E30 engine swap

[Tyler4sho]

Currently have a very clean 85 bmw 318i. I've had it for a while now but the power just isn't doing it for me .. Looking to do a swap, I've read a lot of articles about all the different options. I'm not a mechanic by any means I would have my friend do all the work. He is currently suggesting a ford 302 swap ( he's done the swap before already has mounts). The thought of a s50 or s52 also interests me. What are everybody thoughts about this ? Looking for some good advice here.

[ponchiz318]

All swaps have been covered extensively in many models with many budgets. In the end it boils down to how much can you afford and what do you actually want from the car. Some people want oem, so they'll put in a s5X or a boosted m5X in the e30, while others will stuff a bmw V8 or even a v10 from the e60 m5.
Want to go 'merican? Lsx or 302 are the more popular options where the lsx will technically cost more but you'll definitely have more power. Pockets are deeper? Maybe a coyote 5.0 would be your better option.
Maybe you want something from the red sun? RB swaps and 2/1JZ swaps have been covered as well, although these seem to be more involved.
Expect to pay anywhere from 3k to 15k, heavily dependent on what you really want, power, and how much of a homie hookup is your friend gonna give you.
Good luck