help me decide... engine questions....long

[jakeb]

I need some help here.... My DD (e30 318is) is nearing 200k and the engine is starting to feel lacking and burning some oil. I am also getting that bug to have a project... My 2002 is just about done and I wanted something else to pay with.

My e30 has new paint, diamond black, h&r and bilstein sports, cruise, 13 button OBC.

I am debating either replacing the m42 with a used engine...and getting the AC to work.
Or doing a S50 swap (with working AC)

Or selling the e30 and getting something else. I test drove a WRX yesterday while looking at cars for my wife. I really liked the power of that and a mazdaspeed3. Wasn't really into the torque steer of the FWD mazda. I found a WRX with some front end damage that wouldn't be all that much work to repair.

So what do you all suggest I go for? m42, s50, or WRX wagon

Some other factors is this is a DD. I drive it in the winter in Michigan. I also like to do a few autocross events during the summer. Also would like to do some track days....

What autocross class does a motor swap put you in to? If anyone knows....

TIA

[gazellebeigem3]

I think the s50 swap is the best thing you could do with the money. I wont cost as much as a new car and it will blow away the other two you drove. I have an s50 in my 318is and in ohio, with a good set of snow tires, I didnt have any problems getting around in 2-3'' of snow. I also auto x and am in street mod. Its a pretty open class as far as mods go so there will be other cars with major work done. That being said, if i was a better driver, it would be a pretty competitive car.

[Turf1600]

Economical route - used stock motor

Semi economical but alot cooler route - s5x w/ ac

Monthly payments route - new/used car

I vote semi economical. Drive the 02 for a while while swapping the motor in.

[Sean]

S50 swap all the way.

[StereoInstaller1]

If I were to live in Michigan again, I would try like hell to find an iX, then throw some turbs on dat bitch.

[jakeb]

just picked up a 525 pan and pickup....

[Van Westervelt]

just picked up a 525 pan and pickup....

Atta kid! Double your HP with a stock used s5x lump! :)

[tjc5911]

I'd upgrade the E30 with an S5x! What fun that would be. I just got a WRX and it is a fun, great car. But I needed an economical daily driver while I work on my projects. If you can get by, I'd sink all cash into the E30. Far more worthwhile in the end.

[jakeb]

yeah I have a 70 2002 with a m42 that is very reliable. I am now debating going for either a m50 or a s5x. I found a m50 from a 525 with the ecu and everything for $1000. The engine has 90k on it.... I will use the 240 trans from my m42.

Already bought a pan but I could always resell if I end up with a 525 m50.

A 90k engine for $1000 is pretty tempting. Then I have all the parts for a obdI s52 swap down the road....

What do you suggest?

[MIKe30]

depends on your budget. I'd say go s5X time around, but like i said depends on the buget you had in mind.

I just bout an s52 w/tranny and all accessories in order to keep myself from selling my e30's and buying a new 335i or 135i. Lots of money up front now, but it'll save me money in the long run. Similar boat.

[Jean]

Engine swap = Street Mod class if you are talking SCCA Solo2. This is the "whos got the big pocket" class, next to the Prep class (cars that are trailored in, no glass, no interior). Some SM class also are trailored, but they have to have interior/glass and still look like a factory car in a nutshell.

There is also BMWCCA with completely different rules.

[z31maniac]

S52 + OBD I swap + the bigger injectors/AFM/Cams = me being super jealous

[allwheeldrive]

Watch out on wrx's with front end damage. If anything is pushed into the timing covers, the belt may have broken and valves will be bent.

[Motorsports]

I guess yo made the right decision.