E30 Zone

Hi,

I was wondering what the most straightforward engine swap is from a 1.8 113hp engine?

I was hoping either a 1.8 is engine, or a 325i.

Just need a detailed description of what needs changing and which is the easiest conversion for me to do. I'm looking for 140hp+ really, doesn't need to be ridiciously quick just something with a bit of go in.

Cheers

Also car is a 1993 cabriolet as guessing this may be relevant too.

Cheers

Didn't you have a 325 cab? Just swap engines over. A garage will probably charge £300-£500 to do it for you.

no someone had put that badge on it was a 320i engine, I have that but the 318i engine is 113hp and the 320i is 127, so it seems hardly worthwhile, if I cammed it I would get that much hp extra.

Really the I.S engine would be ideal as 140hp and 4 cylinder, so would imagine better on fuel that the 6 cylinder beasts, although they do make a nice noise.

Surely theres more to it then just changing only the engine?

cheers

With the e30 M42 engine - nope that's about it. Change engine, exhaust and ECU. Oh and you'll need a bracket for the coilpack. Can't think of anything else major

All cabs and tourings come complete with 325 spec. brakes and suspension, so there's no other changes required other than the driveline, except changing four cylinder front springs for six cylinder ones if you're going from four pot to six, simply to cope with the heavier engine.
M42 or M20B25 conversion are both a straightforward swap, although for the latter you'd probably want to include the diff. as well.

ok so diff, ecu, geabox, engine is that about right? I've got the 6 cylinder shocks and springs of my 320i.

thank-you

Matt

I'd go M42.
you don't need the diff you can use the m40 one, you can use your m40 gearbox. You just need an engine with ancillaries (exhaust manifold and inlet & throttle body are the main ones), loom, ecu. You will also need a larger radiator and cowl, i got mine from an IS but i'm sure loads will work. Exhaust front section is good to get too, cos you can't buy them anymore and most aftermarkets slip onto the cut down front section.

ok thanks for the advice, is alternator, starter motor etc the same is it really the exhaust mainfold, throttle body and inlet manifold and ecu/wiringloom?

cheers

matt

yes same starter, alternator, powersteerinf pump etc, the rest youve listed are all the essentials from M42 donor

Is it possible to get the M42 running gear from an e36 and plant that straight in with its loom and intake from an e30 m42?

Tan.

with its ancillaries and stuff, only asking as its easier to source a lower miller e36 m42 than a e30 m42.

Have a look through this section, e36 swaps have been covered at least 3 times.
Loom you'll need X20 > C101 or an e30 m42 loom, ancillaries depends on if the engine is vbelt or serpentine. Intake stays as is but you'll need the e30 m42 exhaust manifold and downpipe at least.