turbo or 24v swap?

[redsubdivisions]

Thanks for the tips, man. I'm planning on getting a stage 2 clutch to handle the power, though I'm only aiming for 250-300 whp. Did you get the components for the turbo build separately or did you buy a kit? I was thinking of going with the KA motors kit but that's $2,600. I wouldn't mind buying stuff separately if it means it's cheaper haha

I sourced everything out. Injectors from a Cobra SVT, the turbo was from a 1st gen Dodge Cummins (Holset), my ignition system is wasted spark with GM coils, intercooler was from eBay, I definitely spent well under $2,500 for everything. there was some trial and error for the wastegate and where it needed to be welded, but that has since been taken care of.

[E30_Narek]

I sourced everything out. Injectors from a Cobra SVT, the turbo was from a 1st gen Dodge Cummins (Holset), my ignition system is wasted spark with GM coils, intercooler was from eBay, I definitely spent well under $2,500 for everything. there was some trial and error for the wastegate and where it needed to be welded, but that has since been taken care of.

Haha this gives me some hope. Thanks man.

[Northern]

Yes.

Just don't bother with an M52, not really much point in swapping at that point.

Tainted crank M54 is fine, but M52 no point?
I've bought 3 complete M52/ZF setups for $250-$350, throw some S5x cams and a flash and it's making S52 power. It doesn't get any easier than that.

[agent]

Just don't bother with an M52, not really much point in swapping at that point.

Tainted crank M54 is fine, but M52 no point?
I've bought 3 complete M52/ZF setups for $250-$350, throw some S5x cams and a flash and it's making S52 power. It doesn't get any easier than that.

This.

[TobyB]

the track for HPDE's

Here's the hate for turb0000- they really don't hold up on the track for the 'recreational' user.
Full instrumentation, logging, etc- sure.
"Go have fun"- not so much.

The exception might be the Miata- but then, that thing was a turbo block to start with.

M54 for sure, M52 if you can do it inexpensively.

Turbo M20 is certainly going to cost more if you take it to the track.

If not, then yeah, why not? You won't heat- soak it...

t

[haaken675]

Tainted crank M54 is fine, but M52 no point?
I've bought 3 complete M52/ZF setups for $250-$350, throw some S5x cams and a flash and it's making S52 power. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Wow, if I could find a motor for that price I would be happy...I can't seem to find anything local at all, and when I do the people want astronomical amounts for what they have...

[nando]

Here's the hate for turb0000- they really don't hold up on the track for the 'recreational' user.
Full instrumentation, logging, etc- sure.
"Go have fun"- not so much.

The exception might be the Miata- but then, that thing was a turbo block to start with.

M54 for sure, M52 if you can do it inexpensively.

Turbo M20 is certainly going to cost more if you take it to the track.

If not, then yeah, why not? You won't heat- soak it...

t

Every time I've been to the track on a relatively warm day, the turbo cars are dropping like flies (even OEM ones, and especially if modded) - overheating or worse. But boy, are they fast for the 3-4 laps that they work... ;)

[haaken675]

Every time I've been to the track on a relatively warm day, the turbo cars are dropping like flies (even OEM ones, and especially if modded) - overheating or worse. But boy, are they fast for the 3-4 laps that they work... ;)

Yeah...I think I have made up my mind as to which way I am going to go...It's no wonder I can't really find any threads through my research about many turbo m20 track cars.

[redsubdivisions]

Yeah...I think I have made up my mind as to which way I am going to go...It's no wonder I can't really find any threads through my research about many turbo m20 track cars.

If track is your thing, then M20 turbo wouldn't be a solid choice. As a street warrior, sure.

[TURBOX]

good info

[haaken675]

If track is your thing, then M20 turbo wouldn't be a solid choice. As a street warrior, sure.

I have never actually been to the track, but I plan on being able to do 3-4 track days a year if I can. I have always wanted to, but have just never been able to make it to one. I live close enough to Sebring and have always wanted to take one of my cars there. That and make the trip up to road Atlanta.

[SkiFree]

[IMG]

but M52 no point?

We are on different wave-lengths. I'm talking about a crusty junkyard M52 in unknown shape cobbled together with a few fresh gaskets and slapped into an E30. You end up with a heavier engine, and often its not making as much power as a well-maintained M20. It all comes down to how much effort one takes to do it "right".

Your awesomely-priced engine/transmission finds are enticing, but the numbers you give are by no means a barometer of the general market.
---------------------------

OP. Give some thought to a built M20 stroker engine with RHD ITB's. Great combo if done properly, and plenty of power to enjoy time off and on the track. The belt conundrum is a fallacy propagated by those who don't believe in proper maintenance.

[jhaurimn]

24v sounds like your best option. I'd personally recommend a M54 as a 24v swap.

M54's are a PITA compared to swapping a m50/m52, so if you are doing it yourself with limited knowledge, m54 probably isnt the best route.

[redsubdivisions]

I have never actually been to the track, but I plan on being able to do 3-4 track days a year if I can. I have always wanted to, but have just never been able to make it to one. I live close enough to Sebring and have always wanted to take one of my cars there. That and make the trip up to road Atlanta.

I would personally get a truck/SUV and trailer if you're planning on doing that. If you have the luxury of being able to go to Atlanta, you should have the necessary means to transport the car there and back just in case something takes a dump.

[haaken675]

I would personally get a truck/SUV and trailer if you're planning on doing that. If you have the luxury of being able to go to Atlanta, you should have the necessary means to transport the car there and back just in case something takes a dump.

Already have that one covered :) thankfully I already have a truck and am actively looking for a trailer I can use to pull my bikes and the e30 to track days.