Questions and concerns about doing an engine swap

[JohnTremblayV]

Hey everyone, happy to be part of a new community!
I recently picked up an abandoned 1985 325e that’s been sitting for at least a decade or two. I'm planning a 2JZ swap and have a few questions I'd like to sort out before diving in.

I’ve heard that when you swap in a higher-horsepower engine, reinforcing the subframe is a must since the stock one can’t handle the added stress. For anyone who's done an LS swap or another high-power build—did you reinforce or upgrade your subframe?

If so, what kind of budget should I expect for that, and where can I find a reinforced setup? If you didn’t upgrade, have you run into any issues sticking with the stock subframe, or has it held up fine?

Appreciate any insight!

[82eye]

read this : My E30 2JZ Build - R3VLimited Forums

World's First 2JZ with M4 DCT Swapped E30 - R3VLimited Forums

Axis Powers - 2JZ E30 Drift Build - - R3VLimited Forums

Ashes to Diamonds 2JZ e30 build. - R3VLimited Forums

etc etc

[varg]

Search. It's worth mentioning out front that if you're going to make the kind of power that actually justifies a 2JZ swap you will break everything you leave stock so start getting ford 8.8 IRS conversion parts now. Don't bother even trying to put that big 2JZ power through the stock rear end and axles, I know someone who did that and and found it to be a waste of time and money after breaking an expensive built 188 rear end that was flanked by expensive aftermarket axles.

[DesertBMW]

you found abandoned 325e that needs full restauration of everything and first thing you are thinking about is JZ swap like JZ has magical powers it will instantly restore that rusted rotten fuel tank and all of the suspension bushings

[Panici]

What kind of power levels are you planning with your 2J swap?
What driving conditions are you putting the car through?

You can get away with upgraded and reinforced stock-ish systems up to around 500whp on the street, depending on how you drive the car (and how sticky your tires are)

More then that power level (or for motorsport use) you are basically using the E30 shell and changing all the running gear out.


It all depends on what you want to do. E30 chassis is pretty light, I have my car at ~300whp and it's plenty for street use.
I can turn it up to ~500whp with no changes to my setup (except tuning), but I haven't felt the need yet after 2-3 years of being turbocharged.
Perhaps this summer with some better tires. I am traction limited in 1st and 2nd now.

[TobyB]

like JZ has magical powers it will instantly restore that rusted rotten fuel tank and all of the suspension bushings

Oh, holy JZ, heal my E30, HEAL MY E30!!!!

amen.

Oh, hey, maybe it could heal the N14 Mini sitting out under the tent, too...

t
off to swap the R55

[82eye]

Oh, holy JZ, heal my E30, HEAL MY E30!!!!

amen.

Oh, hey, maybe it could heal the N14 Mini sitting out under the tent, too...

t
off to swap the R55

lol

[roguetoaster]

A 2J GE would be a fine swap.