Most simple engine swap for a 318i??

[Cavs]

Just bought an e30 318i and am looking to do an engine swap but am on a fairly low budget, so which is the best engine to use??
I've been told the 318is is good but can you use the existing transmission etc??

[DanThe]

M20B25, buy a scrap 325i for a few hundred quid, what you dont use can be sold or weighed in

[secondtimelucky]

1 x tin of worms open

1 x box of popcorn, at the ready

[Cavs]

LOL, not yet-only bought it last week

[ImysE30]

Best off going for the 325 swap, what is your budget?

[secondtimelucky]

LOL, not yet-only bought it last week

I dont think you know where this topic is gonna go bud you'll see what I mean after a few more people reply

[rix313]

1 x tin of worms open

1 x box of popcorn, at the ready

What flavour?

[stonesie]

It depends what 318 you have bought, if it is a touring (estate) then it will already have the 2.5 spec suspension and brakes so all it will need for a 2.5 swap in that respect is some 6 cylinder rated front springs and a good check of all the bushes.

If it's any other 318 then for a cheap conversion you really are limited to the IS engine and even then upgradeing the suspension and brakes would be a good idea.


Obviously 6 pots rule though

[rix313]

Fitting an M42 would be the cheapest and easiest bet. You should already have the correct ratio diff (reference the zone wikki) 4.10 and the gearbox is near identical (so I have read) so it's just the engine and loom etc you'll be needing.

[LeonNewton]

An engion swop is never cheep unless you are pritty handy with a spanner. If you won't a faster e30 then sell up and bye one. Only real exemptions are if your shell is minter than mint or you won't a masive or modern engion. M30 3.5 M50 2.5 16v or M52 2.8 16 v

[stonesie]

24v

[LeonNewton]

Sorry yep 24 valves. Can you tell I drive a 4 pot

[daimlerman]

Question must be asked,if you wanted a bigger engined E30,why did you buy a 318 instead of a 325?
Much cheaper to start with the car you really wanted!

[Cavs]

Cos it. Was really cheap and 90% rust free. It's a touring so that's a good start

[DRIFTBOY]

M30!





Well, someone had to!

[LeonNewton]

We'll naw it has started

M42 M42 M42

Not that I thinnk it is realy worth it

[fowler]

we need to know a few things CAV like budget
how handy you are with a spanner etc ???
then we can give correct information for the engine conversion which would suit your needs
IMPO i would go 24v M52 fo the laymans out there
that is a 2.8 24v out of a E36
HTH
Ben

[ImysE30]

With it being a touring it will already have uprated suspension. Just engine swap

Like Ben said, what is your budget?

[secondtimelucky]

ImysE30: I just fell over laughin at your sig video, mint!!!!!

[Cavs]

I'm pretty handy with my tools etc, can do most things-rebuilt and transplanted engines in capris and sierras, not too up on the electrics.
Not got a budget in mind yet, just need good bhp to the ££

[mt1104]

m50/m52 would be the way forward imo for bhp/£££

[LeonNewton]

+1 f you are after the best bang fir buck so to speek go for m50/52

[Sawyer_E30]

M30!





Well, someone had to!

TURBO M30!!