Scorched_onion

Nah mate in hamilton, I would be so keen if i had the money. Im just trying to get an idea of what i should do for a small cost. At the moment im keen on m42 because of simplicity and room for extra mods (turbo) but don't have the actual funds at the moment. The only problem i can see with the m42 is the wiring. Does anyone have any information about wiring different bmw engines to other chassis and what usually needs to be done etc? Any help is appreciated.

I think an m42 swap would be good but the only problem i can think of is wiring, because of it coming out of an e36. No one seems to think that modding an m40 is worth it and that an engine swap is much better. M42 being good because they share the same block but different heads and m42 has chain etc. Does anyone have any resources on such a swap? thanks for advice so far.

Do you know if i could use my transmission and drivetrain from an m40b18 with an m20b25?

So what would be the easiest option for a bit of torque and power gain on a budget? I dont exactly need all the power of an m52b28 and an m50b25 might even be a little overkill for what i want. I just want something that can spin the wheels, doesn't cost the world on petrol. And can accelerate nicely with a bit of torque to push you back in the seat and for boosting out of corners and things. I'd like it to have the least amount of work possible aswell.

I would love the power and sound of an m50 but being a student and not too much experience i don't think an m50 swap would be for me considering all of the work included and the petrol usage. Someone on bimmerforums thinks an m42 would bolt up to an m40 tranny and that its pretty straight foward. What would you do?

SR20det would be awesome but too much work. I want some economy, being a student, so don't think m50 is for me. Im keen on an M42B18 swap though. Does anyone know if an m42 will bolt up to my 318i tranny? Thanks for advice so far.

How hard is it to swap one of them?

Hey there, new to this forum. Just picked myself up a 1990 BMW 318i with an m40B18 and as some of you probably know, not exactly the fastest car around. I was originally planning on rebuilding the engine with worked cams, high comp pistons, chipped ecu etc. But am wondering if its worth swapping in an m42b18 or turboing the m40? how hard is it to swap an m42 into a 318i? or even turboing the m40? ive read that its not worth modding the m40 and it'd be better to do an engine swap for the money. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.