Question on engine mods

[gwb72tii]

So I'm in the early planning stages for a very highly modified e30 that I've had as an idea for close to 20 years.
My goal is to build a fully functional driver, and the first question is about motors.
I'd like to stay as close to period correct (year) as possible and stay with 6 cylinders, but want a high compression naturally aspirated motor, side drafts or itb's. No turbos etc.
So, pardon my ignorance about what motor to search for, but I know some of you have followed a similar path and I'd appreciate your input, and why you chose the motor you did.

Thanks

And Blunt ol' man, you and I will be talking a lot, again

[nando]

I think there's a little momentum building behind the m20. Just look what the aussies are doing, and its really not that complicated. Matched components, headwork, exhaust and tuning gets you over 200whp easily. There are even quality affordable itbs now that are not dbilias.

An S38 is really the only other itb 6 cylinder thats period correct. Another alternative is the s54, while not period correct technically, it was BMWs last hurrah for naturally aspirated inline 6s and definitely plays the part well. The swap is a bit easier these days than 5 years ago as well.

[TimbyMaTombo]

I have distant dreams to build an S38 E30 so that has my vote! IMO, BMW's best looking engine.

[blunttech]

Georgina .. Side drafts are cool but Im over them for driveability. It could be Im not skilled enough to keep them in tune also. Look at what John is offering at WOT. Email me and Ill put you in touch with him. Id also consider an M30. Ive not done one myself but everyone that has one loves them.. Another thing to consider is an 84 M10 with a solex if you take into consideration your driving skill

[TobyB]

You can stretch the 'period appropriate' argument to the M50/52/s52 by saying that
there WAS an M42 in the E30, and the M52 just had a few cylinders added. But
it's a bit of a stretch...

t

[LJ851]

Two questions,

1) What are your horsepower needs/goals?

2) Do you prefer a 'torquey" engine or a revvy, horsepower engine ?

[nando]

I'd think if you want ITBs you'd want some revs

I can't see the point of a carb these days. the major appeal back in the day was that EFI couldn't easily be tuned. that is no longer the case.

[gwb72tii]

Georgina .. Side drafts are cool but Im over them for driveability. It could be Im not skilled enough to keep them in tune also. Look at what John is offering at WOT. Email me and Ill put you in touch with him. Id also consider an M30. Ive not done one myself but everyone that has one loves them.. Another thing to consider is an 84 M10 with a solex if you take into consideration your driving skill

Fond memories of my first 2002, a 1970 with a 1 barrel solex. Get out, open the hood and dial in the carb with your thumbnail.

Email me old timer about john at wot

[gwb72tii]

Two questions,

1) What are your horsepower needs/goals?

2) Do you prefer a 'torquey" engine or a revvy, horsepower engine ?

No particular horsepower goal. But a big 6 with high compression, cam etc should be plenty

There was a guy that lived down the street in Saratoga, CA where I grew up that had a pumped Porsche 911 that screamed. When he shifted the motor pretty much spun down to idle immediately, and the exhaust note was super snappy. So I guess I'm after high revs vs low end torque. And the motor will be modified to be able to rev.

[gwb72tii]

I think there's a little momentum building behind the m20. Just look what the aussies are doing, and its really not that complicated. Matched components, headwork, exhaust and tuning gets you over 200whp easily. There are even quality affordable itbs now that are not dbilias.

An S38 is really the only other itb 6 cylinder thats period correct. Another alternative is the s54, while not period correct technically, it was BMWs last hurrah for naturally aspirated inline 6s and definitely plays the part well. The swap is a bit easier these days than 5 years ago as well.

Aussies?

[MPLFoster]

Australians.

[LJ851]

No particular horsepower goal. But a big 6 with high compression, cam etc should be plenty

There was a guy that lived down the street in Saratoga, CA where I grew up that had a pumped Porsche 911 that screamed. When he shifted the motor pretty much spun down to idle immediately, and the exhaust note was super snappy. So I guess I'm after high revs vs low end torque. And the motor will be modified to be able to rev.

You may want to consider a M20 for your goals then. The engine is a good bit lighter (as a whole and rotating components)as stock, the head is superior, and recent developments as nando mentioned will easily put it within your power and snappy rev goals.

Both will work, but no one is making roller cam/rockers for the M30... yet.

[Raxe]

There's a lot of potential in the M20, just need to be prepared to do it right the first time around. An E30 is a lot of fun with its proper engine.

[gwb72tii]

Australians.

gee thanks/sarcasm

i was hoping nando might link me to the aussies that he mentioned

[SkiFree]

bah, I sit behind a computer screen too much as is. Give me hands on time with carbs any day.

But I do agree that the m20 built right is plenty of fun.