Need advice from the r3v brain trust

[gart]

As the title states I need some input. Over the winter I refreshed most of my cabrio minus the interior and the motor. I don't see this car going anywhere any time soon and am trying to do it "right".

With that said its time to start the process of more reliability and power, so I am weighing my options on swaps. I feel I'm capable of tackling whatever route I go on my own. I have done EVERYTHING on my car so far by myself at home. Check build thread if interested. http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=372503
Most of the info I'm seeing on swaps is pretty old and just wondering how much has changed and if there are better options I'm over looking. As of now I have a line on a 98 328 5 speed for a great deal. That would be probably the easiest route and I could boost down the road. Also considered m60 but I know I will not be boosting that option down the road. Anything else I should consider? Newer better options? Let the fun begin.

[Farbin Kaiber]

m54, check out Jordan's DIY, or n54/55 and figure it out with lots of research. That's what I would do with that car.

[gart]

I've thought about that, but pretty sure I want to keep this one on the more simple side to start with and once I'm bored with it I'll add the boost. Not sure I want to mess with the drive by wire and all that on this one. Think I'd save something like that for a coupe which I plan on doing after the vert.

That 328 I can get for $800 and that should only leave a few odds and ends to pick up. It's a single vanos. Any big differences in boosting that compared to a M50 power and reliability wise? Not totally opposed to the M54 though. I was just hoping to get it done fairly quick.

m54, check out Jordan's DIY, or n54/55 and figure it out with lots of research. That's what I would do with that car.

[spike68]

I don't see this car going anywhere any time soon and am trying to do it "right".

I was just hoping to get it done fairly quick.

I think you're contradicting yourself a little bit. Not trying to stir the pot, but you need to make a decision between those on that part because quality and time are the biggest parts to a task such as this. It's also a big deciding factor on which engine setup you choose.

[gart]

I mean simplicity of swap and down time for the car. What would the benifits of the m54 be over the m52 minus the few extra ponies, and what would make the m52 not "right"? Would the simplicity of the m52 and lower cost be as good if not better once boosted than the 54? If I went m54 I doubt I would ever turbo it.

I think you're contradicting yourself a little bit. Not trying to stir the pot, but you need to make a decision between those on that part because quality and time are the biggest parts to a task such as this. It's also a big deciding factor on which engine setup you choose.

[spike68]

I think you should go into a little more detail about where you're going with this. I see you talking about boosting, but for what application? Street use? Maybe track a few times? Also are you just looking for power and not handling as much? What turbo setup do you think youll consider? Seeing one of the material differences between m52 and m54 would be iron and aluminum block. One is stronger, but the other is lighter. I think you need to look into the future plan in a little more detail so you dont set yourself up for failure when you get there.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Nothing like boost more then an m30

[gart]

Agreed and that is exactly why I started this thread. Also I appreciate your input here as well!! No track just a fun weekend car that I can be proud of. Ideally 350-400 hp and I've tackled most of the handling aspects of the car already (that's all in my build thread). I know it's a vert and never will be as good as a coupe or sedan but I'm ok with that. I honestly haven't researched the turbo set ups much yet because that will be after the swap is in and running. Something medium sized, that could run around 16-20lbs.

I think you should go into a little more detail about where you're going with this. I see you talking about boosting, but for what application? Street use? Maybe track a few times? Also are you just looking for power and not handling as much? What turbo setup do you think youll consider? Seeing one of the material differences between m52 and m54 would be iron and aluminum block. One is stronger, but the other is lighter. I think you need to look into the future plan in a little more detail so you dont set yourself up for failure when you get there.

[gart]

I knew you would be along to share the m30 appreciation. As of now I don't think that's the route I want to go. It is tempting though.

Nothing like boost more then an m30

[ThatOneEuroE30]

I knew you would be along to share the m30 appreciation. As of now I don't think that's the route I want to go. It is tempting though.

I make it my job., With every thread like this that comes about haha.

[jpod999]

If you are dead set on boost I would just take the easy route and do the M52. Getting the whole car should make the swap a little easier as well I suspect.

[gart]

I'm not dead set on boost but I don't see too many other option to be around the power goal. M6x was a thought but kinda strays from the simple route. Your build is looking great!! S54 would be close and I'm sure very fun, but I think I could come in a bit cheaper with the turbo m52 and be able to buy the turbo set up over time while driving the car.

If you are dead set on boost I would just take the easy route and do the M52. Getting the whole car should make the swap a little easier as well I suspect.

[jpod999]

I'm not dead set on boost but I don't see too many other option to be around the power goal. M6x was a thought but kinda strays from the simple route. Your build is looking great!! S54 would be close and I'm sure very fun, but I think I could come in a bit cheaper with the turbo m52 and be able to buy the turbo set up over time while driving the car.

Agreed that the M6x strays from the simple route ;)

Sounds like you have landed on a plan!

[spike68]

(m52 motor) That would be probably the easiest route and I could boost down the road.

Also considered m60 but I know I will not be boosting that option down the road..

If I went m54 I doubt I would ever turbo it.

Something medium sized, that could run around 16-20lbs.

I knew you would be along to share the m30 appreciation. As of now I don't think that's the route I want to go.

I think it could come in a bit cheaper with the turbo m52 and be able to buy the turbo set up over time while driving the car.

I'm not dead set on boost but I don't see too many other options to be around on the power goal.

Just taking some notes of what you're saying.

-Maybe m54, but no boost
-M52 cheaper, but not dead set on boost
-M60, but no boost
-No m30



We're getting somewhere, but I think you need to make a solid decision on your own for directional purposes not including the difficulty or time and go from there. We can provide information, but you shouldnt let us make the decision for you. You're swaying from side to side a little bit, but I'm willing to bet youll end up going with the m52 and turbo.

[gart]

^ you're probably right. It's kinda hard to pass on a drivable donor car for $800. We'll see how the compression test goes.