Newly bought e30 2.0

[Hass0250]

Hi,
New to this forum recently bought e30 with a 2.0 engine wanting to do a conversion what would be the best engine to swap with at reasonable cost.

(Fairly new at all this lol)

[ross_jsy]

The most reasonable swap cost wise would be a m20b25 (e30 325 lump). Drops right in with no fuss.

After that would be an m5x swap. An m52b28 is the best bet (e36 328i lump amongst others). Not strictly a drop in conversion however a member (DanThe) sells all the parts to make it a plug and play conversion. Budget around £2k to do properly.

There is also the m30 swap. I've recently done one on my daily. It cost me net £0 from selling the m20b25 conversion and I love it. Goes down the road well and effortless to drive.

[Hass0250]

thanks for u reply ross, typically if i was to swap a e36 328i what additional parts will i need or what will need to change.

Also is it worth turboing the e30 325 engine?

[ross_jsy]

Have a read of the wiki

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M5x

And the engine swap section

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... forum&f=56

There are several ways to do it. In terms of bits that you will need, it will be an e34 sump and dip stick, mk1 golf/plastic winged clio servo, e36 engine arms, different engine mounts (there's a few types, I used AKG's but they are pricey), modified manifolds and a modified wiring loom. There's a few different gearbox choices if you want to go down that route. I originally used an m20 gearbox with modified crossmember but now have a ZF box.

A lot of people have turboed the m20. I recommend using an m50 (steel blocked smaller displacement version of the m52 found in e36 325's etc). If you are serious about that route I will be selling a manifold, modified m50 wiring loom from DanThe and a VEMS plug and play standalone ECU in the near future as I am about to buy an s54

[Hass0250]

Does anyone on here live near Hertfordshire area that can, help me with the engine swap obvs will pay for the labour ????