Should I use this M20 engine?

[dbmw2006]

Hey guys. Heres the deal. I have a really nice 91 318is.

I have a spare m20 motor i got from a friend.

He got the motor with a 325i that he bought.

He gave it to me free, because he didn't need it and sold the car.

So, im considering doing an m20 turbo build.

Question is, would it be stupid of me to use this motor that i know
nothing about? If i went ahead and used it, I would (probably) "rebuild it".???

Please forgive my ignorance. Im pretty new to working on motors in that amount of depth.

[HaloArchive]

If it is out, you may as well redo all of the gaskets and upgrade those head bolts and make sure it turns freely on a stand.

[flyboyx]

well, this thread is really silly. just from what you posted there, how in the world would we possibly know? i'm guessing you are 17?

take the cam cover off the head and see what the engine looks like inside. if the cam looks nice and clean, and the cavity isn't full of sludge, you are off to a good start. second, take the oil pan off and remove a main bearing or two. see what kind of condition they are in. i don't suggest taking off a connecting rod bearing because you are required to replace the bolts. look at the block sleeves from inside the engine and see what they look like.

basically, base your decision on a few facts not this crazy thread.

[dbmw2006]

basically, base your decision on a few facts not this crazy thread.[/QUOTE]

Actually I'm not 17. Just not very well versed in working on motors and tearing them apart. Though I am looking to learn. Ive been reading these forums for 2 years straight soaking up everything I can. The simple info you suggested I do is exactly what I was looking for. Just some friendly advice. Thanks!

[Blitzkrieg]

This thread is way to crazy for my brain omg

[agent]

I have a really nice 91 318is.

Then why would you want to lower its value and desirability by swapping in the wrong engine?

[slammin.e28]

M42 > m20

[McGyver]

M42 > m20

Refer to my sig

[dbmw2006]

Then why would you want to lower its value and desirability by swapping in the wrong engine?

Actually my problem with the value is this. The title has been washed. Was once a salvage title, now has a clean title because of this "title washing" process. Didn't know until after i had it. The car is NICE compared to 90% of the stuff i see around.

That said, I can't get over the fact that if you run a car fax, theres a big boo boo on it. That really irks me. So to me, the value is already screwed. So why not
make it fast? Its so turd slow with heavy 17s on it that its makes me not want
to drive. I pulled the 17s off, gonna go for some 16s. But even so. The car is slow with basket weaves.

I have a free m20 just sitting here. Regardless of what you think of the Kamotors
turbo kit, I have to say, its pretty inspiring. I could turbo the m42 but? Eh. Idk. I thought about m50 swap, s50 swap, m20 turbo..... whats the best option?

Te me, the value is already screwed to someone like one of you enthusiasts, so
why not just make it a fun fast american muscle crusher.

Im open to opinions. Maybe ill even post a picture of said car.

[dbmw2006]

And no, I'm not trying to turn this thread into a tell me what motor swap to do because I am not smart enough to use the search button or too lazy to do my own research. My original intent was to say hey, this motor has been sitting for a while, like probably 3 years possibly more not sure. Bad idea to try and use it? Might I be better off finding of more recently used out of a junk yard or from a forum member selling... My apologies for possibly asking a retarded question. Ill learn sooner or later.

[slammin.e28]

If you're going to swap, with intent to turbo, go 24v.....or M30. M30s love boost and really are god-like.

I would rather have no engine than an M20.

[slammin.e28]

Refer to my sig

Pfft....you and your Laguna coupe I've never seen.

[McGyver]

If you're going to swap, with intent to turbo, go 24v.....or M30. M30s love boost and really are god-like.

I would rather have no engine than an M20.

I agree. Honestly, taking the time to swap an M20 really doesn't make sense, even you're going to boost it.

1) stock M20 doesn't make much power and there are better options for boosting.
2) 24v engines will be around the same displacement, but make more power stock, are well documented swaps, and are newer. So parts are easier, and they are just as cheap as an m20. they take boost really well and you'll have better control over engine management since they have more electronics.
3) stock m30s will be fun. a boosted m30 is a monster and scary fun.

oh, and unless you have a 100% original garage queen, an engine swap in an e30 for more power can only increase the value. if you want to drive an e30, chances are that you always want more power.

[dbmw2006]

a boosted m30 is a monster and scary fun.

oh, and unless you have a 100% original garage queen, an engine swap in an e30 for more power can only increase the value. if you want to drive an e30, chances are that you always want more power.

This. No an original garage queen here.

Heres another noob question for you. Where do you swap guys buy motors?
Seems like finding an m30 might be quite a task. Junk yards probably have m50s left and right i would think being e36 is such an ugly bucket of crap imho unless its an m3.

[slammin.e28]

This. No an original garage queen here.

Heres another noob question for you. Where do you swap guys buy motors?
Seems like finding an m30 might be quite a task. Junk yards probably have m50s left and right i would think being e36 is such an ugly bucket of crap imho unless its an m3.

Craigslist, junkyards, and the FS/WTB section here.

Been a # of guys on mye28.com parting E34s lately, M30 and 24v ones....may check there too.