Engine Swap...on E36

[international]

I guys, I have been thinking of getting more power out of my current E36 318i. The M43B18 has served me well enough at present, hitting out 115ps at the rear threads have been fun enough for a 17yo...

Recently, due to some circumstances, I have been able to put into the option of engine swap. I realised that the M43B18 is pretty much a no potential kind of engine. I have seen a few turbo charged with little increase in power.

Money is a little bit of a factor but not enough to put me off, since I can nick off with my parents car, I am prepared to give up my driving pleasure for a while

I have been putting a few options on a table and though maybe it would be wise to get some suggestions from forum members here...

Nissan RB26DETT or RB25DET have been on my mind. I have seen it done once, quite well actually, as we all know those engine pack massive potential for more power.

Nissan SR20DET taken from a late model S15 could be an options as well, being smaller than the RB engines and packs a decent 250ps, it should be a good option I suppose.

Mazda 13B as recommended my some of my friends, a light little engine can enhance handling characteristics, but I have never really liked the fact that rotary engines are not so reliable...

BMW S52B32, this was the engine used on E36 M3s, and rolls around 240ps which is decent I suppose. This engine would use same engine mounts but modified, things would be much simple.

BMW S54B32 has been my other BMW option. Being one of the most successful engine BMW had ever produced, this would be one nice engine I would like to get my hands on to, this one is really stretching my budget a little but still small enough to swallow.

BMW M62B44 is my last option that I have considered. Being a V8 used on 540i and 740i it makes a nice 280ps which is around what I want. A V8 3 Series might not be a special thing anymore but a V8 E36 surely sounds special.

Does anyone have experience in engine swaps? or have done it before please give me some advice and suggestions...

Thanks in advance...

 

[watergt]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Wah.... Brave soul. I have to inform you that its ILLEGAL to cwap the engine inside your car unless its the same model.

If you are really keen on doing it despite the legal issues, I recommend you to install BMW engines instead. This is because E36 chassis are basically the same for all the models. Thus, it will be much easier to install a different engine inside the chassis. You don't have to customise engine mountings, trannies etc.

But wait...... do you meant you are 17yrs old..... If so, I STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST CHANGING THE ENGINE...... We don't need more accidents on the road....

 

[motoman]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

if $$$$ not an issue..save all the troubles..get the new M3 n souped it up buddy!!!!

 

[Mockngbrd]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

my vote goes to the SR20 / S54

 

[international]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Wah.... Brave soul. I have to inform you that its ILLEGAL to cwap the engine inside your car unless its the same model.

If you are really keen on doing it despite the legal issues, I recommend you to install BMW engines instead. This is because E36 chassis are basically the same for all the models. Thus, it will be much easier to install a different engine inside the chassis. You don't have to customise engine mountings, trannies etc.

But wait...... do you meant you are 17yrs old..... If so, I STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST CHANGING THE ENGINE...... We don't need more accidents on the road....

Sorry maybe I was a bit vague as to where I am coming from. I am in New Zealand, the current New Zealand law allows such modifications as long as it has been inspected and certified by the LTSA (Land Transport Safety Association) which would cost around $1000NZD which is about the same in SGD. Getting that done wouldnt be much of an issue but I really dont want to fork out that kind of money.

Yes, thank you for your recommendation on sticking to a BMW based engine. I realised that using a BMW engine will minimise custom fabrications which should keep costs down.

I can see where you are coming from about young drivers kiling themselves and causing accidents. I hope you can understand that I am coming as BMW enthusiast, not a racing maniac. I will admit to you I have done some pretty insame things in the past when I was younger...You could say I have matured.

 

[international]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

if $$$$ not an issue..save all the troubles..get the new M3 n souped it up buddy!!!!

Unfortunatly, it may not be as easy as it sounds. Getting an insurance on my BMW was hard enough let along a M3, therefore, the option of engine swaps was brought up. Even if I do compare the costs, an engine swap would be far more affordable and also feels unique.

I hope you can understand that I am not doing it purely to have the overall product, but I would like to also experience of going through the process of an engine swap. Its one of those things that wont happen everyday, so to be able to have a chance on a engine swap is quite special if you know what I mean...

I dont know if its illegal or not in SG, but by the sounds of it, it is?

 

[jin teck]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

better strengthern your ride like install bigger anti-roll bar, struct bar, etc before upgrading the power

 

[watergt]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Sorry maybe I was a bit vague as to where I am coming from. I am in New Zealand, the current New Zealand law allows such modifications as long as it has been inspected and certified by the LTSA (Land Transport Safety Association) which would cost around $1000NZD which is about the same in SGD. Getting that done wouldnt be much of an issue but I really dont want to fork out that kind of money.

