Pros – Great power, great future modification potential for more power, some variants are lighter weight than BMW engines.GM LS – 5.3 liter to 6.0 liter V8 from many different GM and Chevrolet models (300 – 400+hp / 350 – 400+ lb/ft torque).Cons – All custom mounting and integration as we’re now out of the inline six cylinder family, not much future modification potential for more power, high cost for a complete engine.Cons – Computer system and sensor integration more involved, medium cost for a complete engine.Pros – Identical in most major exterior dimensions to my M50 engine so a medium difficulty swap, good power, good future potential modification for more power.BMW S54 – 3.2 liter six cylinder from E46 M3 (333 hp / 262 lb/ft torque).Cons – Not that much more power than my current engine, OBDII computer system more difficult to integrate into the car (or convert to OBDI sensors), not that different future modification potential from my current M50.Pros – Identical in most exterior features to my M50 engine so a relatively easy drop in replacement, relatively low cost for a complete engine.BMW S52 – 3.2 liter six cylinder from E36 M3 (240 hp / 240 lb/ft torque).Cons – Not that much more power than my current engine, not that different future modification potential from my current M50.Pros – Identical in all exterior features to my M50 engine so it’s a complete drop-in replacement, uses same OBD1 computer system, relatively low cost for a complete engine.BMW S50 – 3.0 liter six cylinder from E36 M3 (240 hp / 225 lb/ft torque).Here are the most common (and documented) engine swaps that people perform on the BMW E36 chassis:
Since a longitudinal inline 6 cylinder came standard from the factory, you can actually fit up to a V12 in the engine bay! Now a V12 is definitely not very common (or practical) but it is possible. One great thing about the BMW E36 chassis is that the engine bay is pretty cavernous. Let’s take a look at the various options within each of these categories, along with the major pros and cons. Forced Induction – Installing a supercharger or turbocharger system on the engine.Engine Build – Installing new components in the engine such as pistons, rods, cams, head, etc.Engine Swap – Actually replacing the complete engine in my car with the engine from another car.These methods can be broken down into three main categories: The BMW E36 chassis being 25+ years old, there are many proven things that people have done to increase power. It left the factory with 189 hp (M50B25TU), so best case it’s only making around 150 hp now. According to most reliable sites, my BMW E36 has 20% less power at my current altitude (~6000 ft) than at sea level. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, my car is feeling down on power since moving to the high altitude of Colorado.
0 kommentar(er)
