Boost an old engine or go for a swap?

[BruinBimmer]

I'm going to be getting quite a bit of fun money this coming year, so I can't help but think about how to devote my resources (after giving tithing).

My M60 just passed 160k mi this month. It makes me nervous thinking about boosting an engine with this much mileage. I know M60's aren't worth a rebuild, so if my engine is not capable, I'd rather look for an M62. I'm only considering putting on an s/c because it's relatively cheap power and less complicated than a swap. At what mileage have you 540 guys added a supercharger? Should I do a compression test or leak-down test to determine if my engine is healthy enough to put an s/c on?

The other option is to just say that ~300hp is enough for a DD and I should just focus on a 280z project. My uncle just got a second kid so I may pick it up for little or nothing. I'm only considering a l28et or vq35 swap (I like to maintain same manufacturers for swaps). So the question is, 'Is a 540 with bolt-ons good enough for a DD and just focus all resources to make the 280z one hell of a track car?'

Lastly, quick random question. Is 17x8.5 the only size made for rondell 72's? What offset? I can't find very many threads about them...

[jtk86]

Considering you have a M Sport I would keep it stock, they didnt make to many of them and who knows maybe one day they will be worth alot of $$$

[BruinBimmer]

Considering you have a M Sport I would keep it stock, they didnt make to many of them and who knows maybe one day they will be worth alot of $$$

I think my M Sport is already considered 'ruined' by purists. And I'm not sure about them being worth a lot... I believe they will always live in the shadow of the M5's, so they are considered more as a 540i with a few gimmicks. Even though everyone asks me 'Are you the guy with the M5?' at the university.

[Bwaterman]

The mileage is less important than the health of the motor, it depends on how the car has been treated.

Does it burn any oil, does it use coolant, does it have any concerning noises? If the engine is healthy then there should be no problem boosting it.

I presume you are planning a centrifugal supercharger, they don't put much stress on the engine as they don't produce boost until high revs so it shouldn't be a problem as long as it is tuned well.

[PorscheH6]

Comp + leakdown on all 8 sir

[skylinergtr]

save the money for the future.

[NbAmTwE]

With the money I spent worth of parts and engines laying around the house which I can't even be at b/c of school, I personally recommend keeping the money and saving it for a whole second car that will be FI friendly. Think of some other cars you would want to buy and research aftermarket performance options for them, see what makes you happy.
I love the look of E34s myself and E30s, see sig, and would prefer a cheap e30 or even e36m to turbo if your going to do this.
I'm currently debating something like this, really need to call the guy and find out about it when I get the time this week. example:
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/2651346450.html
whole second car, turbo it and still have the daily because I would never expect myself to finish a process like that in a weekend.

[McGeezy]

With the money I spent worth of parts and engines laying around the house which I can't even be at b/c of school, I personally recommend keeping the money and saving it for a whole second car that will be FI friendly. Think of some other cars you would want to buy and research aftermarket performance options for them, see what makes you happy.
I love the look of E34s myself and E30s, see sig, and would prefer a cheap e30 or even e36m to turbo if your going to do this.
I'm currently debating something like this, really need to call the guy and find out about it when I get the time this week. example:
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/2651346450.html
whole second car, turbo it and still have the daily because I would never expect myself to finish a process like that in a weekend.


This!

Keep the E34 stock. They're not race cars, they weigh almost 2 tons. They ARE great all around cars to be enjoyed daily by true enthusiasts. Keep it that way. a 280z? Meh. Get an E36 and play with it instead, or just save the money.

[mpire]

Do you guys think the S85 would fit under the hood?

[ross1]

Boost what you have until it grenades then swap the components to the M62

[Meeve]

I'd leave the bmw as is, and focus on the 280z. Try to get an rb engine over a vq imo. or even a good old red top.

[e34Croak]

save the money for the future.
Good Advice.


Boost what you have until it grenades then swap the components to the M62
Tough decision. I'd leave it be personally. Bimmerforum credz only go so far. When it breaks we're not there complimenting you on your S/C'd car..

