anybody got a thread for the m50b20 swap?noticed almost all m50swaps are the b25 or b28.i want to build an engine with a turbo for my e30,
up to now i've been looking for info on m40/m42 turbos.
heard the m50's take quite well to F/I and quite fancy the idea of a smaller 2.0 rather than the 2.5 etc but something a bit newer than the m40 ive got in the car at the minute.
what sort of power can you expect from the b20 running at reliable/sensible boost?
not looking for massive power gains so wont be looking into an extensive rebuild with forged pistons etc
m50b20 swap?
Moderator: martauto
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mr_dink
- E30 Zone Regular

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- Location: Huddersfield
In terms of fitting it it's exactly the same as any other m50/52, wiring should be the same etc.
Most people will tell you not to bother as the b20 is underpowered for it's size, doubt there's many out there fitted to e30's and probably even less turbo's.
Any reason you want a 2.0 instead of a 2.5 or 2.8?
Most people will tell you not to bother as the b20 is underpowered for it's size, doubt there's many out there fitted to e30's and probably even less turbo's.
Any reason you want a 2.0 instead of a 2.5 or 2.8?
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gibson9
- E30 Zone Newbie

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main reason is insurance as im only 20, the turbo was just a thought for in the future.
one thought i had was to put a diesel in for the extra fuel economy and better torque etc.
but i dont drive it much as im at uni, was planning on getting the parts together for a swap this summer, or buying a larger engine to rebuild etc before putting it in so id be old enough to get the insurance down to a reasonable price by the time its ready to put in.
currently insured on my dads policy so hes not too keen on the idea of me doing an engine swap and still being on his insurance, especially without it being declared.
one thought i had was to put a diesel in for the extra fuel economy and better torque etc.
but i dont drive it much as im at uni, was planning on getting the parts together for a swap this summer, or buying a larger engine to rebuild etc before putting it in so id be old enough to get the insurance down to a reasonable price by the time its ready to put in.
currently insured on my dads policy so hes not too keen on the idea of me doing an engine swap and still being on his insurance, especially without it being declared.
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e30sequel
- E30 Zone Newbie

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- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:00 pm
- Location: Toronto
What about foregoing the torq and enjoying the responsiveness and higher rpms - I personally like smaller displacement as it makes you 'earn' the drive...........but power is power
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Grrrmachine
- E30 Zone Wiki / Team Member

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It's one of those things that costs a fair bit of cash and time to do properly; once you've finished, you'll have that constant nagging feeling of "I could have had more if only I'd started with a 2.5".
And every single person you tell about it will ask "why only a 2.0"?
If this is an undeclared swap, or your Dad is fronting your insurance, you won't get much sympathy from the older blokes on here.
And every single person you tell about it will ask "why only a 2.0"?
If this is an undeclared swap, or your Dad is fronting your insurance, you won't get much sympathy from the older blokes on here.
'89 325i Touring | Touring Resto Thread | In-Dash Screen install
