More rainy day dreams: turbo versus engine swap

[Jay 535i]

On the cost-benefit scale, is a turbo kit always going to outperform an engine swap? As far as engine swaps go, what are my options?

A full-scale 400hp turbo kit is pretty appealing, but pricey at $6000+. Are there any interesting engine swap possibilities for that price or below? My existing engine should be worth at least a few hundred to somebody.

I want to do a tranny swap, too, so that I get a manual. Maybe there are economies of scale in doing that simultaneously with an engine swap?

The idea of a low-mileage M5 engine and tranny out of a wrecked car is pretty appealing.

[kyleN20]

540i 6 speed, for all your spending, get a 540i 6 speed in good condition, you ought get some decent coin for your car, and then have to spend less than 6 to get a nice 540.

[Jay 535i]

540i 6 speed, for all your spending, get a 540i 6 speed in good condition, you ought get some decent coin for your car, and then have to spend less than 6 to get a nice 540.

Thanks for that advice.

I've thought about that. I might get 5-6k for my car, plus another 5 will get me a nice 540/6.

But..

I've just spent $5k on my car in the past three months, and it really is close to perfect now. It has new OE exhaust and Sachs suspension (which, I suppose, I could put on the 'new' car if I can afford to buy the 540 before selling the 535 -- but then there are labor costs associated with that). I'm afraid that if I buy another used E34 I'll have to spend $5k on it just to get it to the level of my current car. Even if I find a 'good' one, it's likely to need some work. And I've already spent that money on my 535i. In other words, it's sort of a matter of preferring the you know. My current car has all its gremlins sorted, and I know what to expect from it in the coming months. A 'new' car is an unknown quantity with potentially unforseen costs.

And my interior is perfect, and my car is exactly the color combo I want, and, and, and... after all that compromise, I 'only' get ~280hp. That's enough, but more would be nice for all that trouble.

So, a 540 is an option, but I'm not sure it's the best one.

Oh, one last thought. If I do end up shopping for a 'new' 540, then I'll also have to consider the E38 740 and E39 540, further complicating things. They're all virtually the same price.

[Jose]

Get a M5 engine with tranny. Should cost you more than 3k for the engine and 6 or 700 for the manual. Don't be too worried about reconditioning the engine too much as you would have to do the same with your current on when using it in a turbo set up.It would probably cost you even more. As for fuel economics, the M60 and s38 should be at almost the same level.

[Jay 535i]

Get a M5 engine with tranny.

Where do I start?

[granit_silber]

Get a M5 engine with tranny. Should cost you more than 3k for the engine and 6 or 700 for the manual. Don't be too worried about reconditioning the engine too much as you would have to do the same with your current on when using it in a turbo set up.

I'm a little confused about the term "reconditioning". If it means replacing seals and other engine consumables than I'd almost agree. If it means rebuilding the engine (which is supposed to happen every ~120k on an "s") then I'd be worried about reconditioning an s38. A rebuild on a "s" motor will run between 10-15k (unless you can do it yourself). Personally, I'm not sure I would buy an s38 for 3k, but hey diferent strokes for different folks.


How'd you get 280hp out of the m30? (just curious)

-ashley

[Dave M]

Where do I start?

The bay of course

You could pick it up in Michigan, go watch a red wings game,

Dave M

[angrypancake]

The bay of course

You could pick it up in Michigan, go watch a red wings game,

Dave M

I've seen that auction probly 4 or 5 different times... I wonder why no one bought it yet

[granit_silber]

The bay of course

You could pick it up in Michigan, go watch a red wings game,

Dave M

90 Day warranty?
Fits the e28 M5?
Fits the e24 M6?
Core Charge?
What about the ECU?

hmmmmm......

-ashley

[Johntee540]

Those guys are good guys. Call them. they are very honest - I bought my reman transmission from them and they have stood behind it.


http://www.autosportsunlimited.com/

JT