m50 into e21?

[vtje323]

Hi there, I own an 82' e21 323i , and i'm planning on giving it the power and sound it deserves. I was thinking about putting in an m50 2,5 liter engine in my car as they are a good starting point for my plans. I must say i'm not too familiar with the conversion itself, but there's enough info on the web to sort that out. My only problem is, and yes i know it's an e30 forum, will it fit in my tiny e21? And if yes, are there any other complications with it then the e30 m50 conversion? If any of you 24v petrolheads have experience of knowledge about this subject, please let me know!

[Jhonno]

It will fit..

WIring will be slightly different, I would imagine everything else will be the same

[blue-bm-jay]

Its easier to fit the M50 into left hand drive cars due to the fact that you won't have issues with the exhaust manifolds, if its right hand drive you'll have fun getting it all to fit, it does.
You'll also have to lose the brake booster on the right hand drive car.

[jmc330i]

You'll also have to lose the brake booster on the right hand drive car.

Ive never seen a standard E21 - where is the brake servo/booster located normally?

[blue-bm-jay]

The brake booster is located on a long bar system with the servo on the end of it, its tight changing plugs on the single cam M20 but with another 12 valves the M50 is too broad to fit with it in the way, Don't know if ive got a pic, sure there is a pic on the E21 forum.

[jmc330i]

The brake booster is located on a long bar system with the servo on the end of it

If the servo/booster is behind the right hand headlight, then Ive definitely seen an M50 in place with the servo at the end of the long bar setup.
Will have to speak to the guy responsible and see whats what.