting another worn-out engine in your car, you'll have essentially a brand-new drivetrain that will last you another 200k miles.

[JinormusJ]

M54

[ak-]

I don't know you enough to give you advice on what's most enjoyable, but m52's LOVE boost.

[Robotin]

s5x +1

reliable
lots of power
good gas mileage
DOHC is great for dailying
alot of info on the swap makes it relatively easy

[!kid]

I spent over 2k on my obd1 M52 swap. rebuilt head, replaced all gaskets/ seals, new timing chain guides. i payed 300$ for my m52. lots of visits to the junk yard for obd1 parts. personally I kinda wish I would have gone obd2. reason for that is its just waaaaaay better to help diagnose problems. and its just a much more efficient EFI system. I am very happy over all with my M52. If you can afford it, I suggest an s52.

[lambo]

I vote rebuild M20 and save your pennies.

[Link]

EDIT: If you have a m50 of any sort please tell me how it compares to a m20.

So I am slowly building myself a very enjoyable daily, I am in college though.. so the one thing I am not worrying about is body work and paint. I have not been in any sort of wrecks ever (knock on wood) so all body damage is from previous owners.

Here is what I have been thinking though, I have about $1,500-2,000 for a motor upgrade this summer. It is the original motor with 224k on it.. so its a little weak.

My plan has been go to a m52.. not sure if I would want OBD1 or leave it OBD2.
I'd love to go with a s50, but harder to find and more $$$.
I have also though m50 maybe for a cheap option and add forced induction later on.

Now my good buddy has presented the thought of rebuilding my motor, but ready for boost.. most likely a 2.7 or 2.8 build would happen.

If you took the time to read this thank you.. and I look forward to reading your thoughts.

-Link
Feel free to look at my build thread in my sig.