Engine choices... Enter the 2JZ question

[nirvash]

If I were you I would put a stock M52B28 back into the 528i and sell it, then go buy a E39 540i as there is no replacement for displacement!

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In fact, the money you will be saving by not doing a 2jz swap could buy you an E39 M5.

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i somewhat agree with this,
i think out of the few options 2jz is definitely going to be the most costly, and may bring you close depending on how far you go to e39 m5 money, in which case i think the obvious route would just be to buy an e39 m5..

but if you can source the right parts at the right price, do your homework, and everything works as intended, you should definitely be able to do it under e39 m5 pricing.

conversions are never cheap and always run more then expected, and there always seems like theres something more to add/buy/do, not just like a stock get in and go car,

thats why i suggested the 1uz or 1jz, afaik you can mate a relatively inexpensive 21R gearbox to either 1uz or 1jz, but not the 2jz i think (can only use the w58 r154 or v160 box) :tiptoe: again i think this is better then using the bmw box, as well as not having to buy a new turbo system for the 2jz, 1jz vvti (single turbo's) go for like +-11k now which is real bang for buck, + lets say R5k for gearbox your still less then what just the 2jz would be
sorry im getting into a rant again..

i can't do the unforeseen math right now but i imagine a running 1jz conversion to be around +- R40k just of the top of my head..

i still think 1uz or 1jz, but thats just my opinion,
for price i definitely think the 1uz, and as mentioned can always go turbo or SC at a later stage here, though bang for buck power 1jz, most likely and preferably the vvti single turbo version but for cost effective even the earlier gen twin turbo
ah engine conversions... can go on till the cows come home about this:rollsmile:

p.s ive really been toying with the idea of a 1jz or 1uz e30 coupe for a while now:fencelook:
must..resist..

 

[Gizmo]

M5 already comes with uprated brakes, steering, clutch, suspension, wheels, 6spd box, LSD, stronger drivetrain ect, these are all things you will need to do on the 528i besides the extremely difficult/costly toyota engine swap. You can see very easily that it will cost way more than buying a M5.

If you want a faster E39 then buy a faster E39, simple.

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Don't forget things like traction control, cruise control, air conditioning, economy, resale value ect, those are all things you will lose by fitting a toyota motor. Just go buy a M5 and be a happy chappie, besides a large displacement V8 will always sound better than a 6cyl turbo and you have the power when you need it, no waiting for some turbo to spool up...

 

[JayDrft]

Roach,

I think the guys are missing the point. You want to keep the car, as you stated for sentimental value...so it aint going nowhere.

At the end of the day, its your pocket - go for it!

As far as the swop goes, I wouldnt say its "extremely difficult" but rather extremely possible.

The other factor, with regards to the suggestion of a M5....the fact of the matter - is that any M car comes at a price, first of all...then it will have its fair share of wear and tear, which will result in costly maintenance especially if you want to swing it around everywhere...so NO! A M5 is probably not the better option.

1Jz or 2Jz....you have my support - have you considered the 3S gte....I have only heard good things about this engine.

 

[Gizmo]

...you can lead a horse to water...

 

[wikked]

...you can lead a horse to water...

"If you want a faster E39, buy a faster E39"

Is that why you built your stroker M42?

Why discourage someone from doing something you attempted?

OP is a big boy, I'm sure he understands the risks associated with embarking on a project of this nature.

 

[JayDrft]

If we not bleeding money out of the seams or willing to second bond our houses, then we do such things....! Not everyone has discovered the magical fountain of money that some people have tapped into, so once again, this is why me do these things...

Over and above that - when someon embarks on such a project, they probably dont know what they in for - but more for them in the learning department. The end result is something unique, Yes, perhaps frowned upon, but most defintely something that someone else doesnt have.

No need to debate - rather encourage and support free of charge...you wont believe how far a gesture like that can go....

I SAY NO TO PESSIMISM!!!

Gizmo, if you really want to criticize, please go onto my build thread(Project Driftmonster) and critisize away...I welcomed that on my thread - I doubt Roach opened himself up to criticism.

 

[Gizmo]

Wikked, there is absolutely zero comparison between swapping engine internals vs swapping an entire engine from a different manufacturer...
Call it having first hand experience. One upgrade forces another and another and another, its a vicious circle to no end. Im merely looking out for the guy and showing him there are cheaper, easier and more reliable ways of doing things, sorry for trying help out...:sorry:

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OP, I wish you the best of luck on your project, Im out.:ty:

 

[wikked]

We always see this terrible negativity from so called/self appointed 'Purists' whenever an engine swap of this nature is tabled for discussion
The supreme irony being that these purists have often attempted projects along similar lines of thinking (I want moar powahh).

To the OP

A project of this nature is not for the faint of heart (or wallet).
Do as much research as you can, reach out to people who have done similar builds (2JZ and 1UZ E30s and E36s are a dime a dozen these days locally) and get a solid idea of what you're in for. I beleive cocopops on the forum has a few acquaintances who have done similar builds.

The world is not going to mourn the passing of a Vanilla E39 and breathing new life into it with a better engine is a great idea. If you have the money, time and skill, go for it. Document it here so that we can all learn and offer advice

 

[kabal]

nice strawman.

no one is discouraging from a purist POV, its all practical, and getting to what the OP really wants to achieve.

 

[VictorMike]

My thoughts: go for it.

My other thoughts: if it was me, I would hunt for a 1UZ-FE. No turbos. More compact. Less hastle.

 

[nirvash]

My thoughts: go for it.

My other thoughts: if it was me, I would hunt for a 1UZ-FE. No turbos. More compact. Less hastle.

+1:idea:

 

[danieljames]

RB26!!!!!!!!! FTW!!!!!!

 

[ecKARd]

RB26!!!!!!!!! FTW!!!!!!

raise: raise:

 

[R0ACH]

Hey guys, Thanx for all the awesome replies.

Here my take on this:

M5 - E39 - anything worth its salt is at least 150K (and then the wear and tear goodies),,,
1J or 2J - with all that opens and closes, good for about 350 to 400 kw, installed - 70 to 90K
1UZ - Full 6 pin pre-wired, ready to install motor = R17500. plus them extras- all done for 50 to 70K... then the SC...
Re-fitting another 2.8 - R12500, no smiles, just plug and play and be bored all day.

This is in no way an indication that the 2.8 is a kak engine, its given me alot of good service (albeit the dreading cooling system hiccups). But now its dead. I am sure that i can get more fun outta it...

Stilll in two minds about it. Spoke to friend thats got a 2nd hand car dealer. He will offer me 25 to 30k for a running car--- seriously... wtf can i buy with 30k? And thats after i throw my 12500 at it first to get it running......??? if its worth shit to someone else, its worth more to me just sitting in the garage then...

Still havent decided...

 

[hennie]

im busy fitting a 1uxfe into a e 30 the motor has had a lot of work done on it
like cams gasflow and and it will be na will post full rightup once done
its your car and your money so do with it what you want

 

[Burgy]

Ive done a 2jz gte swop before - not on a bmw, on a supra.

The good:

Power is great in stock form
Modding potential is huge
very reliable motor
Amazing noise

The Bad:

Youll need a gearbox - D4d 5 speed will fit with a modified bell housing.(on the motor i mean)

Youll need a custom made prob

Prob need management

Custom engine mounts

Custom exhaust

Its gonna be pricey!