Engine swap

[Sambe30]

i have a '90 316 3dr manual with standard engine. I want a bit more power out of it and I have read that the best way to do it is an engine swap. What would be better to do and what would be the easiest and most cost effective? M20b25 seems it would be the easier one to do whereas m52b23 or like a 2.5 seem better and more refined.

I am a cycle mechanic so do have some sort of mechanical knowledge when it comes to removing things and taking parts apart and replacing them, but i have never dealt with an engine. am I biting of more than i can chew and should i just pay a proffesional to do it, or should i give it a go, thoughts please.

[magpie]

location ?

[Sambe30]

hemel hempstead in hertfordshire

[Brianmoooore]

i have a '90 316 3dr manual

I doubt this!



Easiest swap is a 1.8 M40, for little gain. 1.8 M42 makes a better upgrade, and produces quite an acceptable car.
M20B25 is still an easy swap, but more bits to change over, including diff. and prop., plus you're reaching what the standard brakes and suspension are capable off dealing with.
M52B23 is a much more sophisticated engine, but much more involved to fit, including custom made parts.
Most wouldn't bother with the M52B23, but would go straight to the M52B28 (not TU).

[Sambe30]

2 door then? I think I would prefer the 2.3 as a 2.8 May be a bit powerful and thirsty for my as I'm only 19 haha

[magpie]

318is m42 it is then .

[Sambe30]

that hardly seems spending the time and money swapping?

[Grrrmachine]

If you're only 19, the M42 engine in that shell will still be more than you can probably handle. Remember, it's a very light RWD car with no ABS and very slow power steering. 150hp is more than enough for that.

Plus, anything bigger and you'll need to sell a kidney to pay your insurance.

[Cypriotgeeza]

318is m42 it is then .

^^This^^

My first E30 (when i was 20) was a 318is and i dont regret it at all! Loved every minute of it! Nippy (even to today's standards) and affordable insurance made it the only option!

I badly wanted a 2.5i but im glad i went down the "is" route first as it got me used to the handling of an E30 with manageable power.

Personally id be looking at selling your one and buying an "is" instead as they came with the bigger 51mm shock struts/ discs all round/ sport chequered seats.
To do all this to yours would end up costing the same (maybe even more)

Trust me its the best thing to do!

[airborne_7]

Agreed

[Sambe30]

I have already got sports checked interior and I would have got a bigger engined model but due to insurance this was the only one I could afford. And I don't want to sell this one , it's solid all round and I lm kind of in love with it haha. So if I were to go for the m42 is it a 1.8? And what parts would I need to do the conversion?

[Cypriotgeeza]

I have already got sports checked interior and I would have got a bigger engined model but due to insurance this was the only one I could afford. And I don't want to sell this one , it's solid all round and I lm kind of in love with it haha. So if I were to go for the m42 is it a 1.8? And what parts would I need to do the conversion?

its a 1.8 16valve

You'd have to check the wiki for the full list but im pretty certain you will need a rear disc conversion. engine+box+ecu+ancillaries..diff depending on your ratio.

Good luck

[Sambe30]

Ok thank you, is there any reason I would need a disc conversion?

[Speedtouch]

All the bigger-engined E30s (318is, 325i, etc.) came with rear discs as standard; I suspect this was because ABS anti-lock braking was fitted and drums wouldn't work with that system.

However, the earlier chrome-bumper 320i came with rear drums and they're OK for most normal driving. If anything, the handbrake is superior.

You could always update to rear discs as and when you can afford to/feel the need for them.

As long as your existing brakes are in good condition, they should be fine for sensible driving.

[Sambe30]

Yeah the normall ones have just had new discs, pads, rear shoes , pipes and fluid so all work well, I drive sensibly , it's just on some roads when it's safe I have a bit of fun

[Speedtouch]

That's the main thing to remember - keep it safe.

[Grrrmachine]

its a 1.8 16valve

You'd have to check the wiki for the full list...

Here's the page in question:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M42