M60 vs Boosted M42

[Threehz]

Along with everything else that has been stated, consider the weight differences. I don't know how much the M60 weighs, but I would think a boosted M42 would still weigh less, and anyone who has driven an M42 car knows how much of a difference that makes.

[nando]

N52 swap. probably lighter than the M42 boat anchor and nearly twice the power. :p

[Emre]

If you check the Euro forums, a few guys have built turbo M42/M44 blocks using a mix-and-match of parts. Crank from an M47 diesel engine (can't remember which displacement). Rods were Euro S50B30 or B32 (again, I can't remember the details). Pistons were custom, but that's not a big deal with only 4-cylinders. You end up with a 2.0 liter block with forged internals and relatively low compression. It somehow mates up to the 6-speed transmission from an E46 330ci or M3.

You should be able to find the info without too much trouble.

[Threehz]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but consider the weight. Anyone who has driven an M42 car knows that low weight up front makes an enormous difference when driving.

M60 weight: 463 lbs (http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=233682)
M42 Weight: 220 lbs (http://www.bimmerforums.com/?p=70)

Even after deleting other components with the M60 swap, and adding turbo components with the M42 build, I think you will still have considerable weight savings up front.

[MokinWeet]

Reliability of an NA V8 or a high strung boosted 4? Give me NA torque curve any day (and on that note, seriously look into the M30 option).

Thank you everyone for your honest responses. I initially wanted to save and do an l33/lq9 swap but I realized that as far as stock engines go an m60 makes nearly the power and can be done cheaper; correct me if I'm wrong. I do agree that a boost curve could be more fun but I absolutely love tourqe. The purpose of this car will be general foolishness and drifting. I've heard of many people falling in love with their m30 swapped cars but I'm worried it doesn't make enough power for the money.

[Emre]

I do agree that a boost curve could be more fun but I absolutely love tourqe.

Turbo engines are a lot of fun, as long as you can keep them cool and know how to tune them...or pay someone who does!

When I had my Evo VIII (in my sig), we were putting down 350 hp and 350 lbs-ft at the wheels with a 2.0 liter turbo. Driveability was great because we had a very quick-spooling turbo that made full boost between 2500 and 3000 rpm and held it all the way to the 7500 rpm redline. With such a big and flat torque curve, we made power everywhere. We used an A'PEXi AVC-R boost controller, which allowed us to program a separate boost curve for all 5 gears. Lots of dyno time to get it all working.

You'll have to spend a lot of time and money programming the ECU and boost controller, which makes an M44 engine appealing (already OBD-II). With something like a MoTeC M800, you can even program launch control and anti-lag functions.

If you're willing to go whole-hog, you can build a real monster that's still reliable under track conditions. But it won't be cheaper than a V8 swap.

[slammin.e28]

Diesel.

M57 or go home.

[jntar]

I chose the boosted m42 route. Although I am not shooting for as much power as you are. My car has near instant boost and a nice flat torque band. It stays right with lightly modded 335i e90 cars on highway pulls.

[djmossm42]

Power/weight ratio > power



Sent from my SGH-T769

[MokinWeet]

Power/weight ratio > power



Sent from my SGH-T769

Agreed. But I will say that me and my dad were talking about cramming the engine as far back as we could, possibly even cutting out and moving back the firewall a little like we did in my brothers old dirt four cyl race car in order to center the added weight.

I probably should've ranked my priorities in an attempt to fit my needs better

1. Cost
2. Reliability
3. Linear curve/weight
4. V8

[Dj Buttchug]

boosted m42 crew checking in

[djmossm42]

Agreed. But I will say that me and my dad were talking about cramming the engine as far back as we could, possibly even cutting out and moving back the firewall a little like we did in my brothers old dirt four cyl race car in order to center the added weight.

I probably should've ranked my priorities in an attempt to fit my needs better

1. Cost
2. Reliability
3. Linear curve/weight
4. V8

True, distributing the weight is just as important and moving the motor back will help keep the balance plus the V8 will provide a high power to weight ratio.

Really you can do anything just depends on your budget, time, and know-how.

Boost would require the least of all three. Depending on engine prep/upgrades it is possible to get a considerable amount of power from the m42. If you've had the car for a while you should know what it needs and how reliable it is.

Engine swap requires time to find a good donor and there still may be unknowns. So, you still might want to do a teardown to inspect the internals. Depending on the motor and/or it's placement you may need custom parts and fabrication.

Maybe start with the spec goals you want to achieve then price out the cost to reach them via boost and via swap.

Sent from my SGH-T769

[Vtec?lol]

Thank you everyone for your honest responses. I initially wanted to save and do an l33/lq9 swap but I realized that as far as stock engines go an m60 makes nearly the power and can be done cheaper; correct me if I'm wrong. I do agree that a boost curve could be more fun but I absolutely love tourqe. The purpose of this car will be general foolishness and drifting. I've heard of many people falling in love with their m30 swapped cars but I'm worried it doesn't make enough power for the money.

False. You can make a nasty m42 frakenmotor for less than an m60. Don't forget, alusil blocks aren't serviceable without spending big coin.

Diesel.

M57 or go home.

THIS! PLEASE THIS!

Power/weight ratio > power

for drifting and hoonage, you'll have more fun with a turbo imo. M60's aren't what people make them out to be. Go drive an e34 with a manual and m60. An e30 wouldn't be that much quicker. You're looking at 280hp at the crank.

[Hooffenstein HD]

I voted M60 but only because LS*/T56, or Ford 302/T5 weren't in the poll.

[MokinWeet]

Really starting to lean towards boost. The only thing that worries me is the tuning.