What to do

[gwb72tii]

ok, so I've had this idea of modifying an e30 for a long time, and have at least a mental image of what to do to the exterior and the look i'm after.

but....

i don't really know what direction to take with the motor.
I am planning on swapping the motor for something bigger/better. What i'm not interested in is a turbo or supercharger set-up. I like the idea of ITB's. I also want to keep it all BMW, not do a Chevy V8 swap or something. I'd also like to do a motor that swap that isn't all that common if possible.

So what do you gearheads suggest?

I'm not doing a car right now which feels wierd, and i anticipate this project to last a couple of years as i acquire parts and a shell etc.

[Farbin Kaiber]

N54.

[lolcantturn]

N54.

This...if you want to keep it BMW and uncommon.

[Farbin Kaiber]

It will be tarbo, but without an aftermarket setup.

[325ix]

How much power are you looking for?

[gwb72tii]

no target really
the car will be fully functual as a driver, but will also be part hotrod/show kinda.
i really prefer old school'ish tech, like high compression pistons, ported, blueprinted etc.
and then i won't need modern electronics to worry about.
i'd even consider a 3 pack of side draft weber's for the look.
i don't give a rip about fuel economy.
if i swap a big six or a N54 i'm going to get a considerable boost in power/torque

[frankenbeemer]

A big six with webers wouldn't be terribly common. I wonder what the upper limit for CR would be?

[gearheadE30]

Uncommon is going to be a little difficult, I think... most of the uncommon swaps would be engines that are really old without much of a parts base and likely not that high of performance, or they will be so new that they are still very expensive and the electronics would be a bitch. Carbs would certainly make just about anything unique if that's what you're going for, though.

[slammin.e28]

Another vote for a big 6. Get an M90, or even just an M90 crank and high comp pistons. Bore that sucker to 3.7 and roll. ITBs, long tube headers. Make 'er scream, 1980's style.



Or just run triple webers on an N54.

[Kershaw]

n54 with triple webers. lol.

m30 is a really nice swap.

[NomadE30]

m70, I've only see two in real life before.

[VinniE30]

I love my m30 swap
And it fits all your criteria... naturally aspirated, older, uncommon swap compared to 24v swaps, can always put on webers or ITBs and higher compression pistons are available for it.
Mine has some mods and it's really fun.

[gwb72tii]

so with an m30, would it matter if its a 2.5 vs 3.5? except for the machining cost to get it to the biggest bore it will allow?

[der affe]

Start with an m30b34 or an m30b35 & bore from there as needed or desired.

[slammin.e28]

Start with an m30b34 or an m30b35 & bore from there as needed or desired.

This.

Rarest swap ever....I know nobody has?

Goldfish e30. DO EET DO EETTTT!!!!!