Where to start???
I have a red 1985 E30 323i german assembled and privately imported.
The old M20 recently died of old age, not too bad for 300,000km.
So I was left to fix the problem, putting another M20 in would be the easy/cheap solution but where is the fun in that?? and it would still be an old engine.
I then thought a M50 2.5l from a E36 would be nice until I saw how much they cost, average price I got was $3500 (with no loom, ECU or gearbox).
I then turned to the dark side, Japanese engines.
I didn't want a turbo (as all my other cars are) so I was looking for a NA 3.0l supra motor from a MKIV (JZA80). But there weren't any around, I managed to find a really good deal on a Twin Turbo Soarer engine.
The package came with 2 engines, 5 spd g/box, looms, ECU, IC and all piping (plus a whole lot of other misc stuff) for $2300.
I couldn't say NO.
The engine specs are: DOHC 24v L6 Twin Turbo
Bore x Stroke: 86x71mm
CR: 8.5:1
Power: 208kw (280hp)
Torque: 363Nm
It has an easy 80hp over the M50 I originally considered.
That makes it a good HP/$ conversion even at the expense of using a toyota engine.
The engine is a very snug fit in the E30 bay, requiring a new radiator to be custom made. The spare engine I got was from a Mark II Tourer with a fron sump so it suited the E30 (the soarer engine has a mid-rear sump suitable for a E36 conversion).
The exhaust is a tight squeeze past the steering column so I could only use 2.5" for that section, I am currently using the 2.25" exhaust I had on the car before as I haven't found a muffler I like yet, the new exhaust will be 3" from the gearbox back.
The gear stick sits only 20mm further back than the stock one so no problems there.
You only need to plug 3 wires in to make the dash work again (Tacho, temp and economy).
I have also upgraded the front brakes using Nissan patrol discs and EVO IV calipers.
The discs are a 2 piece construction consisting of a high tensile steel hat bolted to the disc with 6xM12 high tensile allen bolts.
Well that is about enough babbling for know, here are some pics:
