Has anyone ever heard of someone putting a m60 or other BMW v8 in a 2002? I've been doing a lot of thinking about larger engines and it seems that inline sixes are by their nature long. Of course v8s are heavy... Hmmm. Can the additional weight be compensated for? This is not altogether idle thinking BTW. I'd appreciate any thoughtful responses.

drag car = any v8 engine
for nice handling= v6 or all aluminum v6, better than in-line 6


everything has been done before.

The best motor is the 4.2 Rover all aluminum v8 engine. Very light, lotsa power,or 5.0 mustang motor


or maybe some jag motor.

I kno ive seen a pic of an M5 motor in an '02. Most of the firewall was cut and it was a tight fit. Its on my old laptop that wont boot up tho.

Like Dickfruster said...anything can be done.

What kind of power are you looking for in an 02 man? Geez!

If your looking for a pure light and powerful engine its simply a turbod m10. For the weight to power ratio you wont find anything better. 2002/E21's are CRAPPY to drive with a heavy front end. If your looking for something different check out Nissans SR20DET or if you wanted a inline6 the RB20DET/RB25DET and the RB26DETT are all beautiful engines. You wont find a better aluminum engine to swap into for the price factor. Infact, I might be loading my Tii(if I keep it that is) with a SR20DET(you can get 300whp EASILY, mostly just adding a bigger turbo.)

I guess I was thinking it would be neat to pop the hood and see two big bmw valve covers. Kinda like a euro hot rod, but then I'm definitely from hot rod country. I know the fellow in florida with the turbo m10 is running like 260 hp. Is there anyone else out there with similar setups? I've always been attracted to those crazy scandinavian projects that demand enormous fabrication. BTW must 02's be crappy to drive w/ heavy front ends.

Just a few pics to confirm anything is possible and yes I have seen the mock up photo of the M5 motor in a 2002. Havent heard of the completed project though.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/2006EngBay.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/2006XbraceTest1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/newPaint02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/bmw11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/bmw1.jpg

If you are serious and tight on money= Rover v8, all aluminum engine 3.9-4.6 liter

If you have like $10000 to spend just on the motor, you can put a truck engine in there if u want to

Yes 2002's and E21's SUCK with heavy front ends. I got into a discussion with Ray Kormans about it and it was pretty much the same way I saw it(as hes driven them and not me.) First of all, youll need to run a much higher rate on the suspension. Second, running this stiff suspension makes daily driving and cornering uncomortable as you will bump and shim under load. Bottoming the strut will be a natural effect in a front heavy heavy car. Third, weight distribution will now be thrown soley upfront where as stock the weight distribution of bmws is generally right behind the front seats(make this sorta a 50/50 like a 350z...but im being VERY vague just using this as an example.) Putting a big engine in one is just for show. If you wanted a sick car in a turn or in a straight line, a turbod m10 is the best option. Or swapping into a sr20det(been done a ton to the e30s.) But hell you can turbo a m10 easily and get sick digits!

sick digits like what? 200 or something?

cant even compare with 300 of each from a light v8

Dont know whats under this one but I bet its big.:eyecrazy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/number%202/kuva3_iso.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/vtbmw525/number%202/kuva2_iso.jpg

sick digits like what? 200 or something?

cant even compare with 300 of each from a light v8

Well...lets put it this way. The M10 block was used in formula one cars waaaay back in the day. In qualifying trim, they were pushing upwards of 1200-1300 hp. Turbo obviously. But for racing...they kept it at a modest 800-900. Im sure you could get 250 out of a turbo set up with mostly stock parts...maybe more. But do you really need that much? You cant stuff THAT much tire under these little guys.

Im sure you could get 250 out of a turbo set up with mostly stock parts...maybe more. But do you really need that much? You cant stuff THAT much tire under these little guys.
Yes, yes I do.:D I imagine a 14x10 will sufice for 300hp.:buttrock

Ive seen an easy 300whp DD out of m10s. But I mean 200whp in a 2002/e21 will whoop a common mustang and such....Power to weight ratio...

Ive seen an easy 300whp DD out of m10s. But I mean 200whp in a 2002/e21 will whoop a common mustang and such....Power to weight ratio...
Agreed. One of the reasons I decided to stay with the M10 in my '02.
Everyone seems to think Im crazy at a time of rebuild to not go with a bigger engine. Ive yet to get mine on a scale but Im hoping for 1800-1900lbs with myself. Current setup (again speculation) is approx. 160 to 180hp. Add a turbo and I'll be plenty happy.

Yes, yes I do.:D I imagine a 14x10 will sufice for 300hp.:buttrock

DAYUM Brent!!! Is that the wheel you're shootin for now? Thats HUGE. Do it...do it. HAHA. Your f'in NUTZ

DAYUM Brent!!! Is that the wheel you're shootin for now? Thats HUGE. Do it...do it. HAHA. Your f'in NUTZ
Well, right now I have 13x8 and thats just not cuttin it for me. There is plenty of room left for rubber inder the flares so Im hoping I can get a 14x10 to fit. Not sure yet. I'll have to play around with sizes and backspace to see whats possible.

Get to NC soon so we can go ahead and turbo your car. If you want the rebuild specs I have off a 300whp monster hit me up. Its pretty basic but its a good solid rebuild(1.8 or 2.0.) What people dont know is that the m10 LOVEEES boost!

Oh ya, anyone wanna build a nitrous motor and see how far itll go? I bet a built m10 can take a single 200shot! Or atleast a staged 100 over 100?

Easy there. The real numbers for a good M10 are 250 max without spending lotsa cash. Most people get around 200. Iam not sure if such motor would even be reliable to run.

Dont forget about torque.

Also 300 and more out of a 4 banger is just way too much work and not practical at all. Not saying 700 hp here either.

A v8 has much more torque at the begining and is just about 100lbs more than an M10. Thats why I say it needs all-aluminum engine. Also its way cheaper than running/building that steroid powered 4 banger.


4 cylinders are not enought for a serious car.( Dont make any 1000hp examples here, please! I wont listen)

I love the 4 bangers, but the whole concept of hot rod is about having something bigger and not exactly smaller, better and more $$$. Leave that for the rice-boys.

If you want a mega pumped up 4 banger you may as well put some neons on there right now.


The ideal for an 02 is a bigger ass v6. Best of both worlds

For those near Chicago- Andy Kritikos has made some awesome motor swap 02 creations including big V8's. Here's a 3.5 6 cyl swap he did a long time ago.

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/6cyl2002.html

Easy there. The real numbers for a good M10 are 250 max without spending lotsa cash. Most people get around 200. Iam not sure if such motor would even be reliable to run.

Dont forget about torque.

Also 300 and more out of a 4 banger is just way too much work and not practical at all. Not saying 700 hp here either.

A v8 has much more torque at the begining and is just about 100lbs more than an M10. Thats why I say it needs all-aluminum engine. Also its way cheaper than running/building that steroid powered 4 banger.


4 cylinders are not enought for a serious car.( Dont make any 1000hp examples here, please! I wont listen)

I love the 4 bangers, but the whole concept of hot rod is about having something bigger and not exactly smaller, better and more $$$. Leave that for the rice-boys.

If you want a mega pumped up 4 banger you may as well put some neons on there right now.


The ideal for an 02 is a bigger ass v6. Best of both worlds



Are you kidding me? Ive dropped build specs time and time again. To build a m10 doesnt take a ton of money or knowledge. Ill post the specs again tomorrow when I have time.

Hey guys,

Just my $.02, but going over 300 whp would be very hard to control/utilize unless you go high tech and implement electronic traction control. I still have not completely rung out my turbo M10 since installing the larger turbine housing and I have all kinds of trouble keeping the rear end hooked up. I don't dump the clutch or try to drag the car. Simply rolling into the gas in 2nd and 3rd gear causes massive tire spin after the boost really hits.
The rear end is strong and delivers the power through a Quaife torque biasing insert installed in an 320is diff housing. The 225/50-15's just cannot hold the extra power, feels very similar to a clutch slipping and the rear tires are going away quickly. My car is very unsafe in the wet, almost feels like driving on ice.

