New engine...but which one?

[e30fr3@k]

I've decided to save up for a new engine...I've got 220k on my car now and it runs fine, I suppose. I realize that it won't last forever, though. I was thinking maybe a rebuilt s14 or m20, but I've also been toying with the idea of dropping in a bigger 6. Maybe also rebuilding my own engine and just naturally aspirating it. The only thing is I have no idea how much money I should be saving up for this. If anyone has an idea, I'd appreciate any information on this topic. Thanks in advance.

 

[jrt67ss350]

It may not last forever, but if it's been taken care of, it still has quite a bit of life in it. I have 275,000 on mine, and the engine shows no signs of giving up anytime soon. The rest of the car, on the other hand, is starting to fall apart.

 

[Kilomph]

Your S14 has 220k on it? I can't believe your even thinking about putting in a different motor. Definitly either rebuild it yourself if you think you can, or have a proffesional do it for you. I know nothing about S14s, but if it's at all possible bore and stroke it while its out as well. I'd kill for an E30 M3!!!

 

[jrt67ss350]

Your S14 has 220k on it? I can't believe your even thinking about putting in a different motor. Definitly either rebuild it yourself if you think you can, or have a proffesional do it for you. I know nothing about S14s, but if it's at all possible bore and stroke it while its out as well. I'd kill for an E30 M3!!!

He doesn't have an M3 - he has a 325i.

 

[epj3]

Keep your motor till it dies. If the body is in good enough condition then put an M50 in it (E36's 2.5 liter obd1 motor) and chip it. You'll have a good reliable and super smooth 190hp+ motor in that weighs less than the M20.

 

[equate]

The s14 is ungodly expensive, I believe its the 3rd most expensive motor to rebuilt. Expect to spend atleast 7 grand for a used one, a GOOD rebuild ont should run about 12-15k

The s52 im putting in is going to cost about.... 4500ish, but im doing a lot of things you dont need to do, obdi, pullys, custom chip, shifter,... etc

I got my engine for $3500 with 80k on the clock (with tranny, wiring, and all the acessories)

 

[Beemur]

there is a 98' euro spec s52 up on ebay with only 34 k on it and its at like $1800 with only a day left to go, if you want power I'd say go for that.

Hell, go for it regardless, thats cheap.

 

[equate]

Keep in mind....

A. Its a eurospec so no one is going to be able to service it
B. Shipping will be a TON
C. No Tranny
D. I would guess its going to hit over 4k

 

[Beemur]

sorry should have done this all in one post

euro s52 link

Also, r3vlimited.com has an extensive thread (like 30+ pages) on DOHC engine swaps. If you want information on swaps it's probably in there somewhere.

Good Luck

 

[equate]

Yeah that thing is hell to read, gets OT so quick, very hard to find the info you need

 

[epj3]

sorry should have done this all in one post

euro s52 link

Also, r3vlimited.com has an extensive thread (like 30+ pages) on DOHC engine swaps. If you want information on swaps it's probably in there somewhere.

Good Luck

r3v is a joke. there are skilled individuals there, but as a community they absolutely suck.

 

[DrPierceMD]

I have to go with epj3 on this one. You need to get a M50 engine. BMP did and M50 swap on an E30 and had the articles on their web site. I'm not sure if they still have them there though. But anyway that car ws bada$$.

 

[e30fr3@k]

any idea how much any of those engines would cost rebuilt? Any idea how much it would cost to just naturally aspirate my engine?

 

[e30fr3@k]

By the way, I won't be replacing the engine just yet, I just want to see how much I need to save up to comfortably afford this job. The more I think about it, the more I want to just rebuild my engine and toss a bunch of performance parts in there.

 

[equate]

any idea how much any of those engines would cost rebuilt? Any idea how much it would cost to just naturally aspirate my engine?

http://www.bmrparts.com/engine1a.htm

There is a compnay that usually sells through ebay in buy-it-nows (although they dont have any now) and all they sell it rebuilt m50, s50, and s52s. M50s are usually upwards of 4k rebuilt.


Auctually I know a guys whos selling a m50 right now if your interested..... With tranny i believe

 

[echothreezero]

Another vote for the M50. it's been done before - I think there is a how-to on the E30 network - www.bmwe30.net

 

[equate]

http://www.theeurodepot.com/e30m50parts.html

Check that out too