Engine swap advice

[Andye]

I've found a mint 2dr shell and now need to sort out an engine swap (was originally a 318 auto). What's the advice on later BMW engines, looking to use the car for occassional track days and once a year to the Nurgurgring. Not an out and out track / race car so some compromises allowed. Circa 200bhp, non-turbo. What should I be putting in and what are the costs? What have people done on here that works? Or could just build up a quick 325 or 2.7 it? Thanks, Andy.

[Topblag]

Do you have the engine and box from the 318 Auto and is it in good nick ? May be interested (it's for the missus).

[Ziggy]

Moved to the engine swaps section. Have a read around in here & see what sounds like it'll suit you! If you still can't make your mind up, you'll need to give us a bit more of a clue as to what you're after: budget, fabrication abilities, priorities on weight vs power vs economy etc etc...

[Jonsku]

First of all you need proper suspension & brake setup, which is a straight bolt on from 325 or 318iS. All tourings and cabrios also have the "big setup".

As a engine M20 or M50 both do ~200hp with minor tuning (M50 bit easier though), both are easy bolt on - swaps to that 318.

[Andye]

Suspension and brakes are sorted (or at least I know what's going on there anyway) gaz golds and WMS brake kit. Budget is open but not unlimited, i've done engine swaps before and have been putting together track cars and competed previously so fabrication skills and ability are fine. Just wanted a clue as to what was seen as a good swap or should i just build up a good m20? I already have a six branch exhaust and stainless for an m20 so that may make my mind up. Not worried about economy as I have a second car and get the train to work, just want something with a bit of go for track days, but don't need a rocket ship. The original 1.8 was a bit tappy to be honest but the auto box was fine, I drove it home and put it in the workshop as it was still mot'd and taxed.

[ross_jsy]

you want a m52 with m50 inlet and remap. chuck some cams in too and i think they are good for around 240hp iirc. standard the m50 and m52's are around 192hp.

swaps are easy and its very well documented in here

[leeparkes]

Whats your budget?

[Andye]

Budget as above, open but not unlimited.

[Andye]

What model does an m52 come out of? Can you get manual gearboxes for them ok?

[ross_jsy]

e36 328i is common. manual gearboxes very easy to get. can use e30 ones too. think its the m40 ones that require no modification.

i used my sports gearbox, just required modding the gearbox mount and bending the gear linkage.

if you go into the sub section entitled m50/52 swaps and have a read through the stickied thread it will teach you all you need to know on the matter.

the only real problem is the exhaust, but with basic fabrication skills its not really an issue