It's time to make it fly...Which motor swap for 2002? m10, m20, turbo, ohh my

[fiftytakedowns]

A rust free 2002 in good condition is worth a good bit and really good examples command a good bit of coin. I'd think that the best "return on investment" would be to keep the 2002 stock and restore it for sale. E30's can be had on the cheap for a high power upgrade.

I agree, but I don't ever plan on getting rid of my 2002. I built the car already, and it is pretty much rust free, i am replacing the rust in the rockers, which is minimal, this summer. I just want it to be way more fun.

Plus I am keeping the stock tii motor so If I ever dislike my turbo project, I can just re-swap no problem.

in addition I dont even have the money for paint, or "real" restoration quality materials.

[Danny]

Slap in ARP headstuds and an MLS headgasket and run 25 psi.

[jlevie]

A rust free 2002 in good condition is worth a good bit and really good examples command a good bit of coin. I'd think that the best "return on investment" would be to keep the 2002 stock and restore it for sale. E30's can be had on the cheap for a high power upgrade.

[fiftytakedowns]

Hey,
recently got a 318is so I could start a project for my 2002, and I figured you guys would know more about the motors, and power than a 2002 forum filled with purists.

I got a 2002 with the suspension all hopped up brakes done etc. and it's tii motor is not covering it. I just rebuilt the motor, and Im still not getting the rush that I got from my friends STI.

There are some e30s out there that make more power than the STI, and with the weight of an '02 would be madness(2300 w/ fulltank and interior).

Im looking for that torque that throws you in the seat, like the boost of a turbo etc etc.

2000$ budget
(guy in sac built a turbo motor for 2000$)
and I wanted to ask what would be best, coolest, or a irreasonable.
Anyway.

I have a spare m10 block that needs refreshing, so I figured I could do a turbo build with around 7-10lbs of boost. to get around 200 wheel horsepower or so. (it doesn't need to be smogged so I can cam it etc..) would use junkyard turbo components to keep price down.

OR drop in an m20, I have seen them go cheap, so it could keep the price down, and with a reground cam could get some good power with megasquirt etc. once again no smog. not sure if it would have the same intensity/ torque a turbo has though.

Not sure a turbo m20 swap can be done for under 2000$

Are there other options I am missing?
What is the best/cheapest option.

Thanks