e30 engine swaps?: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Dec. 8, 2008 8:16 a.m. phillyj Reader

My favorite car it the e30 318is because I am a 4 cylinder fan. Now, looking on ebay or cars.com the most common e30 is the 325 but its a 6 cylinder. Are there engine swaps into the 325 involving later 4 cyl or maybe even turbo diesel( using m41 engines?). What I mean is, is there documentation of swapping in a e36 4 cyl or diesel engine into an e30 possibly the 32x models?

Why should anyone want to under power a car is the question you all are probably thinking, right? I'm not sure, probably the lighter weight, cause I am fan of low weight and moderate power.
Dec. 8, 2008 9:01 a.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

You'd be best off (time, $$$ wise) finding an original 318is, instead of swapping out the 6 for the 4cyl.

Although more rare than the 6cyl models, the 318is are still out there, and generally pretty inexpensive.

just my .02
Dec. 8, 2008 9:18 a.m. mtn Dork

I don't think you're crazy. I love that engine (we have it in the convertible). I'd say that you're better off finding an original 318. I wouldn't want to swap anything other than the original engine in, just because it is so good.
Dec. 8, 2008 10:14 a.m. 02Pilot New Reader

Remember that there were two distinct variants of the E30 318: the first, from 1984-85, had the M10 engine, while the second, available in the U.S. in 1991 only IIRC, had the M42. As much as I love the M10 as a truly bulletproof engine, it is a little overwhelmed by the mass of the E30, making the 91 M42 model a much better choice.
Dec. 8, 2008 10:26 a.m. belteshazzar Dork

early e36 m42's will swap into e30's, but add me to the list of people telling you to just buy one that's already got it.

too bad there's no downing atlanta type option for the m20.
Dec. 8, 2008 12:08 p.m. JeepinMatt New Reader

I have a '91 325i, but I would love a 4 cyl E30. Just one - the M3.

An engine swap is a big undertaking, take it from experience. Just buy one with the 4cyl already in it. Your wallet will thank you. Use the massive amount of money you save to add other go-fast parts.