tuned 2.5, build a 2.7, 2.8 or convert to M52B28?

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:05 pm

Hi guys,

Its new engine time I think... so how about abit of input and some suggestions from those of you that have already converted and tuned your engines.

Im after the pros and cons of either simply fitting a good 2.5 (incl mild tuning) back into my 325 tourer, having a 2.7, 2.8 built or going down the M52B28 route.

Your input would be much appreciated.

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:10 pm

Its your choice but id go M52
Whats your budget?

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:35 pm

no more than 3k really, but what doesnt go over budget these days lol

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:38 pm

3k would be plenty for an m52 swap
Will you be doing the conversion yourself?

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:42 pm

I cant do any work on cars here, simply no space.

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:43 pm

It depends on what you want from it really, to keep it in E30 character a freshly built 2.7 is awesome, but if you wanted more refinement in the car with better mpg an m50/52 is better suited.

www.fastbimmer.co.uk

Post Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:06 pm

I was thinking along those lines Shakey, so do you run a 2.7?

Would I get better MPG from a freshly built engine, as its got to be more efficient than one thats covered over 130k?

keeping the car "e30" is a factor and also helps when it comes to selling it on, but at the moment the car feels like its "all show and no go".

Post Sat Apr 18, 2009 2:18 am

Well if you have no where to work on the car then tbh, that leaves you will tuning the 2.5 in your budget tbh..

Post Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:00 pm

supercharged m20 b25 = 240hp talk to ant, atech

Post Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:03 pm

cough.... 240 BHP !

1 bar easily achievable, 340 BHP

Post Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:03 pm

What's the max achievable without an intercooler or that a must-have?

Post Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:41 pm

Ant wrote:cough.... 240 BHP !

1 bar easily achievable, 340 BHP

what figures for the m52 ant??
you still got that fuel filler mate?? gonna have to come and get it.

Post Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:45 pm

A supercharged M20B25 supplied and fitted for 3k?

Post Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:25 pm

contact ,

A-Tech E30 Specialist service,repairs and conversions 01959 534718

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:20 pm

no way for 3K

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:01 pm

Far more satisfying to do the work yourself,rather than simply write a cheque at the end! At least then when you pop the bonnet at a meet you can truthfully claim that 'It's all me own work!'

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:11 pm

^^^agreed , but some people don't have the time and/or space or even knowlage to do these things

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:32 pm

hongkongfuey wrote:^^^agreed , but some people don't have the time and/or space or even knowlage to do these things

Then with the best will in the world,modified E30's are not for them!
Tinkering with old cars is for the enthusiast,those who 'just like the idea' of a cult/style thing and intend to pay with cheque book are missing the point.
OK,back when I was playing with classic Daimlers I met a lot of seriously wealthy men who liked the idea of an elderly car as a toy,they usually lasted a year or two,then their wife got fed up with life on the hard shoulder waiting for the AA man...
Older cars are for those of us who enjoy the tinkering,a breakdown is a challenge,not a disaster,can I get this heap of shite home just using inginuity and the car toolkit?
If you do not have the time/space/knowhow to keep a car running,the zone will help,but you need to help yourself first by at least aquiring the basic tools and skills to use them,and leaning your own limits.
If your only working area is the curb of the road outside your home,then you are far more limited than the guy with access to a fully fitted workshop,and one should plan projects accordingly.

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:01 pm

daimlerman wrote:
hongkongfuey wrote:^^^agreed , but some people don't have the time and/or space or even knowlage to do these things
Then with the best will in the world,modified E30's are not for them!
Tinkering with old cars is for the enthusiast,those who 'just like the idea' of a cult/style thing and intend to pay with cheque book are missing the point.
OK,back when I was playing with classic Daimlers I met a lot of seriously wealthy men who liked the idea of an elderly car as a toy,they usually lasted a year or two,then their wife got fed up with life on the hard shoulder waiting for the AA man...
Older cars are for those of us who enjoy the tinkering,a breakdown is a challenge,not a disaster,can I get this heap of shite home just using inginuity and the car toolkit?
If you do not have the time/space/knowhow to keep a car running,the zone will help,but you need to help yourself first by at least aquiring the basic tools and skills to use them,and leaning your own limits.
If your only working area is the curb of the road outside your home,then you are far more limited than the guy with access to a fully fitted workshop,and one should plan projects accordingly.

200% Agree!! I carry a tool kit in mine, just incase..

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:35 pm

i totally agree with what you say , i've got myself home with string on the wipers and chewing gum wrapper fuses

. i know how to do most jobs and most of the time have been done on the roadside, the engine swap was under plastic sheeting out the back of my mates garage, i have used my mates workshop too, but for some people some jobs need paid assistance

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:43 pm

Slow down guys, just because I dont have the space, tools or time to tinker with an E30 doesnt mean I dont appreciate what its all about or I wouldnt be here in the first place. I can do all the basics and will happily do so but as for building engines, swapping gearboxes and wiring looms etc I'd rather leave that to experienced mechanics like a majority of other E30 owners would and do. I enjoy owning my E30 and dont see why the limitations of where I live are even a factor when it comes to what I would like to have done to it. Im pretty sure most people here dont do thier own lightening and balancing, gas flowing etc so we're all in the same boat to a certain degree.

I was and still am after some friendly advice and guidance.

Post Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:05 pm

Whichever way you go, a M20 flywheel will make a M50 more revvy, and the chap who posted above you can get them lightened

I have one of his going on my 2.8 build

Post Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:48 pm

JamOnIt wrote:Slow down guys, just because I dont have the space, tools or time to tinker with an E30 doesnt mean I dont appreciate what its all about or I wouldnt be here in the first place. I can do all the basics and will happily do so but as for building engines, swapping gearboxes and wiring looms etc I'd rather leave that to experienced mechanics like a majority of other E30 owners would and do. I enjoy owning my E30 and dont see why the limitations of where I live are even a factor when it comes to what I would like to have done to it. Im pretty sure most people here dont do thier own lightening and balancing, gas flowing etc so we're all in the same boat to a certain degree.

I was and still am after some friendly advice and guidance.

ask away

Post Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:16 pm

Well,at least the OP accepts his limitations!
Tinkering with elderly cars is a hobby,paying someone to do your tinkering is expensive,and they only do what they are instructed to do,whilst I am tinkering I am forming a further 'to do' list based on what I am finding....it is this aspect that runs the garage bill up to eyebrow raising levels.£3k may seem to be a reasonable budget to work with,and if you were DiYing I would agree that it is,but a DiY re-build of an M20 motor can gobble this amount of cash on it's own,then you are paying some dude to pull the old out and fit the new,then you find the suspension/brakes are in need of a re-furb to cope,need I go on?
Hate to say it,but your £3k may well be better spent on a decent E36 328/M3....
We,the zone,can and will help with practical advice,but you need to be able to use the tools to gain from our experience.