I have been umming and aahing about an engine swap since getting the car (a year ago). I have done enough chassis mods to warrant more power and my M42 engine is feeling the strain slightly so rather than replace all the serive/wear items (think clutch, water pump etc) I'm gonna do an engine swap.
I can borrow the money so get a lump sum together but still really have to stick to a budget (this isn't my first born, its a car! Sometimes I forget).
The engines up for consideration are:
Nissan SR20DET engine and G.box from a 200sx s14.
BMW M52B28 running M50 everything else (ie electrics, inlet, sensors etc)
Tune the M42 is also an option but expensive (proper tuning - forged pistons, ECU, Cams, throttle bodies etc).
The 200sx engine is one I prefer because it is original, light and very easy to tune/get performance bits for but it is going to take longer to do because it will be more of a conversion than a swap. Plus the complexity of plumming the turbo and finding/fitting intercoolers and power steering pipes etc.
I still love the idea of the SX engine but I need to be able to make a big pile of bits that I can swap over in a few weeks of swearing on a friends driveway.
The M52B28 engine appeals to me as it has enough power, GOBS of torque low down and I can use all BMW parts from various cars to bolt it in.
My question is: EXACTLY which parts should I buy and from which cars?
Heres what I'd expect to need:
Engine, clutch and gearbox from an e36 (Single VANOS)
Inlet manifold, all sensors and full engine loom from e34 M50B25 single vanos.
Sump from same car. (Correct?)
Engine mounts and gearbox mounts (from which car??)
Radiator/piping (from which car/cars?)
Diff with correct ratio (I have a mint 4.1 big case LSD - no doubt someone will want!)
Prop from my 318is
Throttle cable (Which one?)
Water/powersteering/etc piping.
A 325i exhaust (STD or otherwise)
Exhaust manifold of some sort. (here I'm a little stumped. After reading a bit I think a modified M52B28 will fit with some fettling)
OK: is there anything else I'll nedd/left off the list/got horribly wrong?
Thanks for the time guys. Perhaps I could get one or more of you guys involved. My usual car buddy is moving away soon with all of his snap on kit
. We could make up a nice technical article for the Zone. Would answer a lot of people's questions..Thanks to the chap with the M50 who got me hooked on the idea of 6 pot torque at Gaydon (he started the post about M50 developments too). He did so right in the middle of my 200sx engine mania.
Many thanks in advance guys.
Jai Stanley
