Post pics of your ride!
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Roanoke
Re: Post pics of your ride!
I've now got a little money in my account and the idea of a swap is running back through my head, but not a 2j or a BMW engine at all this time, i'm thinking an SR.
Here's my reasoning:
-The 318ti has 51/49 weight distribution with the M44 in (138 hp 1.9L 4 cylinder) and I'm thinking an sr couldn't possibly weigh that much more than an M44, yet it'd deliver 210hp (supposedly) without ruining the handling with a heavy engine.
-The sr can be modded relatively cheaply (compared to a j or bmw engine).
-There's already a kit out there to put an sr in an E36
-I can get an sr for <$2000, a 2j or S50 (which would ruin the handling) would cost at least 50% more.
What are the feelings on this? Is it an abomination or it permissible in the interest of preserving the handling characteristics? I see it as the best option to keep the weight down and the power up.
Here's my reasoning:
-The 318ti has 51/49 weight distribution with the M44 in (138 hp 1.9L 4 cylinder) and I'm thinking an sr couldn't possibly weigh that much more than an M44, yet it'd deliver 210hp (supposedly) without ruining the handling with a heavy engine.
-The sr can be modded relatively cheaply (compared to a j or bmw engine).
-There's already a kit out there to put an sr in an E36
-I can get an sr for <$2000, a 2j or S50 (which would ruin the handling) would cost at least 50% more.
What are the feelings on this? Is it an abomination or it permissible in the interest of preserving the handling characteristics? I see it as the best option to keep the weight down and the power up.
My two main concerns:
1-How much is the swap kit for the SR?When I was looking at doing an LSx in my M3,the swap kit cost way more than I could justify.You definitely need to factor in the cost of the complete swap,not just the engine.Also,keep in mind that the placement of the new engine front to back in the chassis will affect weight distribution quite a bit,independent of the actual engine weight.Even if the weight distribution is slightly affected,you still have one of the best handling cars ever made.
2-And keep in mind I'm the biggest proponent of 4 cylinder engienes ever,but there's no way I'd keep a small displacement engine in there.A 200+HP engine is okay in a 2,000lb car.Have you driven a six cylinder E36?I know the SR will have more overall power than the M44,but it's still a small increase really,and may even have less bottom-end power than the M44.Yes,you can easily mod the SR for more power,but factor that into the price also.Even a shitty US M3 swap will be a 30HP gain over an SR,and a huge low-end torque gain.Get into the various Toyota turbo sixes,and you're really talking.....I still think an LSx is the answer(I pray to baby Jesus every night for one),but at a huge cost,although I think from my limited research that the Toyota engines have the same issue of the swap kits being overly expensive too though.....
No way is any of this an abomination.The stock engine is the abomination.
Okay,I think the answer is to sell the BMW,buy an FC RX7 and a $1400 Hinson LSx kit,and even with an old LS1,you'll have 300WHP and possibly less than $5k in the whole getup.
Dammit.
Thread Starter
SAY IT WITCHA CHEST!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Outer Space
Re: Post pics of your ride!
Or if you really want an SR20DET, just get a 240sx.
Last edited by The Nisbro; Dec 11, 2010 at 01:46 PM.
Thread Starter
SAY IT WITCHA CHEST!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Outer Space
Re: Post pics of your ride!
Since I accidentally double posted, I might as well post pics of my wheels...just got them back from the powder coater today.
Im pretty damn happy with how they came out!
Im pretty damn happy with how they came out!
Last edited by The Nisbro; Dec 11, 2010 at 02:11 PM.
BATTLESTAGS
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Roanoke
I <3 2JZ
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Roanoke, VA
Re: Post pics of your ride!
GT-Four Guy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,605
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From: Roanoke VA
Re: Post pics of your ride!
Dammit Corey, now I cant paint my wheels like that or I'll be copying you... 
Gettin ready to tear into the rear quarter. waiting till the 15th to buy wheels/tires. payday
Gettin ready to tear into the rear quarter. waiting till the 15th to buy wheels/tires. payday
Thread Starter
SAY IT WITCHA CHEST!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,949
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From: Outer Space
Re: Post pics of your ride!
The 240sx should be on the road by next weekend. I just put the turbo back on tonight, hopefully ill get to start it tonight.