[wanganstyle]

leave the m60 as is.

S30+ vq35 is very nice, modern nice lightweight power.

a 350z will outrun an equally prepped e36m all day long at the track. S30 chassis had an OEM Nissan Motorsports 296hp L26 avail. back in the day, should not be hard to prep the chassis to handle a VQ35 well

[TGreene]

If in doubt, save your money.

[MC Hammered]

Save your money and invest it in something else.

I spent a small fortune making a pig of a car fly (400awhp Audi), and while it was fun I could have easily just built a dedicated second car instead that would have been even more mind blowing.

If I put that money into Apple, Coca-cola or Chevron stock I could have easily paid for something a lot nicer... like a waterfront condo.

[RVAE34]

Why on earth would you choose a 280z as a track car??!! It?s the heaviest of that body style. Go with a 240 or 260.

[RVAE34]

internets

[stealthpenguin]

Compression and leak down test are the bare minimum for evaluating the health of your motor. Ideally, you would do this in addition to a Used Oil Analysis, replacing all fluids, and adjusting valve lash. I see no reason why you couldnt supercharge a higher mileage motor other than your expectations being lower for long term reliability/durability.


If in doubt, save your money.

Good advice here.

[JC3series]

I like Ross1's idea! :)

[E34ührer]

Considering you have a M Sport I would keep it stock, they didnt make to many of them and who knows maybe one day they will be worth alot of $$$

This X a million.

Plus, more smiles per mile in a built 280...

[Schneider]

m62 and sc = daily fun. Forget about the Datsun.

[clevertd]

Why on earth would you choose a 280z as a track car??!! It?s the heaviest of that body style. Go with a 240 or 260.

vq240z.com/

[RVAE34]

Nice. I am sure it's fun but I would still prefer an I6. My friend Russ has my favorite Z as far as fun on the street. Traction control, power brakes, power steering, Wilwood on all 4 corners.

I would personally change the color, body kit and wheels but it's insanely fast.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3584/3665441531_d32eb77e01_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3386/3665441237_2db25bc74c_b.jpg

[Johal E32]

Nice. I am sure it's fun but I would still prefer an I6. My friend Russ has my favorite Z as far as fun on the street. Traction control, power brakes, power steering, Wilwood on all 4 corners.

I would personally change the color, body kit and wheels but it's insanely fast.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3584/3665441531_d32eb77e01_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3386/3665441237_2db25bc74c_b.jpg

wow, do WANT! Which Nissan did the motor come from? (I don't know much about JDM cars...)

@OP, I say just build up the 280 and save money. Good luck!

[RVAE34]

Stop with all this 280 talk!!! 240 or 260..

That's an RB26 from a skyline GTR with a single turbo conversion. It makes around 500 RWHP and only weighs like 2200 lbs. It's stupid fast and makes me want to scream like a girl when I ride in it.

[BruinBimmer]

The mileage is less important than the health of the motor, it depends on how the car has been treated.

Does it burn any oil, does it use coolant, does it have any concerning noises? If the engine is healthy then there should be no problem boosting it.

I presume you are planning a centrifugal supercharger, they don't put much stress on the engine as they don't produce boost until high revs so it shouldn't be a problem as long as it is tuned well.


Comp + leakdown on all 8 sir


Boost what you have until it grenades then swap the components to the M62

These were all my thoughts exactly, but I just wanted a more experienced second opinion. Thanks guys. It runs pretty strong, and quite a few forum members have told me it sounds quite healthy.


I'd leave the bmw as is, and focus on the 280z. Try to get an rb engine over a vq imo. or even a good old red top.

I would love to have an RB but I'm afraid of getting in trouble with the strict regulations here in CA. Can't I get in trouble with having an RB even if the car is too old to smog? I hear that the new law will state that vehicles over 25 years of age won't have to be smogged anymore here in CA. Plus, wouldn't a VQ be cheaper by itself and the mods to come since there's generally a higher demand for VQ/VQ parts as opposed to RB's?


