I might just want to go and swap out with a m20 engine and do a whole conversion, maybe drop in a quiaffe differential while I am at it but here is my idea first.
I like the 4 banger, could I get away with using an e36 m42 turbo manifold for a turbo kit for my 1991 m42 318is? Same engine model and it still is the 1.8 m42 engine. Or the other idea was swapping the m42 for an m44, slight HP gain and torque gain and I don't think many modifications will be needed.
As for the m20 swap, This seems like the most cost-efficient upgrade right now over a turbo kit. I have no clue where to get a turbo manifold for my 91 4 banger. With the m20 swap would I need a new transmission, driveshaft, differential, ecu, wiring, fuel pump, fuel injectors, obviously a header and new exhaust with a heavier suspension.
New idea into getting some ponies for my car
Moderator: martauto
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chu346
- E30 Zone Addict
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If you want an M20 engine, just get a 325i Sport.
If you really want to do an engine swap do the M30 3.5
If you really want to do an engine swap do the M30 3.5
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
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Think you would be dissapointed with an iS to 325 M20 swap.
The iS is slower than the 325, but doesn't feel it!
I bought my first iS a couple of months ago, and was pleasantly surprised. Rev happy and well balanced. Only when you look at the speedo you realise that you're not quite at 325 speeds.
But on the other hand, I've never seen the fuel consumption gauge on my 325, or 318i, anywhere near where it was on the iS.
The iS is slower than the 325, but doesn't feel it!
I bought my first iS a couple of months ago, and was pleasantly surprised. Rev happy and well balanced. Only when you look at the speedo you realise that you're not quite at 325 speeds.
But on the other hand, I've never seen the fuel consumption gauge on my 325, or 318i, anywhere near where it was on the iS.
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Jamesb318is
- E30 Zone Regular
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Seconded. I thought about a swap to an M20, but like Brian says, they dont feel that much quicker, and why go from a 4 valve per cyl, DOHC, distributorless, chain driven engine with hydraulic lifters, to an engine that uses much older technology (nice engine nonetheless, but you'd be better off swapping to something more modern like an M50 or M52. Or S50 
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alex318is
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Yeah well cost is a problem! I have found someone selling an s50 for just over 3 grand with 40k miles on it i think with trany, oil pan, and more. I guess I am going to stick with my original plan with the turbo. Keep changing my mind but I was told I could do a low boost system around 8 psi with stock ECU with a custom chip. With a t25 turbine at 8psi he said I should be getting around 200 at the crank which is all I want. The problem is getting a turbo intake manifold but I am going to call a few companies around to help me out.