M30 or m 50 swap for the e30

[AnotherBm]

So i just picked up a 87 325e.

and of course i'm gonna put some new life into her.

But i wanna plan out a route and stick to it.
One of my major decisions is what motor to go with.

I want it to have as much power as possible without going FI.
Should i go with the more powerfull engine m30, or the newer
m50.


What bolt ons can i do to each motor

[Erick]

If you have no plans to boost it, go M50.

[e30s52]

READ

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=167901

[Jon325i]

READ

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=167901

^^^ good thread :up: ^^^

As with any ambitious project such as a motor swap, the OPs budget will dictate just which direction is best to go. Its easy to get in over your head financially without a well-thought plan.

Jon

[AnotherBm]

READ

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=167901

Thanks for the link.

i went over the whole thing..
Plenty of s5x information and some m30 info.

but not enough info on the m30 or m50 to help me come to a decision.

[AnotherBm]

^^^ good thread :up: ^^^

As with any ambitious project such as a motor swap, the OPs budget will dictate just which direction is best to go. Its easy to get in over your head financially without a well-thought plan.

Jon

you know exactly what i'm thinking.. I know things can get out of control quickly, thats why i gotta make sure i stick to one road and get a well though out plan.

[Need4Speed1299]

I think an m30 would cost less but a m50 would be better.

[bimmer_E30]

m30 for the mother fuckin win.

[e30s52]

I think an m30 would cost less but a m50 would be better.

You can do both swaps for around the same amount of money but the m30 will be faster. But with the m50 you have alot more aftermarket support. Both can make some really good numbers but it all depends on how much you want to spend and the application it will be used for.

m30 for the mother fuckin win.

Wow you contribute so much to this thread.

[AnotherBm]

You can do both swaps for around the same amount of money but the m30 will be faster. But with the m50 you have alot more aftermarket support. Both can make some really good numbers but it all depends on how much you want to spend and the application it will be used for.



Wow you contribute so much to this thread.

in the end result with the aftermarket support for the m50 will i be able to put out better numbers then the m30 can put out??

[DeM3n]

I'd go for the M50. Parts for it are everywhere and usually readily available. Not sure how available maintenance parts are for the M30. Also, after completing the M50 swap you'll be all set for an S50/S52 long block transplant :)

[AnotherBm]

I'd go for the M50. Parts for it are everywhere and usually readily available. Not sure how available maintenance parts are for the M30. Also, after completing the M50 swap you'll be all set for an S50/S52 long block transplant :)

Grrrrrr.. lol
i was actually starting to lean for an m30 i found a local guy selling m30 drivetrain for 900 with 160km
so it wont need a rebuild

The b35 with ECU and harness so it already has the correct oil pan and it includes the 5speed tranny...

[e30s52]

in the end result with the aftermarket support for the m50 will i be able to put out better numbers then the m30 can put out??

I'd go for the M50. Parts for it are everywhere and usually readily available. Not sure how available maintenance parts are for the M30. Also, after completing the M50 swap you'll be all set for an S50/S52 long block transplant :)

Demen is correct. Finding bolt on parts for the m30 is hard.

[Wh33lhop]

Depends on what you're looking for.

M30: torque monster, faster out of the box if it's a B35 (otherwise, don't bother). You'll need a different trans and want a numerically lower diff too, as well as custom motor mount arms. Will run forever, but bleeding the coolant is a bitch.
M50TU: the newer, faster motor if you slap some M3 cams in it. No custom brackets required and you can reuse the original trans and driveshaft, but you have to find a solution to the twisted trans (custom trans brace and twisted selector rod) and move/replace your brake booster (or modify the IM).

There is a lot more to it (engine management, boost etc) but that's the basic gist of it.

[Pudmunkie]

I ended up planning on an S52, and I am ending up with a 3 liter Frankenstein. I'm sure it will ultimately have a blower strapped to it and end up being quicker than I need. That being said, my brother is leaning towards an M30 when the time is right. It should be sweet with a little backyard turbo action.