What is required for E30 S38 swap?

[ILoveMPower]

fuck that.. here is your real responce:

Hard to maintain? Not at all. Expensive to maintain? Eh, somewhat. Expensive as shit when it breaks? Definitely. The S38 is a very strong motor, and most of the horror stories are from people who don't know much and fail to stay on top of preventative maintenance.

You are more than welcome to think that this thread is posted as a plot to get E30 nerds to suck my e-cock, but in reality I'm just a BMW enthusiast that loves all things inline-six. S50/2s are fabulous motors as well, but simply too refined for my taste. The power delivery is simply too smooth, same with the S54.

I know the E30 is known for phenomenal handling and road feel, so combined with my favorite motor I figured it would be the epitome of my driving enjoyment. After some research however, (and some E34 flogging), I have realized that the S38 is simply too much for an E30 without a cage. Even in it's supersaloon home, sometimes feels like if you added a bit more power the chassis would not be so happy!

I am looking for a fun car with all my favorites, which is why I made this thread. After listening to several guys go on and on about how it's such a terrible swap, and several others about how its a phenomenal swap, I am once again forced to turn back to my own opinion. In the end I'm looking for a streetcar... I don't want an autocross legend, or a track beast, not interested in putting in a cage.

LINUS, I apologize for my comments earlier, and your car is beautiful, but I'm sure you can understand why someone coming to this forum for legitimate answers would be a little disappointed in the responses.

Thanks to all that actually gave me valid advice, it is much appreciated, and I hope you love your BMW as much as myself!

Cheers,
- Jeremy

[AC Nico]

I found an instruction for a swap. Only problem for you will be thats written in german but there are many pics. Then you will see what you have to buy:

http://wp1016621.wp027.webpack.hosteurope.de/fotost/f01338/f01338.htm

[LINUS]

No problem, I can see that if you are really that serious, all the money responses could get old.

And like I said, I like the S38, and I wish I could have bought a brand new S38 powered car, but now all us enthusiasts are getting our parents' leftovers & parts, and getting stuck with repair work. I guess I'd rather beat a new S54 & let my kids decide if they want to rebuild it.

All personal choice. At least we know you have good taste.

[Jean]

"I know the E30 is known for phenomenal handling and road feel, so combined with my favorite motor I figured it would be the epitome of my driving enjoyment."

Compared to what, a bus ? E36 handles and puts power down better than any e30 fwiw

[ILoveMPower]

"I know the E30 is known for phenomenal handling and road feel, so combined with my favorite motor I figured it would be the epitome of my driving enjoyment."

Compared to what, a bus ? E36 handles and puts power down better than any e30 fwiw

[nando]

"I know the E30 is known for phenomenal handling and road feel, so combined with my favorite motor I figured it would be the epitome of my driving enjoyment."

Compared to what, a bus ? E36 handles and puts power down better than any e30 fwiw

tell that to Alex Schipkov :p

(hope I spelled that right!)

[Jean]

tell that to Alex Schipkov :p

(hope I spelled that right!)

Let's just say his e30 on wide R tires is not the norm ;) + his driving experience backed by years of autox ;)

[e30cbe]

check out e30 zone in the uk for s38 swap - prob find all u need to know - hope this helps - in the process of thinking of doing one here also - goodluck

[hendrixvodu]

we dont take your damn monopoly money round here!

[ian e30 318is]

damn, sounds like a badass project...I would try it if I had the money. Good Luck. If you do it, post up some pics too. :). How similar in dimensions are the m30 and s38. I know nothing about the s38 but if it has similar dimensions, id say talk to funkmasta because he has an m30 in his ride and also he knows his shit. he also make motor mounts for m30 swaps.

[george graves]

talk to funkmasta because he has an m30 in his ride and also he knows his shit. he also make motor mounts for m30 swaps.

Quoted for truth. s38/m30 swap + joe funk = good times.

You want proof? Yea, every time I take my car out of the garage and run up second gear. That is proof.

[Massive Lee]

we dont take your damn monopoly money round here!

Ah, ah. Seing that the US currency has lost 25% of its value in 18 month, I wonder what currency can be called "Monopoly" these days. Both Canadian and US dollars are now at par. :giggle: