Engine swap

[Wicked_1]

Hi guys,

is it possible to do an engine swop in my E36 318iS motorsport?I want to put in a 6cyl,like the M52 or something,but will I have to change cooling systems etc?Is it a straight fit(Engine mountings match)?

I`m not to clued up on bmw,but my motor now has 241k km on,and I am just preparing for solutions.I also want more ooomph!lol

Or would be doing the motor over and adding a small turbo be a better route?Where will I be able to get rods and pistons for that?

Thanks

 

[zaleonardz]

Motor swap is fairly easy, the electrics a bit more challanging.

Speak to Gizmo, he has done it.

 

[Legacy]

Best bet is to find a donor car, say a 328i or 325i etc. which was in a rear collision so the front is okay but its still a right off, these go for around 30k-40k so then you just transplant the engine, electronics, computer box and everything you need so there is no clashes between software or other problems:thumb:

This should provide less problems than usual:mmm:

Otherwise just buy a 330i

 

[ChrisBrand]

Rather buy a new car bud... if you really really want to do the transplant and you are willing to endure hours of frustration and tears to feel the relieve of accomplishment then do it.

 

[Wicked_1]

I just want to make my baby faster,dunno that much about these motors,overhauling my dads E36 325i with him december,well I`m mostly going to do it for the fun.

Is there a way to do some basic mods to get more power?Maby cams?Flow the head?Already got the exhaust sorted.I dont want to change management systems.then u start having issues with fueling.

---

I just think If I`m going to open up the motor for an overhaul I can just aswell put some work into it

 

[Sankekur]

If you have the time and the money and another car then you can go for a engine swap, but personally I would just go for buying a new car. Then you can keep the iS as a track car or something.

 

[zaleonardz]

The guys are making sense here, it will prob just be cheaper to change the car for something with larger displacement.

However, if you enjoy this kind of work and your up for a challange, thats a totally differant story, I will help you

 

[Sankekur]

However, if you enjoy this kind of work and your up for a challange, thats a totally differant story, I will help you

I agree this would probably be the main reason to change the engine, because you want to personally I have to admit an engine swap is also something I would one day like to do, just because I want to
Oh, I would also be willing to help, have removed and engine before, but not much experience in terms of putting one in

 

[Gizmo]

If you want more power from the M42/44 you need to go 2.0lt displacement. I bought a M44 sub assembly and bored the 85mm block 1mm oversized to 86mm and fitted M3 pistons with the M44 rods. The 88mm crank from the pre-facelift E46 320d bolts right up but with a very small amount of machine work to the nose for the M42/44 timing gear. Overall displacement was 2044cc, this with a stock intake manifold, stock head, stock exhaust manifold makes 100Wkw@reef level.
see post 16: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=167

If you're gonna swap to 24v then get a donor car, rear-ended 328i and swap everything over. It is by far the cheapest way to do the swap as all the parts needed will be on that donor car, it is also quickest and the most fun to do the conversion. Check out these auctions around town and find a low mileage 328i rear ender, these go from R15 000-R20 000 and you can always sell the other parts not used to recover costs.
If you buy parts individually from scrapyards you will spend alot more to do the conversion.

 

[Wicked_1]

Hi guys,

Sorry everything is blocked at work,thanks for all the posts,WOW,thanks gizmo,you have some experience.

I like what you are talking about,but isnt it risky to change the crank?

Also,will it be worth it to flow the head?And will I need to do anything on the fuelling side or will the system be able to handle the changes especially in the bit larger displacement?

---

@Gizmo

I got this off your thread,the middle is my crank according to this,what gear is that?

 

[Gizmo]

Thats the trigger wheel for the crank sensor, you need the M42 lower timing case with the crank sensor on the front of the crank to make it work on the M44.

 

[Wicked_1]

Ah,I understand,thanks,will def be looking into that,but I`ll be getting a second bottom end for the build,maybe a whole motor,so I can keep her on the road as long as possible for the rainy days...