Dont know which route to go?

[-negrito-]

I have a '88 325i vert, auto w/ 117k miles.

I cant decide if I should turbo the m20, swap to a S5x or M6x.

I talked to my mechanic and he said that he'll do whatever I chose for $1k for labor and some beers but I will have to purchase everything ready for the swap. Whatever I choose Im swapping to 5spd. For the time being this will be my daily driver I would say till Oct 2013. So I need something reliable.

1) Turbo the m20. I think 400hp my max I would go. My brother's best friend tune cars so he'll do it for free. I never had a turbo car so everything will be new to me.

2) S5x swap would be the easiest from what I have read and I know the engine will last forever if well maintained.

3) This would be the hardest of the 3 options because of the brake booster issue. If I go this route I would have to figure it out perfectly for my mechanic.

From what I have researched the cost out of the would be similar in some way.

What would you guys recommend?

[nando]

for a $1k labor budget and DD reliability, S52 swap no questions asked.

[Xat1cZ]

budget, turbo and reliable doesn't go well together.

Altho' that is a low hp number but IMO you're better off with a S50 and when you have the money turbo that.

edit: just noticed that you actually don't have a budget listed for the parts only labor.. how much you planning to spend?

[-negrito-]

Sorry for the confusion my budget is around $3k + $1k + beers for my mechanic.

[Xat1cZ]

s50 + get the rest of the car sorted if there's anything that needs it.. then in a few years


turbohhh

[Xat1cZ]

But that's just if you need more power NOW... you can build a 1000hp M20 if you want.. that just takes more money ;)



edit: M30 is a nice choice too just throwing it out there, takes boost really good for cheap too ;)

[graphikg]

I am thinking s50 and turbo later also. You should be pretty happy with the s50 swap. Drive one or ride in one - plus, its an easy engine to maintain.

[mikeedler]

if a brake booster is a problem, how do you plan on fabricating an exhaust and of the other nec. thing for a turbo motor.

I think you are in over your head....., but if you do it, the S50 route will be cheaper and simple- compared to a turbo motor.

[JinormusJ]

I have always been, and will always continue to be a pa
Roponent of s5x swaps.

Reliability: The engines last forever
Power: Decent, 300hp is all you need if you go s54; 1.22:10 HP to weight ratio is actually pretty decent for a car with such a short wheelbase
Budget: Usually can be done within the proposed budget

Turbos are nutorious for costing you much more in the long run, (double your budget, expect it to take longer than expected, blahblahblah). Turbo cars are hilariously fun, but for your budget, I would just say slap an s52 in that puppy and call it a day. Turbo s52 is always an option later down the road, and it'll be more reliable and be able to boost more power than the stock m20

[blunttech]

Id do M52 and turbo later .... M52s are dirt cheap and an NA M52 makes a nice driver

[Pl3wA]

i can attest to this. m50s are reaaal nice. 0-60 was about 7 sec which was not bad... and i've been building my turbo for it for 9 months now...

[F34R]

I love the m20 turbo more but a s52 is within your budget. M20 turbo and proper management will run you over 3k easy.

S52 all the way(I clicked m20 turbo in the poll).

[obes]

you should ride in a turbo s5x e30 first...lol


i say s5x swap.. lol

[ak-]

If you're new and going to be gun-ho about it, do the 24v swap.
You can ruin the whole build with a turbo if something fails and you're not quick enough to notice

[obes]

If you're new and going to be gun-ho about it, do the 24v swap.
You can ruin the whole build with a turbo if something fails and you're not quick enough to notice

gun-ho haha +1