535ITT? What do you think

[Bruno]

I love my wagon but I hate the fact that it is the only car that isn't boosted nor 5 speed in my fleet.

So, what do you think about a complete M30 5 speed transplant?
3.5 M30 engine with the proper brackets and all
3.5 M30 5 speed transmission
E28 lightweight flywheel
Proper clutch to handle the new power
TCD turbo manifold and home made for the rest.

The other choice is to boost the M50 and do a 5 speed swap... but I love the M30 sooo much.

[BMWDriver]

Can't go wrong with a bigger engine if you want more power... But, I guess it's a matter of budget and what kind of figures you want. I understand there's a lot to be had with the M50 turboed, but maybe less has to be done with the M30 depending on how much power you really want? I'd have to read a lot more on the subject though. I always think about Jon's moded M50 that IIRC spews in excess of 600 HP... rebuilt, bored, powder coated, custom pistons, custom exhaust and headers... his elaborate calculations and onboard computer...

There's a lot to consider I suppose. If your M50 is still good, if you can find a good M30 and tranny...

[Bruno]

I am not looking for 600HP for a summer car, I have the race car for driving fast. Just a little bit more power, 300+ would be perfect.
I can pickup a 535i 5 speed for 500ish and rebuild then engine then put it all into the station wagon.
The M30 is well proven with boost. The M50 works also but prices for a turbo kit being the same, I might as well go with what I know best.

[Sam-Son]

Stick with the M50 its a far superior motor

[Bruno]

I guess I could go M50 non vanos with TCD turbo manifold... already has individual coils... New learning curve, why not.

[genphreak]

Yes, M50 is an M-motor produced in a production process. More efficient, more refined. But not as big. Very economical though, unlike M30. I'd boost it with a MAF or a Megasquirt and enjoy the best of al worlds

[Bruno]

M-motor my rear end, hardly M when the s50/S52 engine was a tuned version of the M50/M52, not a true M engine, and M lovers didn't like that. They corrected the problem with the E46.

I do agree though that the M50 non vanos is a good base for turbo. If you guys are interested I will post the list of parts, where to buy them and the cost. I think the whole process will cost $2,000 roughly. Yet I still love the simplicity of my M30 engine...
Now... where to put the intercooler???

Yes, M50 is an M-motor produced in a production process. More efficient, more refined. But not as big. Very economical though, unlike M30. I'd boost it with a MAF or a Megasquirt and enjoy the best of al worlds

[BigKriss]

yes post up the details, i would like to see them

[Bruno]

Some parts new, some parts used: Prices in USD

Walbro 255hp: 100 (used or new)
Tial Wastegate: 150 (used)
Intercooler: 70 (ebay)
Intercooler piping kit: 50 (ebay)
Manifold: 350 (new)
Exhaust: home made (price depends on skill)
Oil feed kit:40 (new or used)
ARP Head studs: 120 (new)
Injectors: 150 (used, 30 to 42lb)
Megasquirt: 300 (new)
Turbo: 400 (new or used)
Boost gauge: 25 (VDO)
Wide band 02 sensor: 150 (used or new AEM)
clutch and lightweight flywheel: 400

Some prices can go down depending on the choice of parts. I am looking for a reliable 10Psi intercooled daily driver setup.
If you are not in a hurry, parts can be found until you get the complete setup.

[BigKriss]

these prices look too cheap. are you buying the new parts from ebay or elsewhere.

I need some oil lines and gauges for my turbo kit, do you recommened tcd to supply them or another vendor, considering I;m in Australia also.

Actually do you have an email address I can contact you on?