Re: engine swap (archive)

I have an 88 e32 in exceptional condition, while driving to work I heard a "chime" sound. I looked at my gauges and the temp was all the way to the extreme high. I couldn't get off the freeway for about 15 minutes, and could not pull off the roadway either. Result, blown head gasket. The engine has 145,000 miles on it. I am thinking of changing the engine and trans out to a 1995 4 litre engine and trans, what are anybody's thoughts on this. Any one ever do this? Thanks. MIke

It is not a bad idea, but I think it is not feasible for two reasons. First is cost. The v-8 is very expensive, as is the 5 speed auto trans. An additional factor here is the electronics' interfaces would be different and would require the expenditure of big bucks to get everything working right. Second, you do know that a good deal of the v-8s have the infamous Nikasil block? Check the archives under "Nikasil", "Leak down" and you will come up with more info. The moral: stay away from Niksail v-8s.
I would think you can get the power you want at a much better price by looking in the Roundel for one of the engine builders that could give you a good deal more power out of your straight 6 and not have the compatability headaches. You can get a quality rebuild that could give you about 250 hp out of your 3.5 liter 6. Good luck.

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