Going to try a mild swap this summer.(M50B23)

[Panzer_M]

Going to build me a 323ti out of my 318ti.

I am going with this cause it's an OEM model so I can import parts as needed instead of fabing stuff.....This is what i am telling myself.

I love Tis....but I love 2.5liter engines also.
and a 170hp Ti would be a hoot.

I am searching for the core parts now.

I am going to need:

M50B23 Engine
Transmission
Light Weight Flywheel and New Clutch
Wiring harness
Stock 323 diff, Z3 Diff or Z3M diff and rear assembly

also going to need the support systems for the car, PS and such but I don't know what the full checklist is going to look like.

Anyone that could write out everything I will have to change or switch for the swap or know of the listing I would love to read it very much.

also staying with a 323ti concept keeps it within my abilities as far as I know.

[1996 328ti]

I would search elsewhere in the forum since this has been covered a couple times.

Are you considering OBD-I?
Could be an emissions problems depending on your region.

Change the tranny and you will need a driveshaft.
I'd go with the Z3M torson diff and assembly.
If you use the M-Coupe diff cooling cover you loose your spare tire.

The best way for more hp is a DASC. But why stop with a 2.5. Sometimes I wish I had a 3.2.

[Budget M3]

I went the DASC route and would not change a thing! The DASC is 50-state legal....even comes with a C.A.R.B. (California) sticker to pass emissions inspection. Of course we all wish we had a 3.2 like Steve says, but if you're gonna spend 3.2 money on a mod, why not just buy a used M3.

[Panzer_M]

cause i love the TI.

If I get another M3 it's going to be another e30.

I am kinda doing the M50 swap as a half way point to a future Euro-spec S52 swap, but those are expensive engines.

plus I am doing the 323 cause it's easier than the 330/332 swaps overall IMO.

plus a DASC + M44 is at the peak of it's limit.
the M50 is rather bland for modding, but it would allow me to upgrade the supporting systems for the larger ///M motor down the road.

Your M50B28 has me interested, but the M50B23 would use the TI OEM brakes and suspension I do believe. As I think the 318ti and 323ti have the same parts.

[J!m]

Basically, the six 'bolts right in'.

The problems come with the support/attached items.

These can be tricky.

Saying one six is easier or more difficult to install than another is BS. They all have their problems, and they are all the same problems for the most part.

Your idea is not a bad one, but keep in mind, changing an engine TWICE will be more costly than doing it once.

Food for thought...

[Panzer_M]

I don't know, I would be most happy with a M50b23.

The EWS wiring problem with the M3 electronics...does it also appear with the M50 swaps as well?

[J!m]

If you have EWS and change the motor ECU, you will have problems.

[ayton]

I am doing the same swap...I currently have the M52B25 motor in my garage (its from a 98 323) the motor was basically a steal with all accessories except power steering and AC compressor...EWS is not as big a problem as people would lead you to think...basically you won't be able to start the car in your driveway or independent garage unless you have access to a MODIC coder, I took my car to the dealer and had it done for $200 after my ECU was water damaged after a car wash incident. if you get a non ews DME you can eliminate your problem by swaping the ignition switch to an early e36 unit (non EWS) or you can go snip happy at the harness.

[J!m]

Actually, it can be done without changing the ignition switch but, why? It's a good system.

[ayton]

Originally Posted by J!m

Actually, it can be done without changing the ignition switch but, why? It's a good system.

you're right it can, I was just posting options...it is a good system. I guess if someone wanted instant gratification after a swap they could do it this way. the ignition thing is something I did on my VW a few years back I had two cars - my driver and a parts car the parts car was in better shape than my DD because of an accident that crushed the b pillar..long story short I decided to make the PC my DD but had no keys so I dropped the steering column and swapped them..started right up.

BTW I am mainly posting those options if going from EWS to a NON EWS car....all things equal I would just get it coded.

[eurospec]

I am glad I didnt have to worry about that ews crap. I have a 95 so that means I have a obd 1. So it started right up. I can get this motors if anyone is interested. It will cost anywhere between 7k-10k depending on what you want. I may be able to throw shipping in that price from europe which cost around $1200. The only thing I can say about my experience is you have to change everything on the car. I didnt want to spend extra on a m roadster diff so I am getting my mechanic's e30 diff. The only think bad abou that is the ratios are 2:97. What I want is 3:32 will be ideal.