Hi there guys and gals. Im Mohsin from Oxford, 24a˜Ž new owner of a "K Reg" E30 Convertible 318i LUX a˜†And am in need some advice.
Before anything I have to admit pathetic is an Understatement for my spanner skills under the bonnet and I am still a Newbie to That language so take it easy on me lol..
I want to do an engine conversion, raise as much power from a BMW power plant as possible without having to add any roll bars or turbos. Something that will be powerful as much as reliable.
I am not in a hurry to get this build and budget is tiny at this moment, but i am willing to save a little more and go the extra mile to get that extra bhp.
And thats its really i guess?
What would you guys advice me to go with?
I have been advised e36 engines but not sure exactly what to source for the best build to match my requirements. Ive been quoted a few prices but each mechanic offers a different e36 engine because thats what they conveniently have in stock so they want to dump it on me i guess?
H reg E30 318i LUX Convertible
Moderator: martauto
- aimlessrock
- E30 Zone Squatter

- Posts: 1821
- Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Manchester
why do you want to do an engine conversion on a 4 pot cabby ? thats the first question.
E30 320i Convertible (1989)
190 Mercedes (1988)
"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
190 Mercedes (1988)
"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
aimlessrock wrote:why do you want to do an engine conversion on a 4 pot cabby ? thats the first question.
What do you meen 4 pot cabby? I love convertibles, want to have a e30 convertible to pass down as and when my boys old enough.
Looking to acchieve around 250-300bhp
willnz wrote:The easiest (and probably cheapest) way to do an upgrade is to buy a complete 325i rusty/wreck and transfer the complete engine/drivetrain/diff etc into your convertible. Being a 318 means that it will need a lot of bits apart from a M52B28 motor if you go down that route, and the whole exercise will cost quite a bit when compared to sticking to a M20B25 transplant.
One important thing is to decide whether your convertible body is worth the effort or whether you look out for a 325 or even M52'd one and sell yours off. This might be the best/cheapest option of all.
the car is rust free, in mint condition, im not looking for cheapest option if im honest i dont mind spending the dough providing i get power and reliability. It may sound crazy, but im not looking to sell any time in next 10/15 years (unless i am forced to)

