Post pics of your ride!
I'm not trying to make a drag racer here, I just want something with decent power (and Forced Induction preferably) and not terribly expensive. Plus I don't really trust GM anymore, the 1/2jz seems pretty bulletproof to me.
I'm all about an LSx in an E36,but the price of the kits has turned me off too.A decent mount setup that still requires plenty more parts costs 2-3 times what a complete FC/FD/LSx kit costs.
Well the way I'm looking financially and based on what I'm looking to accomplish (250-300rwhp) I'd say I'll just pick up an Explorer engine for like 500 and pair that with a T5 and use the swap kit from E36v8.com. (I have to use the Explorer one because it's the only 5.0 that's non modular and OBDII)
no, not really. I had my eye on a mint stock s13 hatch, but it was such a great deal, i knew it would sell quick.
Honestly, im probably gunna get a $1000 Nissan Hardbody just to daily/haul my motorcycle for a little while. Ive got a few perspective vehicles in mind, but with the lack of a job, and trying to get living arrangements for school figured out, i dont plan on buying a project car for a little while. I can promise you I will be getting something RWD turbo though.
although I did find a c36 AMG Merc that i would give my left nut for, and it's very reasonably priced. If it's still for sale when i find a job, i plan on looking into a loan.
Honestly, im probably gunna get a $1000 Nissan Hardbody just to daily/haul my motorcycle for a little while. Ive got a few perspective vehicles in mind, but with the lack of a job, and trying to get living arrangements for school figured out, i dont plan on buying a project car for a little while. I can promise you I will be getting something RWD turbo though.
although I did find a c36 AMG Merc that i would give my left nut for, and it's very reasonably priced. If it's still for sale when i find a job, i plan on looking into a loan.
So after much deliberation I've decided that my car just wouldn't be the same without a BMW engine. So I'm now looking to 1) build my current 1.9L M44 2) swap in a 2.8L M52B28 and just convert it into a 328Ti. What are the thoughts on each of these options? The M52 will make about 190hp stock (about 90 over what my M44 is making) and should be good for 0-60 in sub 7 sec. range, then there's always F/I to think about. With the M44 being such a small engine there is really little room to improve, basically the typical bolt ons and a turbo would be as far as that goes.
M52 + extras from ebay - $1500
328i trans - $900 (may be able to reuse mine, jury's still out on that)
Custom exhaust - ??????
engine/trans mounts - $150
6 cyl. radiator + hoses + fan - $500
6 cyl. cluster - $75
6 cyl. DME - $75
Pump to rack power steering line - $20-$50
M3 front suspension - ?????????? (because of heavier engine, can wait)
Grand Total for swap (if trans is needed) - $3220 (not including custom exhaust)
ending hp: 190
Grand Total for Downing Atlanta Supercharger for M44 - $3800
ending hp: 200+
They seem very close, what should I do?
M52 + extras from ebay - $1500
328i trans - $900 (may be able to reuse mine, jury's still out on that)
Custom exhaust - ??????
engine/trans mounts - $150
6 cyl. radiator + hoses + fan - $500
6 cyl. cluster - $75
6 cyl. DME - $75
Pump to rack power steering line - $20-$50
M3 front suspension - ?????????? (because of heavier engine, can wait)
Grand Total for swap (if trans is needed) - $3220 (not including custom exhaust)
ending hp: 190
Grand Total for Downing Atlanta Supercharger for M44 - $3800
ending hp: 200+
They seem very close, what should I do?
Last edited by Trunk Impaired; Jun 7, 2010 at 01:58 AM. Reason: Added option
How strong is the 1.9 liter motor? as in Im betting you can build a turbo setup (assuming internals arent required) and have it tuned for less than both of those options and make more power.






