Engine conversion options. (Long term!)

[fozzymandeus]

I've now done about 1000 miles in my little M40 runabout, and am very fond!

However, the engine is, to be blunt, a bit of a weak point and a transplant is probably in order, after I've sorted out other bits and pieces, so here's what I'm planning to do, and I'd appreciate peoples' input as to what way to go re: engine choices further down the line.

1. Brakes Replace all calipers (bleed nipples seized). Take opportunity to fit 325i brakes all round, so new discs and pads. (Will these still fit under 14" BBSs?)

2. Replaced front to rear brake lines and flexi hoses for MOT.

3. Sort steering rack (Maybe take opportunity to replace with Z3 item, suitably adapted).

4. Fix dodgy front cross member (All bent out of shape!!)

5. Swap engine!! Now I want something light, preferably four cylinder, so as not to change the handling too much... so I was thinking M42/M44... or maybe S14!! The problem, of course, is cost - how much money is needed to do a decent S14 conversion, compared to the cost of M42 or 44...

Any other suggestions for engine choices would be welcome. Maybe a Cosworth Pinto?

I don't have previous experience of engine conversions so all advice would be welcome.

6. Finally sort the suspension with the new engine in place!

[E30BeemerLad]

I would have thought an S14 conversion is gonna be mega $$$, cost of the unit plus all the goodies that need to come with it, but on the other hand it may not be as eye watering as thought.

The other BMW 4 pots are not really going to set the world on fire IMO.

I for a while have been banging on about putting a supra lump in, but this is a heavy 6 pot. Worth considering the 1.8 Turbo engine out of the early S13 Nissan 200SX and also the later 2.0 lump out of the S14 200SX. circa 200bhp in bone stock trim and plenty of scope for more power. I have no idea of the ease of doing such a conversion and you would probably be better getting a complete donor car to rape the bits from. Food for thought anyway.

[fozzymandeus]

Interesting ideas...

however I forgot to mention one additional proviso - how can I keep complexity down?

Am I right in thinking an M42 would be the least troublesome? (And costly? although I have seen some cheap, rusty 200SXs lying around).

[Brianmoooore]

Most cost effective option would probably be to find a terminally rusted 325, and to swap the front and rear subframes over complete with suspension, brakes, engine and gearbox all in place.

[fuzzy]

i favour the cosworth option from your list and if its a 4 pot turbo your after then thats the way to go. expect to pay around £6000+ depending on engine spec for a drive in drive out job by a garage. standard size but uprated brakes are up to the job unless big power (350bhp+) is wanted. any info you want on that conversion just let me know. i can also supply close up photos of any specific areas if you require.
when refering to this conversion you dont need to mention the pinto part, cosworth will suffice

[chips]

are the front and rear subframes, running gear etc on a 4 door or touring the same as a 2 door? ie; could the equipment be swapped from a rusted out 4 door to a nice clean 2 door shell?

[Brianmoooore]

are the front and rear subframes, running gear etc on a 4 door or touring the same as a 2 door? ie; could the equipment be swapped from a rusted out 4 door to a nice clean 2 door shell?

Yes. All the same underneath, except the cutout for the exhaust in the rear valence can be either one pipe or two pipe sized.

[fozzymandeus]

would I need to change subframes if I changed to M42?

[Brianmoooore]

All front and rear E30 subframes are the same. It's just that if you are fitting a 325 engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes it's easier to leave it all attached to the front frame.
Similarly, to fit 325/318iS/Touring rear suspension, brakes and diff, just change the subframe complete