S50B32... What problems will i have...

Post Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:54 pm

Almost considering this conversion - although i'm seeing it could be quite expensive!!

What problems will we come across when replacing an M20 with an S50??

I'm guessing it ain't gonna just drop in and be a few wires!?!?!?!

I'm assuming you'd also need a custom/modded prop of some kind, to an e30 diff? Or could you use an E36 M3 diff??

Any ideas & comments to try and put me off please!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
Rob.

Post Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:04 pm

Dude! a quick search would reveal alot..

Exhaust manifold is a major hassle, brake servo, wiring (inc EWS), prop

5/6k DIY

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:23 am

dude t will have a fit

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:44 pm

Ha ha, i know!!!! Dunno if he'd do it.

Dunno if i wanna do it to be honest, but i want more power (not turbo!!) and my 2.7 has a little problem!!!

Still considering options but i need to have a propur surf next week when i'm not working nights and work out what's what!!

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:47 pm

dude go down the route im going 2.5 with a rortex supercharge 300plus bhp with 300pound of torque bolts straight onto the side of the lump

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:47 pm

what have u doen to the 2.7??????

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:08 pm

He's blown the head gasket, much to Tee's disgust!!!

Post Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:10 pm

stuartgallafant wrote:He's blown the head gasket, much to Tee's disgust!!!

not again

Post Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:27 am

Two words for you: MANIFOLD and M BITS!!

They are both expensive and the manifold is a pain to get... If you can summount those problems then you'll be fine.

Trouble with the S50 swap is the many small and annoying things that need to be done to get it nice. Moving brake servo, elbows on heater pipes, getting a big enough rad, uprgrading fuel pump, bending over and paying M prices.. etc

I was enjoying it when I had time and money but the manifold and ex saw to both of those so progress is slow... LOL

Jai

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:53 am

Yeah, there's a problem somewhere with the head - the water is getting into the oil like it did on my 2.5 engine!!

Think Tee's gonna take the head off and get it tested for me soon, but i'm just thinking of n/a ways to get more power!!! Don't like all these turbos and chargers - i'll only wreck them anyway!!! Especially racing round the m25 everyday!!!
Itching for the power that 8 series had!!!

Part of me really wants to do the S50 swap, but i won't have time to do naff all myself and i'm sensing it could be an expensive pain in the arse!!!
We'll see how cheap that S50 on ebay goes - it may just accidentally arrive at my house!!

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:27 pm

miniblob wrote:Yeah, there's a problem somewhere with the head - the water is getting into the oil like it did on my 2.5 engine!!

Think Tee's gonna take the head off and get it tested for me soon, but i'm just thinking of n/a ways to get more power!!! Don't like all these turbos and chargers - i'll only wreck them anyway!!! Especially racing round the m25 everyday!!!
Itching for the power that 8 series had!!!

Part of me really wants to do the S50 swap, but i won't have time to do naff all myself and i'm sensing it could be an expensive pain in the arse!!!
We'll see how cheap that S50 on ebay goes - it may just accidentally arrive at my house!!

i do feel sorry for Tee

S50

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:20 pm

u will have more reliability powers with turbo/superchargers!

id definitely go with the s50

exhaust is main prob, servo easier to sort

oh and finding a nice engine may be a slight issue too..... find a 3.0l, hear it running ideally, compression test it, and even getthe rocker of if you can this will give a good indication of how itsbeen looked after, after all these engines are getting on a bit now, but still demanding strong money so BEST BE SAFE THAN SORRY

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:40 pm

Karan wrote:u will have more reliability powers with turbo/superchargers!

I presume you mean reliability problems!!!
That's exactly why i don't want to go for a turbo!!

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:49 pm

miniblob wrote:
Karan wrote:u will have more reliability powers with turbo/superchargers!
I presume you mean reliability problems!!!
That's exactly why i don't want to go for a turbo!!

sorry thats what i meant yeh

trust me its taken a long time t get my silvia reliable on track

Post Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:53 pm

I have the e23 servo setup if you go the s5X route.

Post Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:12 am

Power v Cost & Reliability has got to be a M50/52, Easy 230+BHP and its so much easier to drive than the old M20

Your Brief sounds the same as mine was , No Turbo's of Superchargers, a worthwhile power increase, reliability and still a pleasure to drive. All of these were met with the M52/50 and its doing 35+ MPG...Bonus

Post Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:10 pm

Pretty much!!!

Just trying to think of a relatively easy (?!?), sensible ish (yer right!!) way of getting as much power as possible - while keeping na and fairly reliable (it's driven hard most days aswell as on track!!).

Already got a 2.7 which is running well and fast (220bhp according to the last owner but not had it on rollers myself!) but now have either a head or gasket problem developing!!

Don't think a M50/52 is gonna be worth the hassle for a few ponies and a little bit of torque - would just have the 2.7 rebuilt if i was gonna stay at this level (which i still might!!).
Whereas the S50 3.2 is quite a bit more powerfull I believe!!

Any more ideas on engines that'll give me more torque and ponies, that don't weight too much more than the M20 and will be relatively ok to fit (have fitted!!)???

I just don't know what i want!!!! More power (torque!)

Suspension is sorted and have a large brake upgrade planned regardless!!

Post Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:12 pm

Also really really miss having a six speed 'box!!!! Although it's by no means essential!!!

Post Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:39 pm

M52 2.8 would be good. 220bhp for little money and 250bhp for a bit more - and cheaper than a 250bhp M20!. Not sure how it would match the 2.7 for torque levels, but my money would be on the M52. I would guess it could well be cheaper than an M20 rebuild.

If the M20 has a head problem, bung another one on and sell it as a decent 2.7, that should get you a M52 and the M50 bits to up the power and spend a bit more to go even further.
Do the M52 2.8 conversion with the 5spd or 6spd E36 M3 box (E36 328i 5spd is the same as the M3 5spd) and if the M52 doesnt do it for you, it wont be much more work to go for an S50 - the sump will be done, you will already have the box/prop/diff etc.

Post Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:04 pm

Not bad suggestions there - more food for thought!!

Think i'm gonna get the 2.7 rebuilt and get the MS on it and set it up properly on the rollers - then i'll think about the S50!!!!!!