250 hp 325es?

[Charlie]

4k budget if you take your time and look around is an S50 swap. Simple as that.

[CadeTex]

And i would definitely prefer a 325i/is.. even a m42 318is, but honestly the market here in texas seems pretty poor. ill keep my eye out though

[nando]

Yeah... But $1000 for 180-200 reliable HP and usable torque or $4000 for a 250hp engine that wont be all that streetable. Slap a 3.73 behind and m30 or M52 and itll feel like 250 anyway...


You don't need a lot of power to get these cars to MOVE. :)

I don't know. I've been down this road. you get bored - a 200hp M20/M50 is sort of "meh". it's not really that much of a bump over the M20b25.

also, there's nothing preventing a 250hp motor from being streetable.

[Kevinl]

Im asuming you dont have a car yet start with a 325i and it will keep you happy for a while no point buying a running car and building it right away

[CadeTex]

Alright so is 190-200 a better goal? I was thinking new microchip, head swap, and exhaust?

[totheredline]

neither of those are likely to get to 250bhp.

Yeah... But $1000 for 180-200 reliable HP and usable torque or $4000 for a 250hp engine that wont be all that streetable. Slap a 3.73 behind and m30 or M52 and itll feel like 250 anyway...


You don't need a lot of power to get these cars to MOVE. :)

[Reichart12]

Lets just say Im 5k+++ into a NA daily driver build on a m20b25 and my hopes are to be around 210hp. Even that Id be happy and anymore than that id be ecstatic.

[nando]

neither of those are likely to get to 250bhp.

[CadeTex]

yeah i'm definitely considering the 2.7i or 2.8i conversion. sounds like a lot of work, but it sounds worth it and probably fun to learn

[totheredline]

M30 or M5x swap. You can pick up a decent m52b28 for next to nothing. You can use your transmission ect. Sell your m20B27 and make a lot of your money back.

Another possible route would be the classis 2.7i conversion. My friend has all the parts needed for his swap besides the gaskets with only $400 invested. 323i head, intake manifold, 325i ecu, ect.

[cgk_iii]

Get rid of 'e' motor and get an 'i' motor

[CadeTex]

That sounds like a tough install

[Ether-D]

Supercharger…

[CadeTex]

And am i crazy for not wanting to turbo? I really don't want lag mainly.. would it be a better idea to put a 885 head on then put a turbo on with a slight boost?

[CadeTex]

Im not against a swap. how reliable and easy to work on are those compared to an m20?