Yes, thank you for your recommendation on sticking to a BMW based engine. I realised that using a BMW engine will minimise custom fabrications which should keep costs down.

I can see where you are coming from about young drivers kiling themselves and causing accidents. I hope you can understand that I am coming as BMW enthusiast, not a racing maniac. I will admit to you I have done some pretty insame things in the past when I was younger...You could say I have matured.

OK, in that case, I recommend a S50 or S52 engine.

However, I have to warn you that it is not such a straightforward swap, you have to replace the transmission, drivetrain and clutch etc. Its also best to reinforce the suspension/differential subframe. E36s are known to have weak subframe and is prone to cracking. If not, you could have the whole suspension ripping off the chassis.

 

[PerverTT]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Cheapest and safest way to enjoy a S50 or S52 engine would be to buy an E36 M3 intact. BMW coupes may look alike on the outside, but as others have pointed out, there are substantial differences under the skin between the M3 and coupes lower down the pecking order. The E36 M3 chassis, for example, has extra bracing not found in other coupes. Very necessary if you have to deal with 236 kw engine output and 250 km/h top speed ....

 

[international]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

better strengthern your ride like install bigger anti-roll bar, struct bar, etc before upgrading the power

Yes, thanks for that imput. I realised that upgrading the car is not only a single aspect but many aspects put together to form a well balanced BMW.

I have upgraded the current sway bars and Jamex lowering springs with standard shocks. Those are soon to be replaced.

The brake setup is also going to be changed very soon as the rear are still running drums, I will be replacing those with a E36 M3 system and the fronts will get a Brembo upgrade, which I havent quite decided.

 

[international]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

OK, in that case, I recommend a S50 or S52 engine.

However, I have to warn you that it is not such a straightforward swap, you have to replace the transmission, drivetrain and clutch etc. Its also best to reinforce the suspension/differential subframe. E36s are known to have weak subframe and is prone to cracking. If not, you could have the whole suspension ripping off the chassis.

I have been thinking about that as well. If it does get quite serious, I may consider a custom half cage to enforce the rear end of the chassis. Strunt bars up front to hold the front ends together.

I have currently sourcing a H&R coilover set to replace my current suspension setup which hopefully do the trick. I will have a look and see if there are any enforcements I will need to make to the chassis subframe, thanks for that advice.

At the moment I have a Getrag 217 gearbox from a E46 328i when I did the manual conversion about a year ago. My question is, would that gearbox be strong enough to handle the increase in power if I had it rebuilt and used harder clutch or would it be best to source the Getrag 226 (AMT) gearbox along with the engine? AMT gearbox model are just gearbox with SMG so I think I might just stick with Getrag 226 instead if I had to change my gearbox.

 

[international]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

It has been a while since, so I thought I would update things a bit here.

I was able to get hold of a second hand BMW S52B32 at a very good price. Considerating that the engine had only knocked up 60K...

How, the complex part was not only did I have to change the engine mounts totally, other bits and pieces also were required to be replaced...

However, with all the costs of this project building up, someone else has come to the tea party....

Thats right babe....Turbo...

 

[rheartily]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Hi all

But anyway, does anyone know that whether we can swap engine in singapore? Of course legally. Coz i am from malaysia and dont know much about sg law.

I am thinking of getting a second hand 320 then try to upgrade the engine to 2.5liter. Anyone can advice?

beside i heard from friend that there is 325 with V6 engine? is it true?

Rheartily

 

[watergt]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Hi all

But anyway, does anyone know that whether we can swap engine in singapore? Of course legally. Coz i am from malaysia and dont know much about sg law.

I am thinking of getting a second hand 320 then try to upgrade the engine to 2.5liter. Anyone can advice?

beside i heard from friend that there is 325 with V6 engine? is it true?

Rheartily

Nope you can't. Its illegal in SG. The only exception is when you are swapping one of the same model/capacity.

The only way to get a bigger engine is to buy one that comes with the car.

Oh well........

 

[RTCS]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Just a crazy idea, or perhaps stale as someone must have tried already. Is it possible then, to bore the cylinders to a bigger diameter and then change piston and rings? This will increase the engine capacity, has any hero ever tried?

 

[RTCS]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Just a crazy idea, or perhaps stale as someone must have tried already. Is it possible then, to bore the cylinders to a bigger diameter and then change piston and rings? This will increase the engine capacity, has any hero ever tried?

 

[watergt]

Re: Engine Swap...on E36

Just a crazy idea, or perhaps stale as someone must have tried already. Is it possible then, to bore the cylinders to a bigger diameter and then change piston and rings? This will increase the engine capacity, has any hero ever tried?

If I am not wrong, someone is selling an E36 325 bored to 3.2L in the garage.

However, bigger bore isn't everything. You also need to balance it with the stroke.