Determined on swapping out the m20 for something better, I’ve been doing an immense amount of research on what engine to swap into it, although I am seriously conflicted. I cannot choose between an m5X/S5X swap and an LS swap. Im planning on making atleast 450hp and up (not N/A), weekend car not a daily. Which option would be best? I know the m5X are great at handling boost but how reliable would it be in comparison to an ls? Is it worth the money and labor in comparison to the m5X?
-
-
What’s your budget, time and experience in this kind of stuff? Should probably spend some time looking at the 24v forum and other swap threadsSimon
Current Cars:
-1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle
Make R3V Great Again -2020 -
Really boils down to how much money you're willing to spend
Current Collection: 1990 325is // 1987 325i Vert // 2003 525i 5spd // 1985 380SL // 1992 Ranger 5spd // 2005 Avalanche // 2024 Honda Grom SP // 2024 Yamaha XSR700 // 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Comment
-
Is this strictly a street car for straight line performance? I ask as 450 hp is a lot for an e30, as even a stock 240 hp S50 or S52 can light up the tires without much trouble. To put that much power down you may want to consider an e36 or e46 as the rear suspension is a better design and they can easily fit more tire.Originally posted by jbakes2233 View Post
Also, do you need to pass smog? A turbo 24v swap isn't going to pass, but GM does sell the E-Rod LS3 crate motor package which comes with 430 hp, a CARB EO sticker, and it's a brand new motor with zero miles on it (unlike a 24v which will be 20+ years old at this point). Something else to note with the v8 swap is that you'll have to get creative with the braking system as there isn't room to use the stock e30 booster (manual brakes or remote booster).Last edited by mtech325; 02-21-2022, 04:27 PM.Comment
-
-
A 24v swapped e30 can be made smog legal. The M50 and S50 OBD1 motors are the most straightforward to get through the BAR process, while the OBD2 M52 & S52 are a little more involved, but plenty of folks have gotten their OBD2 swaps BAR'd as well. If you want to boost the engine and pass smog, you'll have to find an old Dinan supercharger system as they are CARB legal.Comment
-
A HCI LS will make all of 450+ (pending what displacement you start out at) and do it reliably for years. A turbo M5X shouldn't have any issues at that level either but will have more complexity to it. I own 9 turbo vehicles and have an n/a LS1 in my e30, it's nice how simple the e30 is.Comment
-
I think this forum needs more V6 swaps.85% of the time i have no idea what I'm doingComment
-
If budget is even a remote consideration a garden variety M50 will make 450hp turbocharged and is cheap and readily available, hell an M20 will make 450hp... the M20 rods are beefier than M50 rods, the pistons are more of a concern on either engine. The question you need to be asking is: why 450hp+? You can't put that power down effectively in an E30. Not on street tires of non-widebody width at least. I DD on 225 width Toyo R1Rs and I don't put the power down in first or second, I highly doubt I'm making over 450hp though I've never put my car on a dyno. If you know that's what you're getting into, fair enough. As for the M50s, the ZF transmissions are getting expensiveish but still less than half the price of a T56. An M50 should be easy to find for $400 or less, the oil pan for the swap will probably cost you more than an M50
You will not find an LS itself for less than a few grand these days unless you're one of those people who thinks an iron block truck motor is an LS, and it's not - that's just posing.
Comment
-
Just out of curiosity what is it about the M20 you don't like? I get it V8 power is awesome. And a more modern 24v is nice as well. But there is nothing wrong with the M20 all it takes is money. lolComment
Comment