Which Engine should I use?

[medic1dl]

I have a 1993 318iS 5 speed with a LSD. Thinking of swapping the 1.8 out for a 2.5 or 2.8 or even an M3. Which one do you guys think I should do?

[ThaiRacer]

None it would be cheapEr to buy a 325 or 328.

[bmwmafia7]

unless u have a hook up on engines and are planning to do most the labor with the person i agree its going to be pricey, but in this world we live in a conversion is always respected highly.

[bahasad]

i was going to do this, until i realized, I could get a new E36 for around the cost of an M3 Engine + Transmission + Other parts + Labor.

[joey79]

S50b32

[ponchiz318]

On a budget, at the very least, a M52 with OBD1 conversion and M50 manifold. You can use the same tranny and diff. If you were to do an S52 swap, then yes, a tranny and diff is a must. Otherwise they will give out within the next 1000 miles or so.

[peelsbimmer]

1j or 2j

[das borgen]

Ls1

[RenegadeE36]

If your going to take the time and cash to swap do something cool, E46 M3 or LSx or some other crazy thing you have never seen. I have even thought of putting a 440 my dad has sitting around in mine.

[medic1dl]

I have a 1992 5.0 Ford truck engine with a roller cam bored .030 over (so now it's a 306 not a 302) I rebuilt in 2006. My plans were to convert it to MAF from SD using an '88-'94 5.0 mustang wiring harness and ECU. Maybe I should use it and get a 6 speed. Any thoughts on if cobra rear end will fit in an E36?

[ponchiz318]

I've seen a 302 in a e36 here in Houston about a year ago. It was on craigslist and going for 6k or so. I don't remember anything about the rear end though.
Your best bet is to start taking measurements and try to do extensive research before dismantling your car. The BMW engine swaps has been covered over and over and are well documented. The LSX swaps are dosumented in the engine conversion section. I would start there for research and see how the people went about doing the swap. Good luck and if you do tackle this, post it up!!!

[orangehatter]

S85