318ti - just compared to a standard 323 e36

[NeoP]

Hi everyone,

as my sister is selling her 323i, i had the chance to check whether it may be suitable for me to swap my 318ti's engine some time.
I was shocked! In a good way. The 323 is in no way sportier or faster than my 318ti. Why is that? Up to 3000rpm, the 318ti is way quicker, and above they are absolutely the same. Above 5000, with the longer gearbox it may be a little advantage, but no way i would swap engines!
Is there anyone who x-checked both cars and can confirm my impression, that it is near to impossible to tell a difference? Only the engine sound can tell...
I guess it is the higher weight of the whole 323 car itself? It is around 200-300 kilograms, and them 30bhp will end up in about 7-10bhp in advantage when compared from the relationship between weight and power?

Or is my Sis's 323 simply broken?

[thesk8nmidget]

323 isnt a huge increase. it is some but with your gear ratio you are quite quick off the line.

the stock 323 may have a longer gear ratio (not sure but i think so) slowing it down off the line.

it is also a bit lighter depending on 2 or 4 doors.

lots of variables. and also the 323 could be in need of a tune up.

[SDKmann]

From what Ive heard 323s arnt that great, they are way too restricted to do anything all that great. Drive a 325 or 328, according to bf.c you will be enlightened to automotive nirvana and want for nothing more except for the fan delete mod...

[NeoP]

ahoy, well, just as i thought and guessed.... yeah, the 323 is going a little higher up to 56mph in the second gear, a little more than my 318ti. But that is just the gearbox, that's not the thing what it's about.

So: -> you would agree that a swap for a 323 engine would just bring me the six cylinder sound and some more weight, but is no improvement to my absolutely flawless 318ti?

(i have to add: won three acceleration-test-races against a 330d e46 with around 175bhp, was half a car-lenght in front at 50mph, and two "races" competing with the new 320d e90 with approx. 170bhp; so i guess my 318ti is doing a gooood job, eh?)

[SDKmann]

If your gonna do a swap Id go with a M50 or M52 as a minimum (from a 325 or 328). Im not sure what the motor code for the 323 is, it may just be a de-tuned M50, but I wouldnt go with that motor. Go big or go home.

[NeoP]

thanks, guys. enough reassurance for me that a 323-swap is not worth it.

[SDKmann]

A swap for a M50 or M52 shouldnt cost any more than the 323 swap, dont get discouraged just yet, if you can afford a 323 swap you can afford one of those.

[NeoP]

yeah, thats true and that is what i will keep as an option. Initial question for me was if it could be wise to swap for a stock ti, i mean the whole car. now i know, it is only wise to swap for a new engine, and would not do it below a 328ti goal.
thanks for your advice!