Engine Swap Questions

[JinormusJ]

So.. I'm still weighing in my options for MOARPOWAR.. and I'm still deciding between a euro s50 or building an "i" 3.2 stroker and keeping the m20.

One of the deciding factors were the electronics. The check panel and OBC to be specific:

If I were to put a completely new engine in the car, namely one that it never came with (Euro S50), would the check panel and OBC still read accurately an give me information like MPG, Range, etc.? Would it even register at all..?

Thanks guys!

[LivingLegend06]

there are options available to you to keep them working accurately. It will take more work though.

[JinormusJ]

Hmm.. It's something I would want to consider. While I do love the m20 look, and building a stroker would be cool.. I love DOHC and having 24v plus better fuel economy and less hassle maintainence... And 50 is such a nice number :-P

Knowing I could keep all my electricals in tact with a new engine is just a plus for the s50 I'd say..

Thanks!

[TurboJake]

http://www.seattlecircuit.com/fuel_signal.htm

[nando]

yeah, that little doohickey will keep everything running the same. actually, the only thing that depends on the engine is the econometer, MPG calc and range.

[Wanganstyle]

why run a obscure euro engine? I'm not at all against euro engines, just no parts support stateside. the older less stressed s50 usa is barely alive these days; s50 euro is just a nightmare as far as keeping it alive is concerned. S54 is also cheaper-

Do a s54 or keep the M20; its lighter and fits e30 chassis better.

[JinormusJ]

Thanks Jake! I have bookmarked that page and will keep it for reference when the time comes.

@Wang
Still debating between the three actually.. I ruled out the s54 because I thought it would be much more expensive to actually swap and upkeep (and it is; being a new engine), so I was debating between an m20 "i" stroker or a euro S50 because ball park figures are generally the same. The obscurity of euro parts is, however, the euro s50's downfall and will obviously be taken into account when the decision finally comes

Ideally though, I'd want to go s54 because I would love the 6-speed as well.. I still have a lot of personal "weighing of options" to do

[nando]

a euro S50 is going to have a lot of miles by now. at least you can still get an S54 with sub-50k miles for $4-5k or so. plus you will have a euro-only motor with euro-only parts. I can't see it costing more to maintain. Although, the euro S50s are supposed to be pretty reliable.

[F34R]

k23A1

[Wanganstyle]

Thanks Jake! I have bookmarked that page and will keep it for reference when the time comes.

@Wang
Still debating between the three actually.. I ruled out the s54 because I thought it would be much more expensive to actually swap and upkeep (and it is; being a new engine), so I was debating between an m20 "i" stroker or a euro S50 because ball park figures are generally the same. The obscurity of euro parts is, however, the euro s50's downfall and will obviously be taken into account when the decision finally comes

Ideally though, I'd want to go s54 because I would love the 6-speed as well.. I still have a lot of personal "weighing of options" to do

if you can afford a 6 speed, you can install it onto the current M20.

I did this last november, result is great. M20+ 6 speed.

S54 is CHEAPER than s50 euro. Price rebuilding/up keep with obscure parts and compare the spreadsheet; The math shows the truth

[JinormusJ]

k23A1

I'm a huge OEM buff.. And I'd like to keep the N/A powerband. I don't want to be running a turbo.
That's just me though :-P


Hmm... How's the gravity of the work involved with the S54? (probably a noob question, but I've never done an engine swap before..)
I know for the stroker build, I'd pretty much have to drop it off at my shop guy and he'll do all the work, so no hands on for me.. At least with the s54, I'd have the ability to learn a couple things or two. It's nice to k ow I have the option of a 6-speed M20 though.. I heard a custom driveshaft has to be fabbed for fitment?

[Wanganstyle]

Hmm... How's the gravity of the work involved with the S54? (probably a noob question, but I've never done an engine swap before..)
I know for the stroker build, I'd pretty much have to drop it off at my shop guy and he'll do all the work, so no hands on for me.. At least with the s54, I'd have the ability to learn a couple things or two. It's nice to k ow I have the option of a 6-speed M20 though.. I heard a custom driveshaft has to be fabbed for fitment?

s54 just requires the proper budget, also a cash reserve. pop it in.

all the 6 speed prop-shafts are the same for e30 + 6 speed; an OEM BMW unit is used; you could have a custom prop-shaft fully re-built locally from your current unit if so desired.

The custom stuff needed to fit the e30 is the chassis mounting kit for either 6 speed choice; I distribute these kits

(Produced in the bay area by BNB designs; Distributed globally by Wanganstyle Global - 100% USA labor and original parts)


For the e46 330i ZHP/e60 530i ZF 37GZ 6 speed a full original design production mounting setup + chassis adaptation is also in stock;

if you choose the e92/82/e60 335/135i/535i twin turbo transmission it would also work; these have a extremely strong clutch setup avail from BMW OEM; also designed for twin turbo stress by BMW.


if you choose the e46 M3 Getrag 420 unit there is a full kit setup made also also to adapt it into the E30 chassis.

[F34R]

I was joking ;)

[JinormusJ]

While I would love an e92 6-speed; that's MONEY.. I don't think I would need it as I would probably tune the S54 for a mild street build; leaving it probably completely at stock redline and just upgraded exhaust and air-flow. Only thing is that I've heard problems with the Getrag 420 seeing track use, but I think for what I'm doing for street, I'd be fine. It seems like your the guy to talk to for this stuff. Care to shed any light? :-D

So as we have it; Im leaning to the S54 running a Getrag 420 in the future. Is there anything needing to be done to the transmission tunnel to get it to fit? I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of each other once the wheels start turning hah

I don't think I would care for a fully re-manned custom shaft. I'd be content with running a used OEM shaft as long as there's no play in the u-joint and there's no binding, it aligns properly, and it well.. FITS lol

Thanks for your help so far. I've been reading your build threads and a lot of my other questions are getting answered. A lot of it is way over my head, but I'm doing my best to decipher a language I have never learned a-la "Swap-Ebonics" :-P

Are there any reputable shops for swaps to speak to around your area? I'm going to be making a move up north for a few years and I would love to still have connections there like I do here. I've heard RyanG does some good work, but do you know anyone maybe closer to Sac area?

[JinormusJ]

I was joking ;)

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