Stock E30 vs S5_ swap

[Andy Mechnic]

So who's going to make a mid engine S54 powered E30? Any takers?

[reelizmpro]

Kinda...

[Andy Mechnic]

That's pretty close.
Gives you room for that sweet engine driven fan.

[nando]

BMW quotes the weight of the S54 at 217kg, or 478lbs.

It affects handling.

The front end feel is blunted. By comparison an E30 M3 feels extremely easy to control and crazy easy to pitch the car exactly to the attitude you want it to be at. However, it is hard to ignore the power and torque of the S54. You control the car's attitude with throttle.

An S54 (and the S50/S52) fundamentally change how you drive an E30 on the track. The car is still lightweight and predictable, but stock for stock you have around 80% more power at the wheels than a bone stock, healthy S14. It's very hard to ignore.

This is primarily why i changed course. I think the car will just feel better with a light powerplant. I think i can ultimately get enough power to be close anyway.

[FredK]

I think it will feel better with a lighter powerplant. That said, it's more philosophical than anything else. "Feel" does not necessarily translate completely to "faster"--that is, because the feel of the car's balance is a little blunted, the car isn't necessarily going to be a ton slower through a turn because of it. You can still skid into a wall with an E30 M3.

I'm definitely still learning and getting faster each time I visit the track, but the car has yet to hold me back because it "feels" different. It's still a pleasure to drive.

[nando]

I don't disagree, but for me with how I use my E30, the feel is ultimately more important. The new motor will actually be lighter than the M20, instead of going the other way.

What I really wanted is a carbon CSL airbox (mainly for the sound), and I have a plan to still do that. :)

[goarmy]

That's pretty close.
Gives you room for that sweet engine driven fan.

[Funboy]

Stock E30 vs. S5_ Swap

Interesting stream of consciousness discussion... (mid engine, bespoke engines
Honda's, etc)
So, has anyone that made the swap felt like the gains didn't surpass what was lost?
I have a SWB 2.0L 911 and a 90 3.6. The SWB is twitchy and alive the 90, not
so much . With some work the engines are interchangeable.

[Andy Mechnic]

WOOOO!

[goarmy]

What about the N20? Does anybody know how to tackle the electronics or know what is needed to make it work?

[mr2peak]

ECU, harness, sensors, key fob detector. It's just a wiring problem after than. Most likely similar to an S54.

Lots of potentially expensive electronic components. Installing replacement fuel injectors and other seemingly basic parts usually requires an ECU flash to recognize and optimism the parts. Look at 135i ownership experiences, lots of $ from what I have seen. Undoubtedly a great engine, but it's packed with technology that isn't exactly DIY friendly (right now).

[goarmy]

I have checked on pricing of its components not much different from others, but things like its pricey oil pump and head components are. wiring loom under 200 and 50 bucks per coil ect compared to s54 and others not bad.. They will be mass produced hopefully someone can figure out the electronics and if what you mention is right, then some do it yourself coding be available.

But it definitelyrequires some N20 101 classes to understand the work and tolerances. Interesting head work

[goarmy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRjs4AdMzfs

[goarmy]

so small, the head looks crazy

[nando]

if you want a turbo an N54 or N55 would probably be easier since they've been around for a long time. still relatively lightweight. just not N/A goodness..