Engine Swaping Plans (Planning w/o a car?)

[BimmerBum]

I have been a 318 fan for many years... back when I had my 318i 4 door in 1999 I joined the yahoo groups ti list and never left. Eventually I moved on from the 318i 4 door but I have always wanted a ti. With this in mind I have been collecting parts to build a ti, the way I want, when I get one eventually. Recently a 1995 club sport came into the family renuing my interest.

I already have the engine... an aluminum block M52 from a Z3. I chose this engine for several reasons.

1) The DASC is a really nice, clean (headache-free) system and makes great HP but it just does not have the torque a 6 cyl has.

2) Aluminum block for weight savings

3) S50/S52 engines are pricey and heavier

4) The M52 is very tunable... I have a 99 Z3 with the M52tu and that engine just does not lend itself to bolt on power adders without forced induction. Bringing an M52 to at least S52 HP seems very doable.

Anyone have any thoughts? I have read some of the engine swap threads but I am always open for input especially since I do not even have a ti yet

You guys have a great forum here and I am glad to be a part of it.

Ed

[cooljess76]

Hey Ed, are you the BimmerBum from eBAY? If so how about cutting us some deals on clear tails for the Ti Back on topic, I think you're right on about the Z3 M52. It's lighter and cheaper than an S50 or S52. Though the S52 would be the choice engine to get ahold of, most of us can't fit it into our budget. A modified aluminum M52 would be more than sufficient for the 318ti. Perhaps a chip/HP ignition/HF injectors/cams and porting the intake along with a few smaller mods will bring you to the mid 200's HP range. Since yours is out of a Z3, I would highly recommend buying a '96 or newer Ti for the simple fact that it's OBD II and wiring these things up has been a common nightmare among those who have done the swap. Also recommend a rear differential as the Ti's are geared too low and will more than likely fail when introduced to that much torque. The 318ti's transmission should bolt right up to the M52, but it might be in your best interest to upgrade to a bigger one if you're going to be driving the car hard. If you do decide to run with the 318ti's tranny I would definately recommend a high performance clutch but would NOT recommend a SSK. The rear subframes on our cars are not really built to handle the load produced by the M52 either. It will hold up for a while, but later down the road it should be replaced with the more durable M Roadster subframe. That's all I got for now, if I'm mistaken I appologize in advance and welcome anyone's corrections and criticism. Best Wishes Ed, Keep listing 318ti parts and any special deals to the community are highly appreciated. BTW welcome to the forum.

Jess

[cooljess76]

Oh yeah, motormounts and front suspension should also be upgraded.

[BimmerBum]

Thanks for the reply... I am indeed BimmerBum from eBay.

I have the transmission and differential sorted out already in my mind. I am planning on putting a 6 speed in my Z3, and swapping to 3:73 gears. That means I will have a spare transmission and differential laying around just prefect for the ti.

What is different about the M coupe sub frame? I know the trailing arms are reinforced (the are on many Z3's) but I did not know there was a difference in the rear sub frame itself.

I was planning to convert the engine to OBDI with the M50 intake manifold, Euro HFM, and S52 cams.

As for the suspension and brakes all that will be upgraded as well. E36 M3 front brakes and some sort of coil over set up.

Ed

[cooljess76]

I think you're right. I'm not 100% sure which subframes people who have done the swap are using. There's a few guys on these boards driving I6 swapped Ti's, I was hoping one of them will chime in soon and tell me i'm full of crap, lol. I think but I'm not sure that a 6cyl Z3 will work especially since it's designed to handle the load.

[DustenT]

This link has some good information about the M coupe subframe: http://e30m3performance.com/now_show...arms/index.htm

[BimmerBum]

Yea... I have seen that page before I think. I knew the trailing arms were different. The Z3 coupe has the same reinforcments.

Thanks!

Ed