I have recently begun to optimize my induction system. The maximum power attained with the initial Rotomaster (.40) turbine housing was almost equal 270 wheel tq/hp on the Mustang Dyno at 16 psi. As the Garrett (.58) will take a little longer to spool I have decide to reduce the total IC volume. I am reducing the compressor discharge tubing from 2.5" to 2.0" and installing a new Holley 62mm throttle body on a custom standoff.

My goal is to achieve 300 ponies at the ground or as much as possible without boosting past 20-22 psi on pump gas. The M10 can sustain boost because the crankshaft is short and stiff. It is my opinion there is much less chance of damaging a 4 banger than a similarly boosted 6 cyl because of the reduced block flexing.

For those near Chicago- Andy Kritikos has made some awesome motor swap 02 creations including big V8's. Here's a 3.5 6 cyl swap he did a long time ago.

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/6cyl2002.html

Aaron,
Do you have any more info on this swap? or the email of Andy? - A mate over here is getting ready to do the swap :D

Infact, I might be loading my Tii(if I keep it that is) with a SR20DET(you can get 300whp EASILY, mostly just adding a bigger turbo.)

I had thought about doing the DET swap but having conflicting feelings on staying pure BMW or not. Hit me up on PM and we'll exchange notes on the swap. So far, I've found only one reliable and trustworthy company that sells a kit. I've been trying to find other resources for doing the swap as well.

I had an Australian tuner video where they had many swapped E30's and they mentioned no mount fabrication for the DET swap. So based on this, I'm thinking it can be done by mixing and matching various engine mounts. Also wasn't sure if they were implying this with the newer E30's or not.

I'm sure the tranny tunnel will most likely have to be massaged.

I had thought about doing the DET swap but having conflicting feelings on staying pure BMW or not. Hit me up on PM and we'll exchange notes on the swap. So far, I've found only one reliable and trustworthy company that sells a kit. I've been trying to find other resources for doing the swap as well.

I had an Australian tuner video where they had many swapped E30's and they mentioned no mount fabrication for the DET swap. So based on this, I'm thinking it can be done by mixing and matching various engine mounts. Also wasn't sure if they were implying this with the newer E30's or not.

I'm sure the tranny tunnel will most likely have to be massaged.

Fitment wont be to much of a concern as much as wiring. Youll either have to run standalone or if your good at wiring running a custom harness. Ill PM you when I have more time and discuss some things about it. I have a sr20det on hand to use if needed.

Ideal (except for cost): Powertec v8: 2.6L, 92 kg, 10,500 RPM, 363 bhhp, six speed sequential, now that would be a cart!

If you truely wanted some awesome power. Im sure a turbod LS1/2 will fit in the 2002. I checked out a friends swap in a rx7 and Im sure itll fit(wont say how much work itll require.) Im just saying itll fit and would be a big engine and if its blown itll create some series power.

I just dont see the point in building up an 02 with that much power. Its USELESS unless you do some serious body mods and run a really wide tire in the back. And even after all that is done...it'll handle like shit with a big v-8 under the hood.

I can see if you planned on drag racing the car...but why the hell would you wanna destroy such an awesome car for drag racing:mad .

/rant.

Actually an ls1 probably wouldn't be THAT bad, they're all aluminum. If I were going to swap any v8 in it would probably be a Rover v8.

FYI took my turbo M10 with nitrous to the track the other night and ran 12.6 @ 119mph on street tires. The M10 when built right can make good reliable power. Here's my last dyno with 15psi & a 40 shot.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y83/lisaotis/dyno001.jpg

Details on your set up please :)

Big engine in little car does not necessarily mean poor handling. After all, 911's have been handling well for 30+ years with engine/tranny in the back! The idea that 50/50 weight dist. is necessary is bogus. Fieros have good distribution and handle like sh**. It's all in the setup.

911 skid in hard turns, too back heavy. The ultimate car is the one with mid engine set up. I mean this: engine beside the driver and trans to the rear member.

As much as I've knocked the Rover V8 swap, it might come true? A friend of mine has a friend that somehow gets them for free from Land Rover. So I might be working something out to secure one of these engines.....

....big engine doesnt always mean poor handeling, you can always offset weight distribution(suspension, balast's, and etc.)

If you could, find out how much on weighs. I would like to know if it's significantly lighter than an M60/M62