Matt wrote:Why not use the M30 + wiring harness + ECU _for now_ and then after the car is done and all the bugs are worked out and you're after more power or revs or whatever, you're doing an engine swap in a finished car.... instead of letting the completion of your car get held up by drivetrain indecision and fabricatoin problems..
I was thinking I'd do this. The only thought that stops me from saying "absolutely yes" is what if I am able to afford my dream engine by then? I don't want to have to redo all the engine and tranny mounts (and possibly driveshaft) within a few months of using the stock M30. But then again, I originally chose this parts car because of the legendary Big Six which I know from experience in my e34 to be amazing when paired with a 5 speed. Still, does it make sense to attempt to turn one into a high output engine? Not financially at least, and not reliably.
So I won't be able to use ITB's on an S50/52, but it is still a potential runner. Seems like I could get to 300hp N/A. Of course, like all the other BMW engine options, parts are expensive and replacing race parts with race parts (as supposed to keeping an engine stock) is always going to be more expensive. That's a minus for the stressed german engines. I just read 5 or six very long threads saying "dont waste your time trying to get a S50/52 over 300hp N/A cause the cost isnt worth it," which is exactly what I remember hearing about the M30 I was originally planning on.
I guess at this point I can pretty much rule out the BMW V8's due to their size (DOHC has a price), even though they seem so sophisticated and the M60's sound absolutely wonderful. That leaves the LS1, which despite the oil issue claim, I am still reading to be a great engine for autox and occasional track time.
Let's say my total driveline budget is 4k. Choices are M30, S50, S52, and LS1.
...unless someone finds an M60B40 for $500..
, and weighs just over 550kg, giving it about the same hp/ton numbers as a veyron.
