engine swop options for 320i

Post Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:38 pm

got 1992 e30 320i convertible

been looking into getting engine swopped for a E36 325i

(thought of E30 325i but finding a good engine unit is going to be hard - and not as much bhp.)

has anyone done a reliable conversion - my car is working class concours condition - so it needs to be a proper job and one that is both reliable and functional.

I've seen all the turbo this and supercharge that threads - but again, if someone has a reliable option I will look further into it.

thanks
david

Post Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:53 pm

Rather than using the E36 M50 325i motor, you may as well get one from an E34 M50 525i cause you need to change the sump and oil pick up to the E34 M50 items to fit in the E30 anyway.

Theres a few people doing or have done the M50 conversion on here now, do a few searches for 'M50 conversion' or 'M50 into E30' etc etc. You should find most of the answers to your questions.

The only problem I would see, is if you enter concours shows and stuff - I dont know much about them, but wouldnt you lose points or something cause the car isnt original?

Post Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:13 am

Hello jim - thanks for reply - I will do a search

the car is an ex show car - but to be honest I can't be bothered with all the show and shine.
I like the car to keep nice - but only for pride (and to retain value)

by the way - yours looks a bit tasty 330i ?

I am considering changing the convertible and getting a hard top E30, but I like it so a engine swop would be ideal -

thanks
david

Post Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:19 pm

Keep the convertible and go the 2.5 M50 route, that would be sweet

If it was a show car then atleast you can keep it nice and clean and still enter some show and shines - dont think the car needs to be original for those, just the concours stuff.
Just think a minted 190bhp E30 Cab

woodside wrote:by the way - yours looks a bit tasty 330i ?

3.0ltr 24v E36 M3 engine - hopefully ready in time for Gaydon

Post Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:35 am

these conversions can occasonally give trouble, but wil had an M50 2.5 conversion car done by a place called parkside bmw and i think that was very reliable, a proper job.

Post Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:03 pm

thanks for replies and advice.

I am going to gaydon - so hopefully will pick up a few tips and ideas.

unfortunately, not having the experience or equipment to do the conversion myself - I will be relying on a good garage - so I will check one or two out and see what they advise.

thanks
david