im looking to buy another e30 and give it a new heart. now. this is my first engine swap. what is the easiest and cheapest way to get a 24v e30? what engined e30 do i start with and what donor car will i be needing? i want it to be as straight forward as possable and as few or no custom parts hopefully.
ie. would a 320 and a 525 or 535 e34 be combineable with no custom bits. plug and play?
omg im driving myself insane here lol[/list]
e30 + new engine = me happy
Moderator: martauto
Easiest way is to buy one already done!!!
If you wanted to do it yourself though, it would be easier to start with an e30 that already has the 51mm struts, front and rear discs, 6 pot suspension - i.e. a 6 pot car or touring.
But imo it depends on what needs doing to the car aswell. When i did mine i had all the bushes replaced and loads of stuff replaced / upgraded. The only customer bit really is fart assing around with the exhaust manifold to fit around the steering joint, and a modified steering joint. Both of which can be bought pre made through the zone
If you want a 24v e30, why would you start with a 535i?
Have a read through the epic 24v conversion thread. But remember that there are several different ways to do the conversion.
If you wanted to do it yourself though, it would be easier to start with an e30 that already has the 51mm struts, front and rear discs, 6 pot suspension - i.e. a 6 pot car or touring.
But imo it depends on what needs doing to the car aswell. When i did mine i had all the bushes replaced and loads of stuff replaced / upgraded. The only customer bit really is fart assing around with the exhaust manifold to fit around the steering joint, and a modified steering joint. Both of which can be bought pre made through the zone
If you want a 24v e30, why would you start with a 535i?
Have a read through the epic 24v conversion thread. But remember that there are several different ways to do the conversion.
how so? the 3.5 24v sport engine i have heard is a f__king monsterous engine. serious power and torque with reasonable economy for a feathered right foot which i can be capable of... 5 days of the week anywayCook318IS wrote: If you want a 24v e30, why would you start with a 535i?
it would be a 24v monster if the e34 535i had 24v's!
Thats a matter of opinion. Its like the old 318iS vs 325i debate 
The m30 3.5 has bags and bags of torque, but the 24v engines are more rev happy and make their power at the top of the rev range. I personally reckon an m30 should be in a convertible due to its lazy and masses amount of torque - perfect for a convertibles which are designed for posing more than performance. Everything else - 24v's ftw in my opinion!
The m30 3.5 has bags and bags of torque, but the 24v engines are more rev happy and make their power at the top of the rev range. I personally reckon an m30 should be in a convertible due to its lazy and masses amount of torque - perfect for a convertibles which are designed for posing more than performance. Everything else - 24v's ftw in my opinion!