m30b35 vs s52b32.....really

[nando]

S52 is going to be better at everything except for cost.

-fits better (bolt in everything, no custom parts)
-slightly less weight
-newer/lower miles
-more efficient
-better aftermarket support
-less maintenance (no cap and rotor to replace, for example)
-far better electronics (Motronic 1.3 vs Siemens MS41 - no contest).

it's not like the "M50B30" and "M50B32" are high reving, torquless wonders. IE, you don't have to shift them at 7000rpm to get smiles, actually they kinda run out of breath long before then (like an M30 will). VANOS is a good thing.

[csermonet47]

I live for these threads.

M30B35

Easier wiring. Cheaper/easier to find parts. Easier to work on. Weighs less (you are wrong nando). Period correct. Cheaper in general. Old school Bavarian muscle. Plenty efficient.

To give you an idea of how easy it is, once I had all my parts ready, I went from no engine to burnouts in under 6 hours.

[nando]

wiring should not be the reason you choose an M30 over an S52. Wiring an S52 is not difficult.

[Mr. Burns]

Mr. Burns, did you not have a thread like this regarding the M60 vs S52 engine? What happened to that idea? Not trying to sound rude or anything, just intrigued as to what may have changed your mind.

no, not rude-

I have 2 e30's
one for track(coupe) and one for top down cruising with the wife on nice days.

This is for the vert.

I got a little ambitious with the M60 concept- that's much too labour intensive for me, I actually ended up going m52 for the track car.

[frankie591]

Sounds exactly like me, m52 track car, vert with potential m30 swap lol

[NOTORIOUS VR]

m30 is a boat anchor... m/s5x swap over the m30

[slammin.e28]

m30 is a boat anchor... m/s5x swap over the m30

Funniest thing I've heard all day.

[frankie591]

m30 is a boat anchor... m/s5x swap over the m30

Would you rather have a nv m50b25 or an m30b35?

[nrubenstein]

wiring should not be the reason you choose an M30 over an S52. Wiring an S52 is not difficult.

The M30 has big torque (comparatively) at low revs. Otherwise, it's a bigger pain to properly sort out a swap. The supposedly easier wiring benefit is so minimal that it might as well not exist, and doesn't come close to comparing to the annoyance of fitting a cooling system. Especially if you care about AC.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

Neither.

M52 or better, and if you really wanna have some fun go ahead and turbo it.

[P Arkus]

no, not rude-

I have 2 e30's
one for track(coupe) and one for top down cruising with the wife on nice days.

This is for the vert.

I got a little ambitious with the M60 concept- that's much too labour intensive for me, I actually ended up going m52 for the track car.

Fair enough. I have absolutely nothing to contribute as I have no experience with either motor. I was planning on the S52 swap at the beginning, but the high engine prices turned me off and lead me into the direction of the M60.

I've heard many great things about the M30 though so either way i'm sure you'll have fun!

[nando]

The M30 has big torque (comparatively) at low revs. Otherwise, it's a bigger pain to properly sort out a swap. The supposedly easier wiring benefit is so minimal that it might as well not exist, and doesn't come close to comparing to the annoyance of fitting a cooling system. Especially if you care about AC.

yeah, this is what I was getting at.

I do like the M30. if I had unlimited time, I'd use it in some unconventional swaps.. Just look at what Good and Tight has done with his, power wise! but I don't, so I stick to the motors that make more sense to me.

[berlow94]

Lol Someone said S52's are still new and unmolested. Been in the game for 2 years now, haven't seen one S52 that hasn't gotten the crap beaten out of it. With that being said, you CAN find low mileage M30's out of auto cars for dirt cheap and in great condition. After building both motors I'm gonna have to say M30.
Not sure if it's your thing, but it is important to some people, M30 is a period correct swap! Even came in a few E30's from the factory!


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[Vtec?lol]

I've driven both however the m30 was a b34

I wouldn't be able to stand the power curve of the s52. It's a fun and sporty engine but the power is above where I'd feel comfortable getting to on the street.
The b34 gives you all the grunt from a stop and then power kicks in and takes you even further if you need it. For a 2valve, it breathes really well, as does the m20.

Having an m60 in my car, I never shift past 4.5k and that's mostly because torque. Gives me a lower exaust tone and is less suspect for city hoonage.

I think the only question is, would you rather a calm power maker or something a little less subtle and wild.
S52 also is much easier to put in.

[SkiFree]

m30 is a boat anchor... m/s5x swap over the m30

I've driven two similarly prepared E30's one a well sorted S52 and the other a well sorted M30 swapped car. The M30 was hands down a lot more fun to drive around.