green horn needs help

[Chrisdon]

Hey all.
have 91 316i lux. Needs both rear inner arches so going to stripped to shell and do full job. Is there anything pointed in changing crank and mod to 18 ? Read the engin same jus needs few changes. Or difference engin.
(sorry if it's a dumb ass thing to ask) pure green horn!!
Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

Apart from the obvious, the M40 1.6 and 1.8 engines are virtually identical, but a bit pointless stripping down and changing the crank, etc. on your existing engine, as there are plenty of perfectly serviceable 1.8 engines around for next to no money.

[Chrisdon]

Well if I was go in to change engin would go for 2ltr.
A mate has a e36 engin and gear box he says it should work the best. But still thinkn should I keep car what she is 316 I lux?? Stay classic??

[Brianmoooore]

1.8 M40 and 1.6 M40 are absolutely identical in appearance, apart from the type number stamped onto the machined area next to the engine mount. One starts with '16' and the other with '18'.
One thing I certainly wouldn't do is change to the 2 litre - this engine lacks power and low down torque, but has the thirst of a 2.5 litre. Sounds nice, but is otherwise pretty much unloved.
Other options are the M42 1.8 litre 16 valve twin cam engine, as fitted to the E30 318iS, through the 24 valve 2.5 litre M50 engine, to the 2.8 M52 24 valve engine, as fitted to E36 and early E39 models.

[Chrisdon]

Yea I need to look into it more, just lookn something that will have I nice wee kick when needed!! And the odd crossroad marked lol. But wit as little involved as I'm go in to do most work my self. So what engin will fit in wit least changing of parts ect.

[Brianmoooore]

1.8 M40 will fit in just by changing the ECU and air meter.
2.5 M20 will need gearbox, clutch, prop, ECU, engine wiring loom, exhaust, radiator, AFM, and your existing diff. will have an unsuitable ratio.
1.8 M42 will need, ECU, engine wiring loom, coil pack, exhaust and AFM. M42 radiator is larger, but M40 can be used.
2.5 and 2.8 M5x can be fitted in several well documented ways (see engine swaps forum), but all need standard parts from other models, and some fabricated parts.

[ross_jsy]

Bare in mind, being a 316i you will want to change the struts out for 51mm versions with 325i brakes, and I would be swapping the rear drums out for discs if fitting a 6 pot.

[Brianmoooore]

Depends if the 316i lux is a mere saloon or a touring. Tourings come complete with all the uprated bits.

[Chrisdon]

No there is hubs on back or out of luck there! Lookin to be a big enough job well money wise!!

[Chrisdon]

Thanks lads keep in touch

[Chrisdon]

Seen a lad near me has 1.8is and ecu £400 won't shift on price water ya think? Will cut out a lot of hassle