1987 325e Power options?

[B C]

I think the popular answer would be M50 + turbo but I think the lowest cost route to 400hp would be an M20 + turbo

[RamRod E28]

I'm gonna be megasquirting my e28 and running a t4 on it on the economy m20 engine and eventually swap to the normal m20 head for more flow. Until I blow it up and deem it useless then swap to ls1!!!

[rampelsauce]

Or go M30 + snail.  That's what a lot of them ur-op folks do.

[Laishes]

can a m30b35 out-horsepower a s50/s52b30 when boosted due to the increased displacement?

[Laishes]

Also; does anyone know offhand if the "sand beige" m3 vader seats are the same color as the "sand beige" e30 interior? If I were to get a pair and swap out my front seats would they match the rear seats at all?

[B C]

Laishes said:

can a m30b35 out-horsepower a s50/s52b30 when boosted due to the increased displacement?

All other things equal, no, 24v heads flow better. 

Its also a game of quantity of power vs quality of power.

You sound like you want 1000hp

[Laishes]

Snap ( I M50) said:

You sound like you want 1000hp

Pretty much!

But na, I figure 400hp in a 2700lb chassis is plenty for me

[Laishes]

Ramze46 said:

I'm gonna be megasquirting my e28 and running a t4 on it on the economy m20 engine and eventually swap to the normal m20 head for more flow. Until I blow it up and deem it useless then swap to ls1!!!

Thinking about keeping the m20 thus far. It's just cheaper and far more easier than other options it seems. Although if I was to boost I would run the 2.5i head on the 2.7 block

[RamRod E28]

Laishes said:

Pretty much!

But na, I figure 400hp in a 2700lb chassis is plenty for me

Welcome to light ass bmw league

[DrLeadFoot]

For the i head swap you'll need everything from the i except the block, starter and radiator.

[B C]

im going to assume that for the sake of making space on the pass. side, that youd want a late model cooling system/water pump/radiator etc as well

[B C]

$4000 budget should do it.

[mkoepp]

Snap ( I M50) said:

$4000 budget should do it. 

I had the pleasure to meet Todd from TDC a little over a week ago and I expressed my interest in turbos. The above cost is exactly what Todd said it would cost with engine, suspension and drive train related items that would need to be replaced/upgraded to handle the boost. It's not a poor man's hobby but sure is a fun one!

[DrLeadFoot]

Todd is a great guy/contact to have in this community and if you're boosting you should talk to him.  He helped me out boat loads throughout my build.

Spring is coming!  Is this boosted yet?!?

[Laishes]

It looks like I will be going 2.7i!

Check out my build in progress here: http://www.wibimmers.com/board/index.php?/topic/2261-1987-325e-eventually-boost27i-m20/

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