m30 vs 24v swap

[TobyB]

Weight.

Pick up an M30 crank, then pick up an M52 crank.

Likewise rods.

Then valves.

The M30 is a heavy engine in comparo to an M5x.

It's also almost 30 years older.

But it's not terrible, it's just not 'modern' for a BMW engine.

t

[lukeADE335i]

You know what bothers me the most? Kids that pull junkyard engines and swap it with zero matinance. Then slap 2-3k on top and sell it to noobs. It does not matter what engine you swap. It is the level that is taken on care. I respect any swap(within reason) that has the correct approach. Why waste time putting something in that is just scrubbed down on the outside?

M20 vs m42 m30 vs m50/s50 based vs m60. These have all been beaten to death on what one is better or what one is the smarter swap for the money.

Do whatever engine you want, but do it right.

This is the main thing.

Lets face it, with all of the engines coming down in price in recent years, M30 / M50 / M60 are all viable swaps now with the engines all in the same ballpark as far as cost goes (although my M30 cost me $100 for a well maintained engine which had a reconditioned head so there are bargains to be had :) - I still did a gaskets & water pump refresh).

Do it right and do it once.

[Kevinl]

I was at the junk yard a couple weeks ago and saw a B35M30 it got me thinking. A m50 isn't worth it imo might as well turbo the M20

I really want a V8 but not sure if i want to go to all the trouble and exspense

[TimKninja]

Not a big fan of the gas guzzling M30. But then again all i can muster with my S50 is 22 Mostly highway :/ I actually never knew the M30 was as heavy as a 24Valve . Dont the M30s sit alittle more far forward?

Id have to take a ride in an M30 swapped car before i could solidify my opinion. It does look period correct in there. But try to find one in a Junkyard, not that easy. Whilst E34's and E36s are everywhere.

[totheredline]

What about performance parts?

I would think m5x motors would be cheaper.

[anabolice30]

at this point, which is cheaper?

Haven't added up all the costs, but they'd come out to being pretty close in price I think. And honestly I don't mind spending an extra few hundred dollars if it allows me to have a better, and more fun engine. I think I'm pretty sold on the m30.

[totheredline]

at this point, which is cheaper?

[kingston]

You know what bothers me the most? Kids that pull junkyard engines and swap it with zero matinance. Then slap 2-3k on top and sell it to noobs. It does not matter what engine you swap. It is the level that is taken on care. I respect any swap(within reason) that has the correct approach. Why waste time putting something in that is just scrubbed down on the outside?

This. Fucking A.

[LJ851]

I always heard m30s were crazy heavy and would kill your handling.

This is a myth and just not true as mentioned above. M30 and M50/S50 variants are effectively the same weight.

[ttrousdell]

Only drawback is the swap is more extensively fabrication vs a bolt in m50. That is why most swap the m50 based block.

The m30 is bulletproof.

If you consider hammering the firewall extensive fabricaton. My m30b35 fit like a glove in my engine bay. I used the M20b25 harness so there was no wiring to deal with. I think its the easiest swap there is and more fun to drive then an m5x

Agreed the M30 is tank.

[anabolice30]

Well I have pretty good access yo b35s which I always thought were beasts, haven't looked to much into m5x prices or accessibility. I always heard m30s were crazy heavy and would kill your handling.

[LJ851]

24v is the one you bring home to meet your mother.

M30 is not.







Oh, and don't bother with a (american) M30 B34 unless you are boosting, B35 is one.

[F34R]

You know what bothers me the most? Kids that pull junkyard engines and swap it with zero matinance. Then slap 2-3k on top and sell it to noobs. It does not matter what engine you swap. It is the level that is taken on care. I respect any swap(within reason) that has the correct approach. Why waste time putting something in that is just scrubbed down on the outside?

M20 vs m42 m30 vs m50/s50 based vs m60. These have all been beaten to death on what one is better or what one is the smarter swap for the money.

Do whatever engine you want, but do it right.

[MF DOOM]

The m30 is bulletproof.

^^^

The gf thought i was nuts when i bought my e28 with 240k on it. Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit, shes just getting started.

Fuel economy sucked in that thing though. My e39 touring gets much better fuel economy than the e28 did.

[Hooffenstein HD]

M50 is slower down bottom and up top. Two members have ridden in my b35 swap that had an m52 and a m60b30. Both said how much quicker the m30 makes power.

Absolutely. I have ridden in an M30B35 swapped E30 and it was a riot. I was contemplating Ford 302/5.0's for a while but that experience has given me doubts about a V8.