e36 1.6 or 1.8 to...

[skasap]

Hi all!
My first thread! So i am in need of some help from all the drift heads here with this one as i am in the dark about BMW engines and swaps etc.
The plan is to get a e36 1.6L or 1.8L, with good, rust free body, and swap for...??? This is where i need help... what to look for? i've read some threads here that a 2.5 is the best fit, but a 2.8 is also an option, but what about the 3.2 M3 or a 3.0(?)? What are the costs of these engines and the clutches?
What will work best for street class drifting? i've drifted a friends 2.5, seems enough, but to get some good results i think it needs a little bit more, so the 2.8 seems as a great fit.
Also what else to add? the LSD and suspension (coilovers?) is self-explanatory? what else?
Any information or opinion welcome!

 

[oli_the_thread]

It's been covered a load of times non-vanos m50 out a 325 is the best bet, cheap strong as an ox and reliable, but just make sure it's well cooled, as with all the bmw engines pretty much. You certainly won't need any more power for a good time yet, people seem to skid 318s and 320s just fine so practice on your own skills before assuming you need more power. Welded diff will be the cheapest and easiest option, the diff that comes with a 316/318 will be a good ratio to weld with a 325 engine. Coilovers/chopped springs and a decent supportive seat

Although it begs the question when 323/5/8s are so cheap why go to all the hassle of an engine swap when there are cars out there for peanuts with the right engine in to start with?

 

[skasap]

yeah searched for "BMW engine swap" got plenty of literature but the main thing i was interested in was the cost of a swap and difficulty, from what i can find (which is what is near me) a semi-good 316 comes at around £400, a full M52b28 swap kit (plug&play) at around the same as the car + the swap will be done by a buddy of mine for cheap at his garage. so round that out its £1000. and no decent 328 is at that price. if the difference between a 2.5 and 2.8 isn't that much, than maybe i am just better off getting a ready to drive 2.5L...

skiding a 318 on dry? is it possible or you just redline it to death?

no need to rush this as it still is winter (but if a swap is needed than maybe im already late ) , but just checking the options i think i am an above beginner drifter tried all surfaces, on dry asphalt still need some practice, all other i feel good on btw is snow even considered a surface to evaluate your skill?

 

[oli_the_thread]

I picked my 323 up for 475, chopped springs, £35 ebay seat, mate made me some rails for a beer, welded 325 diff £50 and it skids like a dream. Bit boaty but some coilovers would sort that for around £150
Difference between a 325 and 328 is neither here nor there really most go for 325, best diff ratio, no vanos and only a couple of bhp down.

And no not really re: snow, its so so so so much slower than Tarmac, you've got much longer to think about what you're doing. IMO if you're not competent in the dry, you're still a beginner

In fact a mate of mine is selling his 323 with a welder, Kevlar seat, new coilovers, harness, deep dish wheel ATM, PM me if your interested and ill let you have his details

 

[Clark3y]

There are plenty of 328s around for £1k, you do not want to waste your money buying a good condition one. It will be fucked up in no time at all after you drift it.

 

[simonlpearce]

Certainly not worth the hassle of going through an engine swap when you can get a decent enough example for under £1000! Even if you have to put a bit more to it initially, it will be worth it in the long run for all the time and hassle it saves you.

You also have to consider how difficult it is to swap over the electric's!

 

[spaniel]

Certainly not worth the hassle of going through an engine swap when you can get a decent enough example for under £1000! Even if you have to put a bit more to it initially, it will be worth it in the long run for all the time and hassle it saves you.

You also have to consider how difficult it is to swap over the electric's!

The whole conversion is easy and can be done in a day if you know what you are doing and have space.

The electrics unplug at the fuse box and come off with the engine so you dont have to remember where everything goes.

Its a direct fit so its up to him to work out which is he better option for himself. Cost wise i just got my new shell for 190, ripped out the bits i didnt need and got my money back.

Dont waste your time and cash looking for an immaculate body as you will fuck it in no time

 

[JackCornick]

its £1000. and no decent 328 is at that price.

I bought my 328 for £920 (ebay auction), and its a genuine Sport with the M3 body kit, 17" OEM BBS split rims and being the last of the 1995 builds it came with a LSD too. Sure its done 150k, but with a fully documented service history its as strong as you need. Its been great.