Why people go with Non-BMW Engine swaps?

[Iain]

Oh really? They got a web site?

Local as in Castlemaine, Victoria (Australia) - and even that is +1200km from me.

Castlemaine Rod Shop
www.rodshop.com.au

I have a custom crossmember with engine mounts from an E36 ready for an LS? engine in my garage. I wonder if that would work with my E30. I'd LOVE an L98-powered E30 - 6L + all alloy + cheap base motor (in Aus). I doubt the Tremec T56 would fit in the trans tunnel though :(

[z31maniac]

There is also a local company that sells conversion kits for the Lexus V8/E30 swap. :)

Oh really? They got a web site?

[E30SPDFRK]

Well, that might be a bit of a stretch.

Generally speaking. It may handle a little differently or have a different powerband, but it will still be an e30 you're driving around.

[drifty340i]

I'm liking the idea of a 1UZ-powered E30 more and more lately. You can get Lexus V8s from wrecking yards for $700-$900 fairly easily out here, where even a non-VANOS M50 will set you back $1100+ and a good alloy block M52 will start at $1500.

There is also a local company that sells conversion kits for the Lexus V8/E30 swap. :)

+1 do it. Its the way forward.

[Iain]

I'm liking the idea of a 1UZ-powered E30 more and more lately. You can get Lexus V8s from wrecking yards for $700-$900 fairly easily out here, where even a non-VANOS M50 will set you back $1100+ and a good alloy block M52 will start at $1500.

There is also a local company that sells conversion kits for the Lexus V8/E30 swap. :)

[e30s52]

Is that the new supercharged 6.2L? *drools*

I know you can buy the LS7 as a crate motor from GM High Performance. Too bad it's like $15k or something and I don't think that includes a wiring harness or ECU.

Yes aka the ZR1 motor. It is a work of art! And the noise it makes is enough to make to ruin your pants. I think for the crate version of it is around 26k+ :(

[z31maniac]

Win! or an ls9 ;)

Is that the new supercharged 6.2L? *drools*

I know you can buy the LS7 as a crate motor from GM High Performance. Too bad it's like $15k or something and I don't think that includes a wiring harness or ECU.

[rThor432]

The car is going to drive just the same.

Well, that might be a bit of a stretch.

[slow e30]

to each his own... thats like asking "why do people only prefer bmw engine swaps?"

[e30s52]

I want an E36 + LS7.

Win! or an ls9 ;)

[E30SPDFRK]

What is an engine other than means to move a car? If you can get a better engine from a different company, why not put it in? The car is going to drive just the same.

[Wh33lhop]

Pushrod packaging

LSx torque curve from 1000-6000rpm

/thread.

[z31maniac]

I would put a small block in a 2002 or a more modern Vette motor in an E36 chassis though. In a heartbeat.

I want an E36 + LS7.

[nickpdx]

I just dont understand it when people complain about the reliability of BMW's. I've had great experience with them. As long as the little maintenance bits are kept up with, there will be no problems.

Yep. My e30 has never come close to leaving me stranded (or given me any issues that I wouldn't expect from a 20 year old car). My family has owned 3 BMWs over the last 15 years or so - an e30, e36, and e46 - all have had high mileage on them when sold and the e46 currently has over 100k. The only time any have had a problem serious enough to not get us home was when the e30s fuel pump totally gave out. The 3 Ford Explorers that my dad has owned since brand new have given us FAR more problems than any BMW. My dad currently has a 2007 Explorer V8 that he bought brand new. It only has 24,000 miles on it and has already been into the dealer over 5 times for annoying little issues that they have been too incompetent to fix and none of our 150k+ mile BMWs have had.

[bimmer_E30]

My E30's pretty Reliable actually lol.