I'm torn between 2 engines *poll*

[e30Matt]

I've driven 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 M20 cars, and none of them compares in fun-factor to a decently built 24v like Stu's.

Hell, the 2.8 and 3.0 cars were both McHenry motors, so I know they were stout, it's just not the same.

[DaveSmed]

Briggs and Stratton, spring for the 6hp one, its worth it.

[MR 325]

Go INTERCOOLED M20 turbo. A built M20 still doesn't compare to a stock M20 with boost.

Don't skip intercooling, it's not that difficult and it's highly effective.

[backtrail69]

Really... what do you think I think... INTERCOOLED turbo w/ proper standalone...

[Erick]

^ I want your motor :p

[Simon S]

when I daydreaming about a motor swap candidate..

it always ends up being a built/balanced/intercooled/turbo m30.

all the fuckin way.

character. torque. solid. (albeit kinda heavy)

[Shoomakan]

Ok, since I own one, let me chip in to this.

My touring once had a MAD 2.7 in it, cammed, stroked, headers, intake, exhaust, SMT7, valves, springs, retainers, hell, the WORKS. It revved up and down so fast you'd think it was always in neutral. Went like hell, too.

However, the previous's owner's brother didn't realize the water pump failed and sorta blew the engine, so I stuck in an M30 instead. Perfectly stock.

Basically, it has FAR more torque, the old built M20 doesn't compare. The M30 is significantly less in bhp, but makes up for it in grunt. The M20 lost a bit of steam past 230 kph, the M30 just keeps hauling like a diesel, I surpassed the speedo by a good amount...

It did get a bit nose heavy and is a BIT prone to understeer, but good tires and a stiffer rear will eliminate that. Or, relocate the battery to the rear, along with a sub..

The M30 is a far more durable engine, too, I heard with proper maintenance it'll run over 250,000 miles...

Anyways, I am dropping in an M106 next month, which is basically a turbo variant of the M30 that came on the earlier 745s, E23's I think. Oh, and an intercooler is a MUST on this application, especially since if you pluck in an M30 into your E30 you won't have room for a mechanical fan... lol

I say M30. It's loads of fun, even stock, and mated to the right diff, it'll outrun many unsuspecting Type R's, anything French (lol), and any new BMW I6 besides the M3. Or the 335i. :D

Go M30. Trust me.

[eyagel]

why would you do a non intercolled engine, piping and shits like 100 dollars.

[Jesse30]

OPTION 5 never going to happen

:edit: pipe dream

and why is this? because you cant afford to do it?

An intercooler is a reliability item. You start running hotter air in your engine and what do you think will happen? :p

true, but im not even decided if im going m20 turbo. i need to sit down and actually think about it. or.. buy another e30 :)

Go INTERCOOLED M20 turbo. A built M20 still doesn't compare to a stock M20 with boost.

Don't skip intercooling, it's not that difficult and it's highly effective.

so thats a nay from you for the m30? i just took a ride in joemadoo's m30 e30 and i have to say im leaning towards that heavily. haha

Ok, since I own one, let me chip in to this.

My touring once had a MAD 2.7 in it, cammed, stroked, headers, intake, exhaust, SMT7, valves, springs, retainers, hell, the WORKS. It revved up and down so fast you'd think it was always in neutral. Went like hell, too.

However, the previous's owner's brother didn't realize the water pump failed and sorta blew the engine, so I stuck in an M30 instead. Perfectly stock.

Basically, it has FAR more torque, the old built M20 doesn't compare. The M30 is significantly less in bhp, but makes up for it in grunt. The M20 lost a bit of steam past 230 kph, the M30 just keeps hauling like a diesel, I surpassed the speedo by a good amount...

It did get a bit nose heavy and is a BIT prone to understeer, but good tires and a stiffer rear will eliminate that. Or, relocate the battery to the rear, along with a sub..

The M30 is a far more durable engine, too, I heard with proper maintenance it'll run over 250,000 miles...

Anyways, I am dropping in an M106 next month, which is basically a turbo variant of the M30 that came on the earlier 745s, E23's I think. Oh, and an intercooler is a MUST on this application, especially since if you pluck in an M30 into your E30 you won't have room for a mechanical fan... lol

I say M30. It's loads of fun, even stock, and mated to the right diff, it'll outrun many unsuspecting Type R's, anything French (lol), and any new BMW I6 besides the M3. Or the 335i. :D

Go M30. Trust me.

thats the kind of post i was looking for. i needed someone who'd dealt with both to jump in :)

[smonkbmw]

i dont understand why a 24valve isnt in the works. lighter, more reliable, makes the same power for the same money. and does not require any chassis modification.

[erik325i]

is there a none of the above option?

+1

I don't like any of your options.

Why ITBs on either of the motors? That is very costly with minimal gains. If you want ITBs, get a motor that came with them.
Why low boost non-intercooled?

It sounds like you are trying to spend a lot of money for not a lot of gain.

If you want a lot of power for not too much money, build a nice intercooled m20 turbo setup like backtrail69.
If you want the relibility of an NA motor, get an m52 or s50.

-Erik

[Farbin Kaiber]

If you change yor mind and go 24v, I got a plie of obd1 spares to share with a fellow SGV'er.

[euroshark]

i dont understand why a 24valve isnt in the works. lighter, more reliable, makes the same power for the same money. and does not require any chassis modification.

I don't recall my M30 swap having any chassis modification either, aside from 4 or 5 whacks to the firewall with a rubber mallet in a spot that is never seen. Wiring was easy too, and it didn't require a $400 adapter, just solder and about 45 minutes.

And I'd just like to add, if I were going to do it again, I'd do like I said in my first post... M30 (preferably a B35 or a euro spec B34), do a cam and chip it, and add some headers. That should be pretty damn satisfying, especially in an E30. If you still want to throw some parts on it after that, maybe do the ITB setup and use the stock S38 airbox to simplify things. I honestly think ITBs are unnecessary if the motor is going in an E30.

[elsabor67]

Even though i'm new, I would also recommed the M30 swap. Most of the guys that I run with here in Germany have done the swap. Really strong and pulls pretty hard, and one of them is boosting his right now. I've thought about it, but with the right lead foot I have.....................I doubt it will happen. Pretty happy with my M20. Good luck.

[gearheadE30]

I personally would go with the M30. It is a better motor than the M20 goes as far as some of the design points are concerned, and they are unbelievably quick even stock. I've driven an M20 turbo with about 260rwhp as well as a 4-door e30 with a stock m30, and the m30 was better on the road and felt as fast as the turbo. It id seem pretty front-heavy, but the m20 did too just because I have an M42 ;). Plus my parents have an e34 m5, so anything m30/s38 is pretty much ballin in my book.