to supercharge or turbo charge, maybe both

[BMWBOY]

I am interested in possibly supercharging or turbo charging my 1996 318ti with an m44 engine. Anyone have any comments, ideas, suggestions, which is better, which is quicker, which is safests, which last longests, which gives the biggest power gains. How about doing both? I was considering putting a t3 turbo on with a downing atlanta supercharger. How much trouble is that asking for?

[StormSylph]

Well, I'm looking at it this way.

The D/A SC is $3,395
The Kormann TC is $5,600

I'm bipassing them both and getting an M50 engine to drop in my 1996 318ti M44 and spending around $6000.

That leave's me at 189HP and 181 Torque and more room to move.

------------------
StormSylph
1996 318ti
M44 1.9L engine
California Top
SuperSprint Exhaust

[tgroth]

Or you could get a S50 for maybe $2k more and have 240 hp, 240 ft/lbs and even more room to move around(and just think, with the rear gearing at 3.46, you'd probably get 0-60 times in the 5 flat range!). Would you have to get a new transmission for either the M50 or S50 engine? (I'm thinking of saving up my pennies for a S50 engine) Where could I find good prices on used 3.0L (S50) or 3.2L (S52) M3 motors? Just think, you could make a 330ti or a 332ti.

[BMWBOY]

See, I love the idea of putting an m3 engine in the car, it's awsome, BUT EVERYONE DOES IT, well, not everyone, but a lot of people, I wanna do something different. I was personally thinking of making an attempt to find a 740i engine, if possible, or even better yet a s14 engine from a e30 M3 sport evolution III. THen putting a turbo, or supercharger on that. Basically, I know this soudns dumb, but I am a sucker for a 4 banger. . .

[Dan Burger]

EVo III won't just bolt in like other E36 engines - the mounts are totally different. It can be done, but plan on a ton for installation. The transmission from the ti will work fine with the E36 M3 engine - you'll have to redo the entire exhaust system and intake along with the ECU, but with so many tuners doing this conversion, you can get the job done right no problem.
RD made a ti with a special V-12 called the hurricane (with the K55 front end as seen in the Bav. auto catologue). now that is a SICK ti. It isn't simply a BMW 12 though, so don't plan on finding a wrecked 850 and bolt the sucker in.

[tgroth]

Does the ti tranny have the same gearing as the M3 tranny? And how much would a used E36 M3 engine cost (about 4000?)? Does anyone know the California law about engine transplants? (doesn't it have to be an engine from a year newer than a car, or newer?)