S14 swapped e30's

[bimma360]

I am really not disagreeing with anyone in here, but I find it funny how when a person asks about taking an s14 out of an m3 for say an s50. Most will speak of how the s14 is the heart of that car, and how it makes the m3 what it is... regardless of its limited power in stock form. Yet when someone asks about putting an s14 in a reg e30 (which in my mind would pretty much give it the most important characteristics of the m3), people then use just the opposite logic to appose such a transplant.

Maybe the underlying logic here to some is that the M3 should remain what it is without being altered and the e30 should be the bastard child. I personally think that the guy who transplants an s14 in a non M shell is a no BS enthusiast. "Forget about the aesthetics, give me the heart of the M3. The only true aspect that matters." hahah.

[E-Thirty]

^Totally agree. I'd do it in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose.

[Holland]

I dream of putting an S14 in my E30. I'm aware of the costs and problems but there is no other engine out there with the sound and the feel. Plus my little 318 is lighter than an M3.

[DanMan68]

didnt the ridiculously reposted 500 dollar rally e30 have an s14?

[Nic01101011]

he got the car for 500 but still spent a ton on it

[StereoInstaller1]

didnt the ridiculously reposted 500 dollar rally e30 have an s14?

yes, it did.

As a motor, I don't think anyone would disagree that the S14 is an inefficient choice if power vs. money is considered. Hell, these days you could just about do an S38 for the price of an S14...now there is POWER!

If you want that nimble feel and high RPM power, add a a turbo to an M42.

[YAN-3]

Someone has clearly never informed this poor soul on what the average rebuild cost of an S14 runs, not to mention the regular maintenance of one.

this, not to mention you can get more power for the buck

[FredK]

I personally think that the guy who transplants an s14 in a non M shell is a no BS enthusiast.

I did that. Sadly, the engine ended up being a dud.

IMO the S14 does not need fanatical maintenance. If you just do all of the required stuff all at once, the engine will essentially just need oil changes.

[87e30]

I would just turbo an m42 for the cost. s14s are cool in M's because it's the engine that came in the car.

[freeride53]

thanks for the input guys. Apparently, this car is pretty wrecked. My uncle in socal, who has a few bimmers, saw it at some 'recycling yard' he didn't mention the name. but he told me that 'he knows i have an e30...' and was wondering if i needed anything.
the car is pretty scavenged he says, but it has the motor. he told me that he'd go back this week to check it out, the yard is somewhere in the orange county area i suppose, as he lives in diamond bar. when he told me this, i just kinda got excited as i've always played with the idea of turning my car into an "italian m3."

that's all

[FredK]

If you go through the engine properly, it will likely outstrip the acquisition cost by several multiples.

[87e30]

If I found an s14 in a junkyard I'd definitely get it though.

[Cong405]

A r3v member and I was talking about this a few days. I think if I had the funds, I would swap a s14 over a m50 or even a s50. I like the light weight and rev happy power that the s14 produce.

[DeM3n]

Anyone got some pics?

[reelizmpro]

I am really not disagreeing with anyone in here, but I find it funny how when a person asks about taking an s14 out of an m3 for say an s50. Most will speak of how the s14 is the heart of that car, and how it makes the m3 what it is... regardless of its limited power in stock form. Yet when someone asks about putting an s14 in a reg e30 (which in my mind would pretty much give it the most important characteristics of the m3), people then use just the opposite logic to appose such a transplant.

Maybe the underlying logic here to some is that the M3 should remain what it is without being altered and the e30 should be the bastard child. I personally think that the guy who transplants an s14 in a non M shell is a no BS enthusiast. "Forget about the aesthetics, give me the heart of the M3. The only true aspect that matters." hahah.

Yes, it's different due to the cost of acquiring the S14. S14 is the heart of the M3. If you put S14 in an E30 that's fine..., just not the best choice for doing an engine swap in the first place (cost vs HP). Also, the 318/325 isn't famous/known for it's engine like the M3 is. You said it yourself "give me the heart of the M3, the only true aspect that matters." So to swap the engine OUT of the M3 is a shame because now it's something else. Whether it be S50, euro S50B32, LS6, etc etc.