S14 - Overrrated or Underrated?

[reelizmpro]

Appreciate the info. Where are these catalogs?

I have a burned copy of the CD with the catalogs. They might be uploaded somewhere on the net...who knows.

[strickland]

There are catalogs of Evo, grp A, N parts devoted to the M3. None of the S14 parts will work on an M20 though. They are completely different engines.

Appreciate the info. Where are these catalogs?

[moatilliatta]

Carbon airbox, Stand alone, good exhaust got 185 on a dyno jet on a old motor. Still 4 cyl tq, but really wakes it up. Brap!

[reelizmpro]

There are catalogs of Evo, grp A, N parts devoted to the M3. None of the S14 parts will work on an M20 though. They are completely different engines.

[strickland]

What DTM goodies are available to bring the street S14 performance up? Any parts interchangeable that can also be added on an M20?

[2mAn]

Unfortunately, the street 2.3-16 (particularly the US version), is an even farther cry from the race car than the E30 M3.

QFT

My brother has a Gray Market version which is less so and has been my only experience in any of these 4 cyl 80s German cars that were the Street Version of DTM monsters

[reelizmpro]

Let's not forget BMW had a lot of success with their 4 cylinder engines back in the day. They even have a 4 cylinder building in Munich. As for the S14, the short story is they had the F1 proven block already, they cut 2 cylinders from the M88 cylinder head and put it all together in 14 days. They have been quoted as saying they went with the 4 cylinder because the shorter engine meant less weight in front of the wheels and shorter crankshaft had better harmonics for sustained high RPM's required for racing. Mercede's Cosworth developed 2.3-16 engine came out first, was very successful in their W201 baby benz 190 and I'm sure BMW was taking notice. Unfortunately, the street 2.3-16 (particularly the US version), is an even farther cry from the race car than the E30 M3.

[Panici]

If going to the track is where its at, a modern 4 cylinder with 250 HP would be a real fun time. I have not actually seen the Honda K swap done. Maybe that swap worked out for someone but I haven't seen one.

K24 swap would be great in either an E30 or Miata.
Fits the ethos of both chassis, keeps the weight down, and has enough power without needing boost.

[varg]

Maybe that swap worked out for someone but I haven't seen one.

I've seen 4

BMW definitely needed the smaller engine for handling dynamics, but I bet it had more to do with classing. The motorsport sixes were too heavy, an S38 in stock configuration weighs more than a 2JZ, it's way too heavy for an E30 that actually handles well.

[OSAH racing]

IMO, Awesome 1980's 4 cylinder engine. But the street version is a compromise and is not equal to what went professional racing. I have had a 318is and an 325i. Both with suspension mods. If we are talking fun street use the e30 chassis needs a 6 cylinder in it. I prefer handling over power but the M42 is weak and the M20 is underpowered and changes the corner abilities of the e30. My guess is BMW knew this and chose a smaller engine for handling dynamics. If going to the track is where its at, a modern 4 cylinder with 250 HP would be a real fun time. I have not actually seen the Honda K swap done. Maybe that swap worked out for someone but I haven't seen one.

[E30 Wagen]

Zero experience with S14's here but since I have a preference for original and period correct cars I see no compelling reason to swap a perfectly running engine for something else. The E30 M3 is what it is so I'd just enjoy it as such and be thankful to even have one.

But if I could go back in time when they were cheap and buy one with a bad engine or something then I've got fantasies of a Singer-esque restomod with a S38 swap.

[ZeKahr]

old r3v rises it's head in anger lol

He’s insulted my on other posts, so I’m going to insult him here

[82eye]

Yeah, and now worthless losers like you are being priced out of them. I hope dorks like you don’t get another E30 ever again in your life. Go burn in hell

old r3v rises it's head in anger lol

[strickland]

[ZeKahr]

Most of us still here got in to E30s because they were cheap fun with a fancy badge on the

Yeah, and now worthless losers like you are being priced out of them. I hope dorks like you don’t get another E30 ever again in your life. Go burn in hell