Stock E30 vs S5_ swap

[Funboy]

On the horns of a dilemma : stock or S5_ Swap.
I understand the appeal of the S5_ package
But I have an acquaintance that is a racer from the late 60's in BMW and Porsche
And was involved with BMW NA on the National roll out of the E30.
He waxes poetically about the delicate 50/50 balance of the stock platform and
How the S5_ weight would destroy it. So, light balance /sweetness or sledgehammer ?
Any thoughts having done the transformation?

[blunttech]

Im not normally one to pull the "search card" but this has been beat to death.
Your partner has obviously not driven a well set up swap car. Unless youre talking e30m3 or M42 car the difference is easily overcome

[Andy Mechnic]

A nose heavy car will push. And there is something magical about the E30s in their stock configuration, however, that can be quickly forgotten with an extra 100 horsepower. Besides who, aside from a race driver, or very sensitive street driver will really be driven nuts by a few extra pounds up front?

[reelizmpro]

Audi S5 swap into the E30?

[TRAK WDW]

Stock E30 vs S5_ swap

Unless this is strictly a track/competition car, I would not worry about F:R weight with an S5X.

Just enjoy the powerplant :thumbsup:

[mr2peak]

Do an alloy block m52 if you're worried about it

[phreshkid]

The handling of s5X swapped car can almost be completely corrected with the right combination of shocks/springs, swaybars, and tires.

For example, I still had a lot of front end push with Bilstein Sport struts and shocks in stock housings, 440 lb front springs and 650 lb rear springs, vert front swaybar (with e30 m3 swaybar end links) and stock rear swaybar. I think I was running 225/45r16 tires too. I was pretty low, likely riding on front bumpstops because I didn't cut the strut housings.

If I were to do it again, I'd probably go a bit lighter on the springs, shorten the strut housings and run the correct inserts, and either leave the swaybars stock or go vert front and something beefy and adjustable in the rear. Higher spring rate in the back also promotes oversteer, which to a point is actually better than understeer, assuming you can control it.

That's the beauty of these cars; they react so well to upgraded suspensions.

Get creative, and you'll soon find that that your theoretical problems can all be solved.


Oh and get the car corner balanced if you do go coilovers. That sure helps.

[Benjamin_Button]

Since you don't live in Cali, S5x

[phreshkid]

Since you don't live in Cali, S5x

Meh.

My swap was legal and BAR'd. Very easy to do if you plan for it from the beginning.

[nl328i]

There are other strategies too. When I s50 swapped my touring I notice kd thT despite having the battery located under the hood, the trunk recepticle was there as well. When I dropped in the s50 I re-located the battery to the rear. While the car may be a tad more nose heavy the power difference is worth it imo.

[Andy Mechnic]

I've always wanted to put a euro S50 in an E30. ITBs are such a thing of beauty.

[King Mufasa]

What is the best 4cylinder engine besides the s14 right now of any manufacturer that is great for turbo and racing weight wise?

[Andy Mechnic]

Honda B series

[kingston]

I track an S52-swapped sedan, and the front end is fantastic. Koni-based coils with 550/650 Eibahc springs, 22/19 sways and camber/castor plates. Castor is maxed out, -3.5 degrees of camber. Killer.

[nando]

N52 :p

lighter than an M20, more power potential than an S52.