I want to drop a bigger engine in my 318 1990 touring...

[ThreeDLee]

I want to drop a bigger engine in my 318 1990 touring... its a m40 engine with tappy sound big time, getting new oil bar fitted this week and oil pump looked at (Pressure test)

Whats the best engine to drop into this and the easiest?

[Grrrmachine]

Standard question, standard response:

All depends on time and money. The cheapest is an M20B25 engine from a donor E30 325i, the easiest would be an M42 from a 318is, and the "best" would be an M50 or M52 engine (2.5 or 2.8 ) from the E36 or E34 cars, although the cost is 1000-2000 pounds depending on how much of the work you can do yourself.

[ThreeDLee]

how much £££s am i looking and what work would go into a m42 318is swap? i have not got the tools to do a engine swap only tools to do the little jobs... not much know how either on engine swaps.

[Grrrmachine]

Whichever engine you choose, you're going to need an engine crane to lift one out, so that's a cost if you can't borrow one.

With the 318is you need the lump itself, the loom and ECU and few other engine bay bits. Those can be bought for a few hundred from traders on here, so ask them for prices. The good thing about the is engine is that you can keep your original M40 gearbox, and therefore all of the rear drivetrain.

If you upgrade to an M20B25, the engine cost is the same but you'll also need a gearbox, propshaft and new diff to use it properly, so it's better to get a donor car you can cannibalise, then sell the shell to recoup your costs.

Engine swaps are all about budget; you get the best you can afford, not find the cheapest way to achieve your goal.

[ThreeDLee]

I fancy the 318is... its 16v aint it? is there anyone on here in the south of england that would help or do the engine swap at a price?

[Grrrmachine]

Might help if you tell people where you are; South of England is Cornwall to Kent.

Also, ask in the Engine Swap section

[ThreeDLee]

Posted no one got back to me yet tho.

[mcbonio]

Drop a 6 pot in there, you'll never look at a 4 pot again.!

[aimlessrock]

Drop a 6 pot in there, you'll never look at a 4 pot again.!

+1