engine swap from e30

[ibe2fly]

hey im doing some mods to my car and i've been reading forums on performance mods but i was wondering how do i know what engines can fit in my 1986 e30? Will all 2.7l engines fit? Each company makes engines different so I'm assuming that the intake n exhaust manifolds have to be on the same sides as my e30... but this is just an assumption.... can anyone give me some insight or any good sites to check out?Has anyone swapped out a 325 engine before? I read the post about swapping to a 325i using customs pistons... I found that post and included link interesting.

Thanx,
Mark

 

[Ryan Stewart]

Anything is possible with modifications. Even a V12.

If yo uare wanting to do an all out swap you might consider putting in the M50 from the early E36 cars. Even if you build a 2.7i or swap in a 325i motor its going to invlove wiring and such so you might as well get the DOHC and timing chain.

That is unless you would just prefer the M20. Then you might want to find a 325i motor and rebuild it using a 325e crankshaft. That should get you some power.

 

[junglestylz]

Drop the S50 B30 in the E30 from a euro spec. The wiring is a real pain in the arse, but you can buy kits for the wiring of the american spec 2.7's.

 

[rjp325i]

Almost anything is possible. It is largely dependent on how much talent and skill you have as well as how much time and funding you have access to. As to what will fit the easiest, all 2.7 and 2.5 litre M20 engines will fit easily. There are websites that describe the installation of '95 M3 engines installed in the E30.

 

[DrPierceMD]

I have seen a BMW e30 with a v12 engine in it. Anything is possible

 

[jrt67ss350]

This probably isn't what you are looking for, and I may be booted off the board for saying this, but a small block Chevy would probably fit decently easily in there (hey, I'm a Chevy guy, what can I say ). I've got a buddy who yanks the tired sixes out of 80's era Jag coupes and sedans and replaces them with LT-1 and LS-1 Chevys with the 4L60-E automatic. He was interested in my e30 when I bought it - he thinks a SBC would fit in there pretty easily.

The little e30 with a SBC would be a screamer and a nice sleeper, but I don't know how much more a SBC weighs versus the BMW six, so I don't know how handling would be affected.

::ducks as bottles are being thrown for suggesting the desecration of a German automobile with a run of the mill American engine::

 

[rjp325i]

The problem then becomes practicality. There have been numerous swaps short of Allison and Marlin engines installed. Although those engines did make the rounds at the drag strips a number of years ago. I think the V12 while looking nice might have a traction problem with too much weight on the front end. Then of course one could move back the engine and intrude into the passenger compartment as some of the drag cars do. Which of course brings about reinforcing the body structure and on and on and on. The domino theory is present in car mods too, I found that out years ago to my and my wallets dismay. The electronics is another game again. I love the small block Chevys. I bought a new one from the factory a long time ago and installed it in a 50s Plymouth and was written up as a feature in an old car magazine. Yes it can be done but it would be heresy to a BMW.

 

[DrPierceMD]

I think the V12 that I saw was just for show...no practical use could really come out of it because of the weight of the engine up front. They would have to counter weight it just to make the rear heavy enough to get good traction. And like you said various other problems

 

[rjp325i]

You are probably right Dr PierceMD there are many different oddball cars that are put together just for the show circuit and never see a roadway.

 

[junglestylz]

The twelve is sort of a hog anyway. Why not just drop an M3 in it. It should be close enough to the same weight not to give much of a problem, and you can shave that little weight off with tubular lightweight swaybars, Aluminum control arms, etc. rjp325i probably know the guy that has the eurospec S50B30 engine in his E30 M3 and I guess it only put about 38 more pounds in the front. Not to mention you would have less to worry about as far as suspension and structure reenhancement goes.