91 318is Field Rat

[Codym42]

Is it an m52tu with dual vanos? If so, I wouldn't bother with putting that into the e30. You're better off with a single vanos m52. It's a much simpler swap. If you want more of a challenge, you may as well opt for a 3.0L m54.

[captain awesome]

Is it an m52tu with dual vanos? If so, I wouldn't bother with putting that into the e30. You're better off with a single vanos m52. It's a much simpler swap. If you want more of a challenge, you may as well opt for a 3.0L m54.

My thoughts exactly, but this m52 definitely shows the lack of power I didn't even know I was missing with the m42. It's either m54 or turbo the m42.

[wworm]

oooooooh please do m54 if you ever decide to swap.

[econti]

My thoughts exactly, but this m52 definitely shows the lack of power I didn't even know I was missing with the m42. It's either m54 or turbo the m42.

boooOOOooO0oO0oO0st

[captain awesome]

I was wrong, this m52tu is an aluminum block. Not sure on the weight, but I assume slightly lighter than the m54?

[wworm]

m54 is also aluminum iirc. if youre gonna go dual vanos m54 is definitely the better of the two.

[captain awesome]

I get that the m54 is the motor of choice, but I already have this one. From what I gather an m54 intake and a few other little goodies will help add a little power. Considering it's a lightweight 6 that could produce double what I have with the m42 I think it may still be worth the trouble.

For now though, it will just be driven as an e46 as the list below has been installed.

New rotors, pads, radiator, water pump, thermostat, exp. tank, coolant hoses, pulleys/belts, aluminum water pump pulley, power steering lines/reservoir, secondary air pump delete, etc.

[wworm]

this thread lists the m54 as lighter, although I dont think I'd believe that, nor is it a big enough number to worry about IMO. Definitely would consider doing the swap down the line If you start itching for more NA power and dont using the e46 for parts. I think your plan is a good one

[captain awesome]

Saturday the local Vette club had an autocross. It was a small turnout and warm, so we got 8 runs. On my first run as I shifted into second the top of the shifter knob broke in half. I made my way through the fairly long course, but what was left of a knob wasn't really great as there were so many tight 180 hairpins that required a downshift. As soon as I got back to grid I balled up a rag, and wrapped it in masking tape hoping to make something that would last the rest of the day. It was terrible, my steering sucked since the turns were so tight with no powered rack, my redline far before each turn was less than ideal, lots of understeer, all in all I didn't do well. I had fun though.

[1843lamp]

What happened to the recovered recaros?

[captain awesome]

What happened to the recovered recaros?

They are sitting in my bedroom. I still need to get them finished by an upholstery shop, and I've not had time during the week to drop them off.

[mike.bmw]

I love how far this car has come since you got it. The 15" weaves look so good, plus there's a better tire selection than 195/65R14. Keep up the good work!

[1843lamp]

They are sitting in my bedroom. I still need to get them finished by an upholstery shop, and I've not had time during the week to drop them off.

I think there may be overly high expectations of you as you seem to get much accomplished in a short span of time.

[captain awesome]

I love how far this car has come since you got it. The 15" weaves look so good, plus there's a better tire selection than 195/65R14. Keep up the good work!

It's hard to keep perspective on how much has changed in just a year, but I definitely agree the weaves were a good investment. Now if I can get this A/c stuff installed it will make the upcoming weather much more bearable.

[captain awesome]

I think there may be overly high expectations of you as you seem to get much accomplished in a short span of time.

Ha! That's probably true even in this sense. I have had major trepidation about handing over the seats as I feel it should be finished by me. The guy that will be doing them is flakey with timelines, so I should have just dropped them off already. In fact, I'll load them up and try to drop them off on my lunch today! Thanks for the kick in the pants, I'll update when they are getting installed.