I'm torn between 2 engines *poll*

[Turf1600]

I voted ITB m30. The intake sound would be so badass with some socks on long velocity stacks. My favorite motor ever was in my 82 euro 735i.

[Justin B]

ITB M30 here too, that thing would be mean.

[Erick]

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.

Because to do it right you'll spend $2k+ to get an extra 18hp?

[SchnellerVert]

What are you going to do about California ARB? Problems with inspections like Matt ran into with Turbo car?

[One21Two]

Jesse go with the M30 ITB, i saw u roll in it last night. Im pretty sure u got ur mind set.... Wheres my parts!!! j/k. hit me up.

[A.LACK]

ITB Non-Vanos M50

[aaron.j]

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


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 :)


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



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

alright dipshit, I have a turbocharged m20.That is why I gave you an opinion on one. People make posts like this all the time and nothing ever happens. Usually when someone is going to do something they just do it. Why the hell do you want "itbs" anyway? For mad tite looks? "itbs" on anything short of an all out race motor are pointless. Dbilas was put on my friends "built m20" and he gained 12 peak hp and lost the bottom end. Unless you plan on spinning it past 8000 dont waste your time.

[aaron.j]

nope, because those are within my price range and dont require tons of modification to cooperate with the chassis.

also you are obviously on a budget. It is going to cost 5k minimum to build an m20 and turbocharge it. Which by the way if your so concerned about weight you dont want to add an intercooler, will weigh more than a 24v motor by the time you add a turbo, 3 inch exhasut and an intercooler. 4k to build an m20 or m30 with "itbs" and thats if you do all the headwork yourself. a stock s50 can be had for 2500 and it cost maybe 1k to get it in the car if your not a dumbass with what you buy (buying shit you dont need) and you have more power than a strung out/peaky
m20

[e30325ic]

I say get the m5x. I know it wasn't on the list, but to it me would be the best option.

[Farbin Kaiber]

I got your back one way or another Jesse. I' offer you a hand one way or another but I think you got it covered with the help you have at your disposal now. Goor luck bro.

[nando]

also you are obviously on a budget. It is going to cost 5k minimum to build an m20 and turbocharge it. Which by the way if your so concerned about weight you dont want to add an intercooler, will weigh more than a 24v motor by the time you add a turbo, 3 inch exhasut and an intercooler. 4k to build an m20 or m30 with "itbs" and thats if you do all the headwork yourself. a stock s50 can be had for 2500 and it cost maybe 1k to get it in the car if your not a dumbass with what you buy (buying shit you dont need) and you have more power than a strung out/peaky
m20

where are you seeing S50s for 2500? I'd be surprised if anyone was doing an S50 swap and it cost them lest than $5k total - nobody is going to leave it stock, and things always come up at the last minute when you're doing stuff like that.

also, a stock M20 with about $3k into a turbo will make more power than a stock S50, and can be perfectly reliable - a built one will destroy an N/A S50 (of course a turbo S50 is a different ball game, but who wants an 800hp E30?).

that said, I think with what you want to use the car for and your power goals, an S50 swap is the only thing that makes sense. I'll never understand the appeal of an M30 swap though..

[PiercedE30]

a turbo S50 is a different ball game, but who wants an 800hp E30?

Who doesn't?

[e30_kid89]

and it didn't require a $400 adapter, just solder and about 45 minutes

About 45 minutes of reading the approiate ETM's can eliminate the need for a $400 adapter for a 24V swap. and its free. :p

To the OP: I would say a m20 INTERCOOLED turbo would be best since you already have once in good condition which would be a good candidate for boost.

[nando]

Who doesn't?

seriously? what would you do with that much power? there is no way you would be able to put it down to the ground. the guys with 3-400whp have enough trouble as it is. I guess for drifting it might work..

[aaron.j]

car-part.com s5x engines also seem to be pretty cheap on the east coast. ebay as well. just look around if youre not in a hurry you can find one.