m30 or m50/52 conversion what's best?

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 11:47 am

Hi, Im new to E30zone, currently got an e36 but want to make a change to an E30.
I've not got an E30 yet but have seen a couple of 320i's, does it make any difference to the build what the original car is?
My thinking is either put an M30 335i in or an M52 328i and put an M50 manifold swap on it.
Question is; which would I get more power out of, which is the cheaper option and which is the easier to do?
The other problem is that I don't have the time/space/skills to do it myself- can do servicing, brakes etc but I know my limits!
So any members or mechanics in Huddersfield/Manchester area that could do it would be greatly appreciated!

Been offered an engine swap by chu346 for his M30, but want to get a better idea of the options before I decide either way.

Any info/help greatly, greatly appreciated! (sorry for the waffling!)

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:10 pm

Contact a member on here called E30topless, Steve is Huddersfield/Bradford way and is equipped to do engine swaps.

he has experience of both M30 engined cars and the 24v engines.

The 24v swap is a little more involved, but all the areas which are a major headache like the wiring and exhaust manifolds are now sorted by a member on here called DanThe, who can supply plug & play wiring looms, exhaust manifolds and E36 steering rack pipes etc as it would be mad not to change the steering rack when doing one of these swaps.

The M30 v M52 debate always gets lively. 2 totally different engines with different characteristics.

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:15 pm

Having seen these two conversions side by side on the same road with competent drivers (ish!)

I'd say there is very little to choose between them.

the M30 is definately keener up hills due to the additional torque, but the m52 is a much "livelier" engine on the twisty bits.

I'm sure both Gareth and 12345Kevin can give more insight to their conversions.

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:31 pm

Popcorn ready!

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:21 pm

Thanks for the help so far guys!

Seen one on ebay with the m30 conversion done-needs a bit of work. Any thoughts?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:25 pm

m_spa wrote:Thanks for the help so far guys!
Seen one on ebay with the m30 conversion done-needs a bit of work. Any thoughts?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Thats been built by a bloke from the local scrap yard. Built with help from a spare m30 and jay1980's scrapped m30 powered e30 iirc.

Q: declare it ? are you crazy im 21 i wont get insured haha ill see what it makes in the next 2 days and then ill make an offer mate
A: ok mate nice one.

Comments like this fuck me off big time!!

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:19 pm

Is it decent or a steer clear of then?

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:38 pm

I only saw it when it was up on their ramps when he was putting the engine in. I didn't go hunting around it with a rust detecting screw driver and i havent heard the engine running - although i'm not familiar with an m30 anyway! I really can't comment on the car becuase i havent seen it well enough or with the intention of buying.

Post Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:01 pm

Thanks anyway

m30 or m50/52 conversion what's best?

M30 or M50/52 conversion?