Why fit a modern engine in an E30?
As it's now almost impossible to buy a small rear wheel drive car powered by a useful torquey engine more and more people are looking to make their own. The E30 is a superb starting point. Classic good lines, a wieldy size that's still big enough to carry 4 adults and their luggage in relative comfort and a steer-from-the-rear nimble chassis. Unfortunately in standard guise the E30 has 2 main downfalls. The first is the bus-spec steering rack that has the driver twirling his arms excessively. This issue can be corrected by fitting an E36 M3 or Z3 steering rack. The second of the E30's weakpoints is the outdated ironblock 12 valve M20 engine. You can chase power with various bolt-on modifications, displacement enlargements, cams etc., but realistically you'll spend at least £1k to reach a real 200bhp. Enter the M50/M52/S50 family of engines readily available from accident damaged E36 3 series and E34 and E39 5 series. From upwards of a few hundred pounds to buy they offer the sensible way to usable power and torque while returning improved fuel economy, cleanliness and usability.
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New  E30 24V Discussion Forum
The place to discuss your 24V engine swap, discover which parts to use and exchange hints and tips. Already swapped an M50, M52 or S50 into your E30? Come on in and show it off then!
 Collecting an M52!
Parts Wanted
Please contact me if you have any of the following for sale:
- E30 M3 LSDs
- E34 M50 sumps
- E36 M3 Evo manifolds
(Even broken ones)
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