Why on earth would you choose a 280z as a track car??!! It?s the heaviest of that body style. Go with a 240 or 260.

To me, it's a family heirloom, so it has a lot of sentimental value. On top of that, it's free, and one of the reasons 280's are heavier is because they have some additional chassis reinforcements for better structural rigidity. I think that will help in the future with a built engine, no?


vq240z.com/

Yep, that's my inspiration. I feel like a VQ keeps the essence of the Z. I know it sounds stupid, but to me, swaps are not just about what fits/works. It's about what's done right.

[nvergeldedios]

save the money for the future.
+ 1

[BruinBimmer]

I appreciate everyone's input, but please keep it to the two options I listed.

Telling me 'don't do it to the e34 because its not a race car' is irrelevant. I never intended it to be a race car. On top of that, you could say the same thing to e34nication, 5mall5nail5, redfive, etc. We all have our reasons to build our e34's the way we want. For me, I personally think that the e34 is one of the best looking 4-doors that is realistically attainable.

If any of you have replied 'save the money' I will interpret as that going to the s30. My school has a graduate assistance program that covers tuition and gives me cash for living expenses, so that's why I said that this coming year will be 'fun money.' Again, please stay relevant to the thread. Don't say 'get another car' because I didn't list that as an option; it isn't up for consideration.

[DUDMD]

At the age of the motor, mileage is not really a wear indicator at all.
I would do a leak-down test and pop the valve covers off to see how clean the engine is and how well it was taken care off.
I have seen 200k+ mile M60B40s smooth as butter, and I have seen 80k mile M60B40 engine that runs like $hit. I would SC the M60 if I were you, and then get another 540iA as a daily.

[rexdoss357]

he said "no new taxes(car)"!! :devillook

[5mall5nail5]

Just put a centri supercharger on it jesus its not that stressful on the motor at all. People need to relax especially if they've no experience in the matter. A s/c kit is only $4500 - $5000, its not like he's debating on turbocharging his gallardo.

[NikosX]

Just put a centri supercharger on it jesus its not that stressful on the motor at all. People need to relax especially if they've no experience in the matter. A s/c kit is only $4500 - $5000, its not like he's debating on turbocharging his gallardo.

Is this your sisters 530 you're talking about?

[5mall5nail5]

Is this your sisters 530 you're talking about?

huh?

[NikosX]

Asking who's m60 you supercharged.

[RVAE34]

Ah ok I thought you were looking to purchase a 280. I think the only difference was that they added huge bumper supports etc. Its difficult to retrofit the early bumpers. And the fuel/vacuum mumbo jumbo weighed almost as much as the car. You could put the 240 manifold and carbs on and get 175 rwhp with an isky cam.

[5mall5nail5]

Asking who's m60 you supercharged.

I didn't supercharge an M60. I said "just put a..." as in "just do it already"

[darrenforeal]

Just put a centri supercharger on it jesus its not that stressful on the motor at all. People need to relax especially if they've no experience in the matter. A s/c kit is only $4500 - $5000, its not like he's debating on turbocharging his gallardo.

+1. Just do a leakdown test first, and be prepared to spend twice as much as you first planned. lol

[e34Croak]

Is this your sisters 530 you're talking about?
Welcome back. :rryum

[wanganstyle]

rb has its own weaknesses, expensive to run also. to be reliable = built engine.
RB out of the box is only 2600cc....kinda small.

VQ is much newer, larger and makes good power. 3500 or 3700cc (or 3800cc+tt if you have the balls to play with R35gtr powerplant).

nobody can deny the potential of the VQ engine - 380RS did 380hp NA with 3800cc.
the 3.8 twin turbo VQ lump is just ridiculous.

[cmgreensr]

Supercharge it. You know you will never go back to stock so screw what a purist would say.

