RyderParker 1 Report post Posted September 9, 2013 Hey guys, I'm new to the bimmer world.. but I am a keen enthusiast. I have recently purchased a 1984 318is e30 warranted and registered. I'm wanting to convert her to manual, and also wanting a bit more power to play with. I believe the stock engine is a m10b18. My question is, would I be better off to build the m10 up, put a turbo kit on it etc.. or do an engine swap? and if so, what is a recommended engine conversion. Oh, and for the manual conversion, what gearbox do I need to be looking for to bolt up to the m10? (If I end up keeping with it.) All help is appreciated! Cheers, Ryder. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) If it is actual "is" then the engine is m42b18, twin cam. Edit, however in 1984 if i'm not wrong the "is" didn't exist yet Edited September 9, 2013 by nipe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyderParker 1 Report post Posted September 9, 2013 Oh my mistake, yep 318i. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahmedsinc 414 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 For the effort & expense involved I'd say you're better off doing a swap. There's heaps of info around on M50 / M52 -> E30, M52B28 seems to be the most popular option for power & value. M60 is doable but depends on how deep your pockets are. Or go all out and follow Hybrids lead, S50 is good no matter what body it's in!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyderParker 1 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 Thanks for that! I think i'll go with a M50B25 after reading a few forums, It seems fairly common and a lot of information is given to assist with the swap! What gearbox bolts behind the m50? Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nipe 1 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 Thanks for that! I think i'll go with a M50B25 after reading a few forums, It seems fairly common and a lot of information is given to assist with the swap! What gearbox bolts behind the m50? Cheers g240 from m40 engine models fits, otherwise e36 straight six manual gearboxes all fit and g260 from m20 engines fits too, but sits on an angle which means you would need to make changes to the crossmember. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 Do an M10 with some big arse carbs on it. That would be cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2956 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 Dustbin sized truck turbo on it, best bang for buck!! (Literally ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lord_jagganath 421 Report post Posted September 10, 2013 The M10 block is legendary, becoming the F1 engine of the 80s Brabham team. In my opinion, slappin a turbo on it is perfect! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2956 Report post Posted September 11, 2013 True... 1200+ hp qualifying spec.. I think they were nicknamed "grenade" engines for some reason?? Won the F1 Championship though. Do it!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyderParker 1 Report post Posted September 11, 2013 Do an M10 with some big arse carbs on it. That would be cool. The m10 is injected. in an ideal world, id like to slap a turbo and a megasquirt system on it haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lord_jagganath 421 Report post Posted September 11, 2013 True... 1200+ hp qualifying spec.. I think they were nicknamed "grenade" engines for some reason?? Won the F1 Championship though. Do it!! They blew up in front of the BMW Racing director, Paul Rosche had mused. http://www.europeancarweb.com/lookback/epc...ul/viewall.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyderParker 1 Report post Posted September 11, 2013 Think i'm gonna go with N/A power for now with the M50B25.. the less issues I come across the better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites