Best Replacement Engine

Post Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:09 am

After doing a search to find out which engines people are using on various projects, it seems that everyone seems to be looking for different things.

I was wondering if there was an engine which was regarded by most as being the best "all round" choice.

When I say all round, I mean in terms of ease of conversion, cost of replacement engine, power it will return, mpg etc etc etc

Oh and it has to fit into a pre facelift 316 currently running an M10.

I'm looking into various power upgrade options and just trying to get an idea of what engine I would have to source by your recommendations.

Cheers

Post Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:17 am

M30 has got to be the cheapest for the power you get back.
Cost plays a part in conversions and the fact of if you can do the work yourself or not.

Post Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:25 am

m30 or m50

Post Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:28 am

Infact an m20 ,325 engine would be cheaper,and more powerfull than whats in there now,and a hell of a lot easier to convert.

Post Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:34 am

To give a better idea I would like to be able to get enough power to give tramp drifting a go but at the same time, use the car on the roads too.

What sort of tuning potential does an m20 325 engine have or is it just a case of "no replacement for displacement" with these types of engines as opposed to small tuning bits and bobs making a difference?