M20 or M50 for turbo and megasquirt / what startup shell

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:27 am

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering where most of you would start, i've had two 325i SE's before, and having been to the track with my cousin in his Evo the other day I was disappointed not to see any e30's on the track.

I'm looking mainly for ideas, the ideal setup would be a 325i Sport, and then mod it to have it running megasquirt, then later on put a turbo on it.

I'm also thinking about an M30 from a 535i or the M50 from a 325/328. Which one would you guys suggest is the 'better' (what better is I don't know yet, maybe you can dictate what better is to you when you let me know). I'm thinking the M50 might be a bit too complex to turbo/megasquirt. I feel the M30 is the one to go for. Let me know.

Is the E30 shell (besides the M3 version) quite standard? the eqiupment/driveline quite standard for both the 4and 6 cyl engines, or are there major differences for each type.

I'd probably start from scratch, and totally strip the shell. I'd like a few creature comforts after my mod, but I know some may be lost if I megasquirt her (i'm thinking tripcomputer/etc).

Anyway, my ideas are all in the air at the moment, so your views would be taken into consideration and much appreciated.

Thanks
Deian

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:36 pm

IMO, I wouldnt bother spending the extra Ã‚£Ã‚£Ã‚£s that Sports go for if its going to be stripped, engine conversion, turbo etc. Find any E30 with a decent shell and work with that.

Looking at your list of ideas, Id go for the 3.5 M30, Megasquirt and a turbo

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:49 pm

if you plan to track it a twin turbo M42 would be "best" i.e lightest.

also tripcomputer and such are just a waste,

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:41 pm

m50 turbo pppsssssttttchhhhh

tis what im building.... shhh though its a secret.

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:01 pm

The M42 being the 1.9 engine featured in the 318iS?

They fetch a fair bit nowadays, I've been away from BMW's recently (being with Citroen, got a Xantia V6, lurvely car!)... but the 325i.... well there is something about it that makes me want another, maybe it is familiarity, or maybe it's that straight 6 engine and RWD combination (that the Xantia lacks).

The prices of 325i have gone up, and they are rarer. A lot has happened.

In all honesty now, I'd love to do an E34 M5 (3.

conversion to the E30. I think thats the ultimate mission. Anyone done this?

Any more ideas let me know. It's much appreciated.

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:03 pm

deian wrote:The M42 being the 1.9 engine featured in the 318iS?

That would be M44 in E36 318is (later cars) is 1.9.

M42 is a 1.8.

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:05 pm

Thought it was in the E30 version too. I guess you are correct.

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:07 pm

Oh Karan is doing the S38 conversion.

Post Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:31 pm

I'll do a search for his threads, last time i was around this forum he was doing it too, I guess it takes a bit of engineering and time. I reckons it would be bettter to buy an M5 as a donor car for the engine, but i'm not a big fan of this technique to be honest with you. Maybe I will find something rarer than a hen's tooth... a rear ended M5 in a scrappy.

Post Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:10 am

turbo M42 in my opinion... weight is further back in the engine bay an allows for heaps of room for larger radiator/intercooler/oilcoolers/air intake which can become a hassel with a 6 cylinder engine. it is also a fairly light engine
260kw is easily achievable and with the correct parts, will be safe to drive every day and last for years.
260kw is also a lot of power in a little e30 and once your car is stripped and some ncie suspension and brakes will be a very nice package