Engine Swap or this Turbo System

[mmclaren]

Ok before i start this is not just another post requesting they want to turbo there 318i or engine swap that ends up going no-where.
Proof - I converted my car from Auto to Manual "not a cheap operation but if im willing to do that, then an engine swap or turbo isnt really that much"

So with that in mind, and knowing to well alot of the costs i am ready to go ahead with a major performance upgrade.

Currently i am running a BMW 318i 95 m43 "Aussie and Jap Engine"
Which is a SOHC Slow Piece of crap, even with my 4.1 ratio dif "makes it kill any other 318i" Cold air intake, Performance ECU, and so on, its still slow and well is sad to call a bmw engine.

I have spoken to this company that is selling a complete turbo kit for the
318i

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E36-318-is...QQcmdZViewItem

and it will fit, but am i better off buying a 325i engine, 3.0m3 engine "dont like the newer vanos engine"

I do know what is involved with the turbo system and insurance wise, but what is involved with the engine..
I need to create a parts list that will be required to work out a good estimate of the price... Also a time frame that you believe would be realistic with this job.

AND PLEASE DO NOT SAY BUY A 325i or something like that, i am aussie and there isnt many people that understand the price of bmws here

Example of Redbooks Pricing
318i 95
National average price - private sale* $9,000 - $11,800

325i 95
National average price - private sale* $18,900 - $22,300

And i like my car to much to sell, trying to find another metallic black scawz is to hard especially with a market the size of Australia

So can anyone or everyone put in there sugestion

thx

[bimmerboy328i]

A 95 325i for 18900-22300, are you kidding me? If you want the non-vanos engine, it's in a 92 325i. They are hard to find in good condition as well since they are old. Every engine after 92 has VANOS. Engine transplant's are not that hard if you know what you are doing. Since you are 95 and OBD1, you shoul pick up an S50 (3.0 Liter) in good condition and swap it.

I think turbocharging a 318 would be a waste of money, sorry.

[mmclaren]

Thanks for the reply
Keep putting more posts forward, and im not kidding on car prices

[WALSRU]

If you're satisfied with the claimed 210 hp figures (and maybe a few odd more with some tweaking) they give then by all means do the turbo. If you're looking for a lot more than that you'll be better off with a 6 cylinder. However, that 4 is quite light so there's also the power to weight ratio advantage of that little engine. It does sound like a nice project, the 318 is just not really a tuner motor.

[thekid]

Honestly I think turboing a 318i/is is a great idea. Yes it is expensive but with the 4.10 diff already installed this should be really good. The guys are claiming 210 bhp which is about what a modded 325/328 would put you at (i've seen several posts on this site claiming that and backing up with dyno sheets). I am sure if you saved up a bit more money and went ahead and did other things that you should be doing like cams, balancing every thing, etc. you will exceed that number. While you may no have the torque that a modded 325 or 328 would have you have much better gearing which should more than make up for the missing torque. I haev been drooling over the idea of turboing a 318. But unfortunately I will not be in a position to have the money to do so for several years (still in college). I might be the only person on this fourm telling you to turbo it. Everyone else (not literally but for the most part) tells people to not ever for any reason buy a 318i.

edit: just Walsru posted while I was.

[nobrakese36]

viva the m42 im dinan chipped and still get 30mpg

[BImmerN2B]

You have to understand that everything has it's place and the 318i was not much designed or picked up to be a tuner motor. It is mostly a commuter car and anybody has to understand that. It's understandable what you have to go trough in Aussie land.

There is so much you can do and you even know what options you have according to how much Aussie dollars you have. Basically you can turbo or supercharge the 4 and get about 210 or you can get a 6 and 1) leave it like it is or 2)turbo it also. but just remember that the second option takes some greena and know how. But in the end is all for you so decide

[mmclaren]

Greener isnt much of a problem, can save quickly when i want something. For the turbo, sounds great my problem though is, after that and a bit of tweaking thats all i can do, so in 1 year when im bored of 210bhp im sorta stuffed, where as buying a 6 banger now means in 1 year i can turbo it it

[thekid]

Work on a twin turbo setup then. Or do what I have always dreamed of doing. A supercharged turbocharged car. Set the turbo to kick in about 4,000 rpms where the supercharger is leaving off. Working out something like that should keep you busy after the original turbo's magic wears off.

[mmclaren]

if i am looking at twin turbo system i should be looking at dropping a nissan engine into it :P

[WALSRU]

Originally Posted by mmclaren

if i am looking at twin turbo system i should be looking at dropping a nissan engine into it :P

Well said.

[mmclaren]

with the 3.0ltr m3 engine, will my current 5 speed box fit and work with it?? i know the 3.2 utilised the 6spd

[4evrwyntr]

I second the super/turbo idea too, but that's a lot more complicated than one would think.
Doesn't AA sell an e36 turbo that claims almost 220hp? I guess that's best result, so ~210 is realistic.
As a previous 318 owner, I won't bash you for not "upgrading" your car. Just admit that you love it and you would do anything not to lose it, instead of beating around the bush looking for logical reasons not to "upgrade."

[mmclaren]

Originally Posted by 4evrwyntr

As a previous 318 owner, I won't bash you for not "upgrading" your car. Just admit that you love it and you would do anything not to lose it, instead of beating around the bush looking for logical reasons not to "upgrade."

Your sorta right, but im stubborn and well nup not loosing my car it is going to be upgraded,

i see it like a woman, you cant just throw them outta the bedroom after a month "although its sometimes tempting"
you have to persist with that one, and upgrade there performance with new tricks :P

also an m3 here costs from $38,000 - $60,000 for a e36

[chrismcl05]

hello i say u turbo it and i have a 318i and i am only ever gonna upgrade. i will run my car till i cant repair it so i know what u mean. although the supercharged/turboed idea sounds great im gonna look into that. i have seen kits plastered all over the net for turboing a 318. who cares if its only 210hp with a bit more fiddlin u could probably squeeze more and u still have the car u love.