e30 325i to m3 conversion

[AngelsToy]

i have an 88 325iC and am wondering what m3 engines i can fit into my ride without a whole lot of hassel, besides the normal.. would an e30 m3 engine be the best? or how about the next model above... or maybe just a new m3 head would be cheaper and easier.. any sugestions? :D

[65Matt]

Any engine swap is going to be a hassle unless you pay someone else to do it.

An E30 M3 motor is going to be so expensive, it's not feasible.

An E36 M3 motor swap will be similar to, but more expensive than a M50 swap. Do a search and you'll find plenty of info.

You can't fit an M3 head on a M20 engine.

[bimmerphile]

Yeah, definitely for M50 swap, s50 swap, s52 swap


Almost no-one swaps an S14 unless they are doing a full-bred track car....



....or have a 2002

[AngelsToy]

:/ i was hopeing to somehow get more power than this 6cyl 2.5L engine, like a 3 or 3.2.. if i where to find one cheap somewhere, i mean.. how hard can it REALLY be? can't you just lift the old one out and drop a full one in, hookup some wires, hoses and a custom exaust system? then tow it to a mechanic and be like.. this is what i did. tune the shit.. lol ;/

what i'm wondering is.. how much differnt is the e30 m3 engine than the e30 325i 6cyl 2.5? as far as what i'd have to mod to get it in and running. shit if it's that hard, why not just put a F1 in the dang thing. lol

[Bill 84 318i]

Don't put an e30 M3 engine (known as the s14) in your cabrio. It's not worth it, and wastes a good engine.

[bimmerphile]

:/ i was hopeing to somehow get more power than this 6cyl 2.5L engine, like a 3 or 3.2.. if i where to find one cheap somewhere, i mean.. how hard can it REALLY be? can't you just lift the old one out and drop a full one in, hookup some wires, hoses and a custom exaust system? then tow it to a mechanic and be like.. this is what i did. tune the shit.. lol ;/

what i'm wondering is.. how much differnt is the e30 m3 engine than the e30 325i 6cyl 2.5? as far as what i'd have to mod to get it in and running. shit if it's that hard, why not just put a F1 in the dang thing. lol

How about the E30 M3 is a 4-cyl, DOHC, super-high compression, high-revving RACE engine, whereas the M20 is a 6-cylinder SOHC POS

You didn't search did you? ;)

[AngelsToy]

i'm just a little confused, hehe. my engine sucks. i want a new one! or some kinda headers or something.. ;]

[AngelsToy]

hmmm maybe a crank.. i can convert my 2.5 to a 2.8 with a stinking 2.8 crank.. doesn't seem like it would be much of a gain.. has anyone done it?

[decay]

hmmm maybe a crank.. i can convert my 2.5 to a 2.8 with a stinking 2.8 crank.. doesn't seem like it would be much of a gain.. has anyone done it?

yeah, but the general answer around here seems to be that there are better ways to accomplish "more power".

the turbo m20 guys seem to be getting the best results in terms of #s on the dyno. that's my plan, anyhoo...

[Erick]

maybe you should get rid of your POS slushbox tranny first. A 5spd does wonders when compared to an automagic 8)

[AngelsToy]

werd

[Saul325is]

i'm just a little confused, hehe. my engine sucks. i want a new one! or some kinda headers or something.. ;]

Get to know your car first then think about swapping engines. I mean the m20 b25 is pretty fast as is. I would not just jump to an S50. I would first upgrade your suspension, brakes, study, study, study, buy a bentley manual, study, then think about swapping your engine. And I wouldnt get an S50 nor an s14 engine. I would stick to a non-vanos M50. A guy name Bryson on this forum is doing the conversion and its pretty much a "direct swap" for his 91 318is.

-Saul

[JasonH]

Work on getting rid of that slush box first, THEN and only then worry about what motor to swap in.

I would stick to a non-vanos M50.

That's a matter of opinion.

A guy name Bryson on this forum is doing the conversion and its pretty much a "direct swap" for his 91 318is. -Saul

Direct swap? Saul, you smokin' shit again?!? :P

[Avus_325is]

I'd say lurk around the boards and get to know e30's before you even think about an engine swap. From what it sounds like you are no where near mechanically inclined to complete the swap yourself which means it's gonna cost you $$$$$.

Welcome aboard.

[AngelsToy]

hey saul, thanks for the into on the non-vanos M50 engine, i probably won't be making any drastic mods to my engine for awhile so i'll definatly be studying in the mean time. i've trying to learn as much as possible.. that's a cool ass pic btw.

jasonH i agree, my auto tranny is still fun besides the takeoff. i usualy switch gears with the 1-2-3-D so i can reach higher RPMs without flooring it. then when i wanna multitask drive i usualy just throw it into drive. i know..
multitasking is some-what dangerous :X dunno if the 1-2-3-D thing is though.. haha
i think i'm trying for a reason to swap trannys along with an engine.