Engine Swap - ideas and advice needed

[kamus]

Folks - my E30 slipped into a coma! Sounds like really bad loud deisel. My mechanic says one of the con-rods is likely bashing against the crank. It seems i need a rebuild or an engine swap.

I have very little mechanical knowledge, and would like to hear about your experiences/anecdotes with changing E30 engines.

I have heard a lot about RMP Motors on these boards. I will talk to them to get some education. Also, has anyone come across this?
http://metricmechanic.com/
They seem to specialise in supplying modified M20 engines.
This brochure makes some tempting claims:
http://metricmechanic.com/pdfs/M20_Engines_Brochure.pdf

It'll take me a while to decide what to do.. there are so many options - long term mad-swap project, short term quick rebuild, store the car for a while and get something newer for now.. find another good E30 from Cali.. or try a paradigm shift such as a Z car or an e46..

Talk to me people - i'm facing a summer of no driving!

[BMW03]

I don't know much about the mechanics of the swap either, other then the fact that many people have done them on the forum, and many people have been very succesfull doing it. But for now I would definitly look around cali to see if you can't find a gem do drive around, and then work on rebuilding the car while you still have another to drive around. That is just my solid opinion.

[static]

that's a similar situation i was in about the same time last year, i have a us s50 in right now and enjoying every bit of it.
My swap was masterfully executed by Charlie of Bimmersport (one of forum's sponsors).
a subsection of r3vlimited.com has a lot of resources on the swap as well as a well laid out wiki.

[Mystikal]

Honestly, just get Charlie (Bimmersport) to throw in another working M20B25. I'm pretty sure he still has a few laying around, and an E30 has plenty of power with it to still have fun.

If anything, save to do a more aggressive swap later on, don't rush it; you will become stressed beyond belief.

[kamus]

Thanks for the tips folks. I am deffo not in a hurry. I have Mrs. Kam's E36 to drive around in for now. (No photos ) I'll be sure to have a chat with Charlie.

[BmW1819]

so swap a m50 into it newer engine or even a s50 cheaper than a new car what do u like to drive more your e30 or e36??

[Mystikal]

M20 with piles of cash for track fees, tires, and brakes.

vs.

24v with less cash.

Plus once you consider the fact that a stock M20 is more than enough power for even intermediate drivers, it's a no-brainer.

[BMW BMXer]

Do what Jay says.

other swaps always seem like an endless hunt for little parts and tylnol.

[Mystikal]

Yup. Plus you will never be happy, you'll get used to the power faster than you could ever expect, and you're back at square one.

[static]

^^ true, plus add the extra gas needed and withdrawal symptoms when you stuck with driving something weaker (1.8L winterbeater in my case)

[Mystikal]

Well the gas part I don't agree with. Every BMW I6 made since the M20 gets better mileage, even in their heavier cars. Even ignoring highway ratings where their better aerodynamics are contributing, the 325i/iS 18 EPA city rating is pitiful compared with newer cars. Hell, average out city/highway and the new Z06 is pretty much the same, even with 505hp and weighing more.

[static]

^^ the figures were probably taken with "granny" driving style.
Would you really drive z06 with economy in mind?

seriously tho, i've noticed higher consumption with the 3L, but it's probably a result of "other" factors.

[Mystikal]

Well, yeah. You can only use 50% of the Z06's power on a public road without risking your life anyways.

And if I'm flogging a car at a competitive event, I'm no longer concerned with fuel economy.

[Axxe]

Concern for fuel economy? Please, I get 10L/100 combined with a 4.10 gear, and I'm constantly flogging it.


To the OP: Just replace the M20, it's enough power to get in trouble with.

[ZiMMie]

I got an M20 for sale.
http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79768