Sourcing an E30 M3 Engine

[mckeem]

Where would I find one of these beasts for a swap and how much do they range in price?

[DS Rook]

They range from 3k for a high mileage one due for a rebuild soon to 7-9k for fresh rebuild 2.3(US). I can probably get you one that needs some bottom end work done. Long block only, no acc. Try S14.net. What are you swapping it into?

[Weeman83]

into a 318iS?

an S52 swap with full drivetrain and engine management is only 5K if you are moderately conservative with your parts hunt. Hydraulic lifters, no valve adjustments, no ITB adjustments...and 40 more HP!

[k-swiss]

Put a built m20 in it and call'er a day.

[Branan]

Originally Posted by Weeman83 into a 318iS? an S52 swap with full drivetrain and engine management is only 5K if you are moderately conservative with your parts hunt. Hydraulic lifters, no valve adjustments, no ITB adjustments...and 40 more HP!

an s52 only has 40 more hp than an e30 m3 (80's 4 cyl.)? I would have thought it alot more.....

R

[E30M3]

brand new from the dealer, for 14K....but it is a 2.5L

[Initial D.oug]

Originally Posted by Branan an s52 only has 40 more hp than an e30 m3 (80's 4 cyl.)? I would have thought it alot more..... R

e30 M3 190hp
e36 M3 240hp (US)
e36 M3 286hp or 321hp (euro)



Remember this was just the start of the horsepower wars.

[rkettner]

i've wondered what it would cost to build an e30 from entirely dealer purchased parts. we're talking every single nut, screw, clip etc.

[PPP]

Originally Posted by Weeman83 into a 318iS? an S52 swap with full drivetrain and engine management is only 5K if you are moderately conservative with your parts hunt. Hydraulic lifters, no valve adjustments, no ITB adjustments...and 40 more HP!

Hi Weeman,

Where could you get it done? CGMotorsport? 5k includes parts and labour?

Philip

[Weeman83]

Originally Posted by rkettner i've wondered what it would cost to build an e30 from entirely dealer purchased parts. we're talking every single nut, screw, clip etc.

I've thought about this.

Somehow this can work if you can extract all the parts tables on real OEM for every sub module of your car. Dump the data into MS Excel and voila, one milion dollar E30.

[Weeman83]

Originally Posted by PPP Hi Weeman, Where could you get it done? CGMotorsport? 5k includes parts and labour? Philip

This is just parts!

Quick list of major parts are:

-New engine with harness and computer
-Cost of software flash
-New trans (optional)
-driveshaft
-E28 M5 motor mounts
-differential (325e) I think
-Wiring harness adaptor (optional, you can solder.)
-E34 oil pan and oil pick up
-Radiator / electric fan (optional?)
-brake booster (optional if you want to hack your intake mani)

plus whatever you want to fix up on the engine before it goes in?

[PPP]

Originally Posted by PPP Hi Weeman, Where could you get it done? CGMotorsport? 5k includes parts and labour? Philip

Does Al do something like that?

[redhatpat]

Originally Posted by Branan an s52 only has 40 more hp than an e30 m3 (80's 4 cyl.)? I would have thought it alot more..... R

Stock, yes. But the s52 has a boat load more torque down lower than the s14 will ever have. An e30 with a s14 is fast(ish). An e30 with a s52 is very fast.

If its going to cost somewhat similar, the s52 is a much better swap.

[Ian NFLD]

Originally Posted by Weeman83 This is just parts! Quick list of major parts are: -New engine with harness and computer -Cost of software flash -New trans (optional) -driveshaft -E28 M5 motor mounts -differential (325e) I think -Wiring harness adaptor (optional, you can solder.) -E34 oil pan and oil pick up -Radiator / electric fan (optional?) -brake booster (optional if you want to hack your intake mani) plus whatever you want to fix up on the engine before it goes in?

I just finished my swap. Thats a pretty decent list, but there are some other small odds and ends, including custom exhaust and air intake

I did mine without cutting any corners, replaced all gaskets, seals, clutch, belts, ect ect, 24lb injectors, euro maf, intake, ss muffler, cat, M3 rack, tie rods, ect and I bet I spent 8k on parts (4500 on engine and trans)...I figured I could do it for 5-6K, but didn't even come close.

End result hauls ass though.

If I had my time back, I would have bought the wagon with the euro engine at www.willz.ca and swaped drivetrains and sold the wagon for 10k...

[PPP]

Thanks Weeman. I was comtemplating on the exercise of swaping S52 as well, a S52 is almost 80 pounds heavier than a M20, though a good 70 horses more powerful. With that much heavier weight at the front-end of the car and so much more hp and torque at the rear wheels, that would really change the handling dynamics and balance of the car. Then other subsequent systems would need to be adjusted to cater to the new handling characteristics and ....wow....... the bill would really add up.

On a more practical level, I think it would be better to just spend the money on a good E30 M3 off the bat (good investment and easier resale too)... or just "Put a built m20 in it and call'er a day" as k-swiss puts it. Just my thoughts.