[5mall5nail5]

Just please bring the exhaust out the back of the car I personally think your sidepipe thing there looks a little to VW ricer

[BruinBimmer]

At the age of the motor, mileage is not really a wear indicator at all.
I would do a leak-down test and pop the valve covers off to see how clean the engine is and how well it was taken care off.
I have seen 200k+ mile M60B40s smooth as butter, and I have seen 80k mile M60B40 engine that runs like $hit. I would SC the M60 if I were you, and then get another 540iA as a daily.

Yup, as stated earlier, I will look into this. These were my initial thoughts but I just wanted to be sure.


Just put a centri supercharger on it jesus its not that stressful on the motor at all. People need to relax especially if they've no experience in the matter. A s/c kit is only $4500 - $5000, its not like he's debating on turbocharging his gallardo.

Thank you, especially for staying on topic and actually answering my questions.


rb has its own weaknesses, expensive to run also. to be reliable = built engine.
RB out of the box is only 2600cc....kinda small.

VQ is much newer, larger and makes good power. 3500 or 3700cc (or 3800cc+tt if you have the balls to play with R35gtr powerplant).

nobody can deny the potential of the VQ engine - 380RS did 380hp NA with 3800cc.
the 3.8 twin turbo VQ lump is just ridiculous.

Yeah, the RB was awesome back in the day (and still is for those that are allowed to run it. I'd hate to drop one in and then have to take it all out due to strict CA laws.


Supercharge it. You know you will never go back to stock so screw what a purist would say.

Thanks. I'm not sure how many purists would actually value a 'wannabe M5' anyways.


Just please bring the exhaust out the back of the car I personally think your sidepipe thing there looks a little to VW ricer

I understand where you're coming from. But I think they're going to stay. I like to stand out from everyone else, doing things I know some will love and some will hate.

And I don't think I've ever heard of or seen a VW with sidepipes... But if it becomes a new ricer trend, I'll get rid of the sidepipes.

[Baupfhor]

After seeing your car in person, I don't see any need to change the way it looks. My vote is save money for the 280. It's always good to not have a your DD be your project car at the same time.

[5mall5nail5]

After seeing your car in person, I don't see any need to change the way it looks. My vote is save money for the 280. It's always good to not have a your DD be your project car at the same time.

A supercharger is like replacing an alternator. Its an afternoons work. No big deal.

[janders211]

A supercharger is like replacing an alternator. Its an afternoons work. No big deal.
It's not too hard....a little more than plug-n-play...more like plug-beatfendertoshitwithhammer-n-play.

Best part about a S/C is if for whatever reason you do grenade your motor, all the little bits an pieces don't go through it like a blender full of bolts (well as long as you don't suck up debris through the oil feed).

My 540i had just under 300k on it and had no problems with the supercharger.

[BruinBimmer]

After seeing your car in person, I don't see any need to change the way it looks. My vote is save money for the 280. It's always good to not have a your DD be your project car at the same time.

Who said anything about changing the way my car looks?


A supercharger is like replacing an alternator. Its an afternoons work. No big deal.

Yeah, let's hope its not too hard for me...


It's not too hard....a little more than plug-n-play...more like plug-beatfendertoshitwithhammer-n-play.

Best part about a S/C is if for whatever reason you do grenade your motor, all the little bits an pieces don't go through it like a blender full of bolts (well as long as you don't suck up debris through the oil feed).

My 540i had just under 300k on it and had no problems with the supercharger.

How much additional room is required for the s/c? Or just beatfendertoshitwithhammer til it fits?

That's all good news for me. Thanks for that info, it really helps.

[Baupfhor]

Who said anything about changing the way my car looks?


Some guy saying to ditch the side exit exhaust.

[janders211]

Who said anything about changing the way my car looks?



Yeah, let's hope its not too hard for me...



How much additional room is required for the s/c? Or just beatfendertoshitwithhammer til it fits?

That's all good news for me. Thanks for that info, it really helps.

You need to make a pancake-sized portion of the fender about 3/4 inch lower. It takes a decent amount of hammering into the fender....your fender will be creased and look like ass, but it's a try, and try again setup (basically you bolt in the bracket, and keep hammering the fender until you can line up the bolt holes from the bracket to the SC.