Engine options. S38...

[tobybmw]

I am seriosuly considering building up the M20 to a 2.8 or 3.0 but I wanted to know if anyone here has considered or researched putting in the S38 motor from the E28 M5 or the motor that came out of the E28 525is. Both Hartge, Alpina and even BMW (in South Africa) put these big motors in the E30.
Yes I am well aware that an S50 or M50 is lighter etc... but I am seeking a more period correct engine swap or engine bump with my M20. Any info would be great. I have seen the pics on www.e30.de but at this point in time I dont speak or read German.

Thanks
Andy

[rs4pro3]

the S38 swap is basically the same as the m30 swap which e30.de has an english version of. I'm seriosly thinking of doing an m30 swap soon and so are at least 2 other members on this board.

[Jordan]

The M88 was used in the M1.

I think you mean the S38, as that was installed in e28 M5's.
The e28 525iS doesnt exist, so I think you mean a 535iS which had a M30 engine.

M30 engines are not worth the trouble to transplant.

S38's look, and perform badass. Those are worth the transplant if you can afford it.

[Eric]

no such thing as a 525is. I think you mean 535.

If you want to do a S38, use the motor out of teh E34 M5. no AFM so you have faster throttle response, and if you want to go balls out use the euro 3.8L with 340hp

custom motor mounts and custom just about everything else needs to be fabbed. I have a really old PBMW before they went ricer that had one thrown in a convert

[rs4pro3]

custom engine mounts, oil pan, shift consule, tranny mounts and a shortened driveshaft are all that is needed depending on what engine position is used.

[tobybmw]

Sorry about the typo yes I meant S38 and 535is. Thanks
ANdy

[MattM20]

wasnt there a US S38B38 in the e34 m5?

[Jon325i]

wasnt there a US S38B38 in the e34 m5?

Nope. But there was a US spec S38B36 in the E34 M5. The first US bound E34 M5s had 3.5L while the later cars had a 3.6L. Not sure when the change took place during production nor do I know if the displacement increase was due to a increase in stroke or bore.

The euro-spec 3.8L is the shit 8)

Jon

[Bill 84 318i]

<-- digs the large six.