E30 engine swap options

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  • CincinnatiKid
    Mod Crazy
    • Nov 2007
    • 716

    #1

    E30 engine swap options

    Right now I have the m42, but am wanting some more POWAAA!! (Jeremy Clarkson), so I'm looking into some engine swaps. What're my best options for motors as far as ease of maintenance, aftermarket availability, and not going to break the bank? I was thinking s52, but I've noticed they're hard to come by, and no I don't have the money for s85 twin turbo.
    1990 S50 goodness.
  • z31maniac
    I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
    • Dec 2007
    • 17566

    #2
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    Need parts now? Need them cheap? steve@blunttech.com
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    Comment

    • OrganicMechanic
      E30 Mastermind
      • Jan 2008
      • 1719

      #3
      I was going to say the same thing.

      join the E30 Cabrio owners gruppe
      click here for details


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      • CincinnatiKid
        Mod Crazy
        • Nov 2007
        • 716

        #4
        ok I guess I'll do some more searching then
        1990 S50 goodness.

        Comment

        • 92 mtechnic cabrio
          Honesty is not the best policy!
          • Dec 2003
          • 4907

          #5
          M20
          m30
          m50
          m52
          m60
          m62
          s14
          s38
          s50
          s52
          R.I.P 07/01/09 - 04/23/10 :(

          Comment

          • E30_fiend
            R3V OG
            • Apr 2006
            • 7348

            #6
            Jon, you forgot the ever so sexy S62. The S38. . . Mmmm. . . Can I has new boxers?
            Need a performance chip for you BMW? Shoot me a PM and I'll get you taken care of!!
            Taylor- Follow me on Instagram @e30_fiend


            Comment

            • Car Addict
              E30 Enthusiast
              • Mar 2007
              • 1100

              #7
              also an s54 or an m70 but those require a bit more time and fabrication
              sigpic

              Comment

              • cferb
                E30 Fanatic
                • May 2006
                • 1442

                #8
                s50 is the easiest with the most bang for buck. Not to mention if it isn't enough, a turbo will suffice for any amount of power you want. I hear an s52 isn't much more work though.
                sigpic

                Comment

                • Ral
                  E30 Fanatic
                  • Jul 2007
                  • 1486

                  #9
                  there's someone on s14.net swapping an sr20det into an M3. Really, if you have the time and money you can put anything in there.

                  Also, look up the LS-1 into an e30 on this board. Just to get you thinking.
                  sigpic89 M3

                  Comment

                  • Bimmerman325i
                    R3V OG
                    • Dec 2007
                    • 6854

                    #10
                    Easiest in terms of time and money:

                    M/S50/52

                    M30

                    most expensive: S38/S54/M70
                    2017 Chevrolet SS, 6MT
                    95 M3/2/5 (S54 and Mk60 DSC, CARB legal, Build Thread)
                    98 M3/4/5 (stock)

                    Comment

                    • StereoInstaller1
                      GAS
                      • Jul 2004
                      • 22679

                      #11
                      The way I see it, if you know how to swap an engine, you don't need to ask which one.

                      IMO, the best "bang for the buck" has to be the M30.

                      Closing SOON!
                      "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

                      Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

                      Thanks for 10 years of fun!

                      Comment

                      • GaryE30
                        R3V Elite
                        • Oct 2003
                        • 4791

                        #12
                        LS1 swap is pretty involved, but if you have the fab skills and money it would be pretty amazing. There are a bunch of things to do such as cutting and reshaping the oil pan. Also I know the booster has to be moved and I think it has to be custom, but you may be able to use the e34-v8 setup.
                        Estoril E36 M3/4/5 | Toledo E53 X5 3.0 | LeMans E90 335D M-Sport

                        Comment

                        • OrganicMechanic
                          E30 Mastermind
                          • Jan 2008
                          • 1719

                          #13
                          ford 302
                          caddie northstar
                          2jz
                          sr20-det
                          b16a2

                          those are great also...








                          j/k

                          join the E30 Cabrio owners gruppe
                          click here for details


                          Comment

                          • gearheadE30
                            No R3VLimiter
                            • Jun 2007
                            • 3734

                            #14
                            I'm a huge fan of the M30/M88/S38, and the M30 is easy enough to come by. Very reliable, too.

                            Project M42 Turbo

                            Comment

                            • cferb
                              E30 Fanatic
                              • May 2006
                              • 1442

                              #15
                              Originally posted by StereoInstaller1
                              The way I see it, if you know how to swap an engine, you don't need to ask which one.

                              IMO, the best "bang for the buck" has to be the M30.
                              True, but the s50 is also good, more expensive, but more power, and a more modern engine. Either way is good.
                              sigpic

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