320i Cabrio needs new engine, any suggestions?

[Quasigriz]

Some friends and I drove through Southern France on our way to Monaco for our Cabrio Bond Tour last weekend. It was a great drive until I blew out a cylinder climbing the highest mountains in the area. I guess that's what I get for having a 320i. I am now in the market for a new engine. I've been meaning to swap and now I've got a good excuse.

I'd like to create a sleeper without breaking the bank. I've heard that the 325i swap is the easiest using just the engine and trans. Are there any, perhaps more powerful, easy engine swaps? Keep in mind that this will be my first swap. I'm also in Germany so parts shouldn't be difficult to find. I also don't have to worry about meeting the German inspections so the sky's the limit (benefit of being a displaced American).

[jmc330i]

Welcome mate

I'd like to create a sleeper without breaking the bank.

Another M50 conversion then

Fitting the E30 325i engine (M20) would be the easiest, but its never going to be a real sleeper - compared to new cars (even diesels ) they just arent that quick anymore

For a little more money, time and effort the E36 325i/E34 525i engine (M50) or the E36 328i (M52) would be the way to go. A few choice mods will see over 200bhp and still be reliable.

Theres a few threads in this section which will tell you what you need to know, but also being in Germany should make things easy - M50 conversions and even the E34 M5 engine conversion have all been done over there for years.

Check out http://www.e30.de - that will probably help you out loads.

[DaveD]

there is a 2.7 for sale on the zone at the moment

[cliffybabe]

there is a 2.7 for sale on the zone at the moment

I'd hate to think of the shipping cost to germany