I have a 1997 318ti, currently supercharged with a Downing Atlanta supercharger kit. I have 140k on the motor and I'm thinking about building a turbo I6 for it, but I have some questions:
What motor should I use? I'd like to avoid anything that starts with an "S", just because of the price. Is the m50TU a good motor to turbo? I'm planning on using stock internals with a headgasket. Are there any years to avoid? I'm guessing OBD1 is easiest to tune?
I'm concerned with the current drivetrain, will a Getrag hold 300+ hp, how about the small case 3.45 LSD diff? Half shafts? I'll be running street tires.
Any suggestions, or advice?
Thanks guys!
you can get used m52;s with great compression for cheaper then the s disgenated motor it will handle plenty of boost with a head gasket and arp stud kit. you have many options for transmissions depends on how much you want to spend and numbers you want to turn. maybe the current trans with a good clutch to handle the power?
david
also searching would also yield great results
david
I agree, M52 with a ZF or 6spd. The M50 has a non-forged crank, and will not handle as much power. Card Counter is making over 600rwhp on a stock+headgasket M52 with a GT35/40.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I did a lot of searching, and I've been watching the FI forum for a while now.Originally Posted by SiGmA
The m52 uses all forged internals? It looks like there are two versions of the m52, a 2.5L and a 2.8L.
1995-2000 E36 323i/323ti - 2.5L m52b25 (The M52B25 won the 2-2.5 L category of the International Engine of the Year awards for 2003 and 2004.)
A 2.8 L (2793 cc) version also debuted in 1994. It has square 84 mm bore and stroke and produces 193 hp (142 kW).
Applications:
* 1995-2000 E36 328i
* 1995-1999 E39 528i
* 1995-1999 E38 728i/728iL
* 1997-1999 E36 Z3 2.8
Which of the m52 is recommended, the 2.5 or the 2.8? Thanks again for the help, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the I6s (I've been trapped in m44/m42 land for too long!!).
2.8 m52
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