Do you have a M20 hot rod or swapped Motor?

[LJ851]

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

This is true:

[42000]

ttt

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

And weight distribution with swaps? anyone?

[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]

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..

[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.

[delatlanta1281]

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

And the 2002 crowd?

[SkiFree]

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

[325ix]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.