** E36 318i --> M3 ENGINE SWAP ** Some info anyone can help

[koss]

Hello there,

I Currently drive a 1992 318i (E36)

I am seriously looking into doing an M3 Engine swap on her. The 1.8 liter just isnt cutting it . The car is in very good shape with 95,000mi on it. I have found a 98 M3 Engine (48,000 mi for the swap with all major parts which include engine complete from the pan to the throttlebody, all the bolt on accesories, wire harness, ECU, transmission with linkage, front half of the exhaust with the cats and o2 sensors, speedo, fuel pressure regulator and rear diff.. for around $4000 US. Should i be paying less? I wanna do a little research b4 i fork out the cash. So if anyone has knowleged of this swap please inform if there is anything else important i should know. Thank You.


Are these all the parts i need ?
Does anyone know of any detailed sites for an engine swap of this type?
Do any major mods need to be done or is the swap mainly a straight bolt up?

Thanks alot for the help .....
When everything is in motion i will keep you guys posted with pictures and updates


THANK-YOU

 

[Migey]

I know you need the motor mounts, they bolt onto the same place but you need the mounts.

 

[herbin619]

do you know where I can find a step by step manual for doing a m3 engine swap. I have a 1995 318ic and I want more power. I was thinking about a Downing Atlanta supercharger, but it seems as if they would cost the same to do either. Any info would be helpful

 

[Dnz]

dont forget youre putting an m3 worth of strain on a ordinary 3 series body, as in youll need better brakes, and make sure you dont have subframe cracks etc.. For more power, youll need more protection..

 

[MidWestThom]

Zionsville Autosport has a guide to do the conversion on an e30, but that won't help you much.

I don't mean to sound like a drag and it'd groove to swap an S52, but the sensible thing to do if you want more power would be save your money and buy an M3. Your car isn't going to hold anywhere near the value of what your putting into it, like Dnz said the list of mods you'll need isn't going to stop with the drivetrain, and after you've spent that much cash on parts and installation, with the current value of your car, you wouldn't be far off from an M at all.

Maybe that's just me, but it's worth a thought.

 

[mikev]

that would be the ultimate sleeper. however. as well as bigger discs all round you'll need bigger wheels and tires beefed up suspension and ,If your gonna do the high speed thing, aerodynamics kit. if you don't do all of this you WILL spin out and kill your self as soon as you turn a corner. cheaper option is to buy the M3 IMO.