Do you have a M20 hot rod or swapped Motor?

[firemanory]

Here's one of the more potent M20 NA engines I'm aware of. Using an IE stroker kit and a whole lot of tuning.

Any specifics on that motor build....seems mighty. Sorry for the late reply..

Overall some real good input on this thread. I think I'm sticking to the m20. I do like the funkiness she has, and can put out some decent numbers with a little work into it. I like the Racing Dynamics headers, and might throw them on and drive as is until I need other engine work done, and will then go for some crazy stupid m20 build, possibly with a supercharger setup.

Its too bad doing Dyno runs can cost so much, otherwise we would see everyones before and after numbers and have more meaningful data to look at for cost/benefit analysis.

[SkiFree]

Also, I have seen a lot of hp numbers thrown out, but almost no torque figures. Peak hp numbers are great, but how that power is put down is a major factor. I'm going to agree with several others and say to find the engine the best suits your needs/desires.

Here's one of the more potent M20 NA engines I'm aware of. Using an IE stroker kit and a whole lot of tuning.

[matthugie]

I think the m20 is a great engine, but have absolutely no regrets about putting an s52 in its place. The car is an absolute blast to drive, shocks ricers, and gets compliments at track and autox events (also have video chasing down an e46 m3 on track). All this, and is still quite reasonable around town and hasn't given me a bit of trouble mechanically.

Also, I have seen a lot of hp numbers thrown out, but almost no torque figures. Peak hp numbers are great, but how that power is put down is a major factor. I'm going to agree with several others and say to find the engine the best suits your needs/desires.

[325ix]

It's not like the 2002 needs much more power than an m10 to have fun.

[SkiFree]

I think by in large most 2002 owners love their M10's (think you and I would be the minority).

[delatlanta1281]

I think that view is pretty much limited to the E30 (and maybe E21) crowd.

And the 2002 crowd?

[SkiFree]

I think M10s are underloved. Light, strong, rediculously cheap to build, and respond very well to boost.

I think that view is pretty much limited to the E30 (and maybe E21) crowd.

[42000]

Mike, thanks so much! That's exactly what i was looking for. I am def keeping my m20, but do still want to go FI..

[Kovs]

Ditto. Would like to hear from guys with a fair amount of track time before and after the swaps. Lots of power is pointless if it is not useable for its intended purposes. In some cases the weight difference is not significant, but it may be more pronounced depending on the overall balance of the car afterwards.

I have really gotten a lot out of your responses, as many of them helped me understand why you did what you did and how satisfied you are with the results.

I guess many of your answers and responses would be influenced by what the ultimate theme of the project is. While I haven't fully committed to the project yet (and even if I did it would still be a while till completed based on family budgets and free time), suffice it to say that the overall idea would be to create an e30tii model, a la 2002tii and the 1 series concept tii. It would probably be more like the 1 series concept since my car is alpine white and the 2002 version didnt have much done to it besides larger brakes. I will say that I am currently leaning towards an m20 build out to keep it period correct and keep its current handling characteristics.

I will start a thread for everyone to throw their two cents into for ideas for the build as well, but the powerplant is what I would say is the most critical piece to the build and is why I started the thread with the motor question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_2002tii

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3409/BMW-Concept-1-Series-tii.html

Cheers

I tracked my E30 with the stock M20 for 1 1/2 years before I made the Euro S50 swap. The S50 is 80 lbs. heavier, which doesn't sound like a lot, but on mostly stock suspension, does have a noticeable effect on turn-in and tire wear at the track. Unsorted, it was a frustrating mix of unwanted understeer AND oversteer. It wasn't awful, but the seemingly invinceable feeling of being able to do almost anything mid corner was gone.

Then I put in Vorshlag adjustable front camber plates, a E46 ZHP rack, and an adjustable rear subframe and the difference was night and day. The car turns in with no complaint and the steering is razor sharp, although this set-up does take getting used to... a little input goes a long way :) Best of all, my slicks now wear evenly.

You'll definitely need to overhaul the suspension if you're going the S5X route, but I'll take a NA motor over a FI anything all day long for track use.

[42000]

ttt

I want before and after feedback on turbo track cars:)

And weight distribution with swaps? anyone?

[LJ851]

I think M10s are underloved. Light, strong, rediculously cheap to build, and respond very well to boost.

This is true:

[nando]

I think M10s are underloved. Light, strong, rediculously cheap to build, and respond very well to boost.

[SA E30]

If you like an m30 in an e24/e28 - you'd love it in an e30. An e28m30 feels like it's twice as heavy - the m30 really struggles to move all that mass. In an e30 the m30 behaves as if it's pushing a go-kart.

I don't mean to knock s5x swaps - It's a great motor. But in some ways it doesn't feel right in an e30 - almost too "smooth". But then again - it's a heck of a motor.

With that said. I know if I ever need a to do some head work on my m30 it's not going to cost me much. I pucker-up at the cost of a proper 24 valve rebuild.

And m50...pfff....not worth the effort IMHO. Unless your m20 needs rebuilding/replacing. Then pick one up for cheap. Cost will be about the same.

Also - since I'm on a rant - turbos just don't do it for me. I don't like the "SUSPRISE!!! YOUR ON BOOST" feeling in a corner.

Back to M30's - you won't find one person that has owned or driven a e30m30 that doesn't like all that pure, unadulterated, grunt that a m30 gives you.

An S5x is like the girl you want to marry - an m30 is the girl you don't bring home to mom.

Just saying you just found one. Our South African made 333i (m30b32) isn't all that fast and not much faster than a 2.7lt m20 (talking stroker, not eta). It was also modified with a b35 bottom end, and of course Alpina intake and camshaft.

My 2.9lt m20 stroker would have walked all over the m30 powered car but then it did have serious money put into it but no more than a run of the mill turbo conversion.

For me an S50 powered car sounds great... With a supercharger.

I guess I also love the 4 bangers with my new found love for the m10.

[firemanory]

Built vintage Alpina M20 to modern electronics with a nice induction setup would be the ticket
Buy a complete Alpina 2,8L engine: its 210 hp out of the box from Alpina. Will fit/sound/be reliable as good as it can get.

The original engine config. will be the most ideal for handling, balance, track use.

Sounds awesome. Good luck finding one!!

[evandael]

If you want original looks and feel, build an m20. old school grunt? m30b35. best all-rounder go s52. have a shit ton of money? well ask yourself if you're a purist or not, then decide between an s54 or ls2.


different strokes for different folks.. it doesn't need to be complicated! .