Re: I need a new engine HELP (archive)

If you want to learn about rebuilding, just buy an old engine (worn out rather than trashed to keep replacement part cost low) and rebuild it with new bearings, piston rings, guides, etc., etc. There is MUCH to learn doing just that and it is more useful knowledge than trying to build some unresearched storker motor. If you can build a good stock motor with full understanding of why you're doing what you'll be a rare individual.

If you want a faster car, I would simply start with a faster engine and put that in.

The S50/S52 and associated ZF 5-sp manual tranny come to mind. A friend of mine has one in an E34 Touring so it can be done and done easily. He paid $1200 labour. This would be the best in my opinion. Cost would be $4000-6000 for the powerplant and transmission. You could get 280 HP out of that motor with a few easy mods.

An all-Al Z3 motor would be a nice fit here too and cheaper by 2k? You could get 200 HP out of that easily.

Another option is the M62 from the 540i. Not as easy to work on, probably not as much fun, but it probably does fit. I would likely not bother with this though I have seen the motor and tranny for $3200.

I'm just about finishing up rebuilding my E34 M5 motor (top-end only) and there itself I have learnt a lot that I'm sure will be useful to me. No mods. Just a stock rebuild. The car has enough power as it is and I only keep it on the street.

If you must do something totally individual, I would recommend getting a cheap motor that you will not mind screwing up. The M20B25 comes to mind at ~$600 used. Bore and stroke the hell out of it, build in multiple throttles, an intake plenum, headers, larger valves, larger intake ports, etc., etc., and there are certainly enough precedents from Ireland Engineering, BMP Design and the like so it is all doable. If it works out for you, get a $500 tranny for it and a $1500 E30 and stick it in that. Keep it cheap. You don't want a whole lot of money in stuff that is not really drivable and you don't have to spend a lot to learn a lot.

I also recommend you get the following:

Neil Deshpande
http://www.neilwerke.com

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i need a used engine so that i can rebuild it. im taking a class at school and i have a 525i which is far from sporty, so im plannin on taking another m50 and overboring porting polishing etc etc, OR tryin to fit and s50. will an s50 mate with my 525i auto tranny? or will i have to get an m5 tranny too. either way i can do anything, we have such a rad shop. any of idea will be MUCH appreciated. i dont care if i make some engine then break it either cause ill have my engine im usin right now to put back in. thanks guys.
-justin

Sunnen Book on Engine Rebuilding

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