Most modern engine in an e21?

Reck · Post by **Reck** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:03 pm

316 1.8 M10 5spd

Just out of interest, what is the most modern/fuel efficient engine that can be put in an E21 without loads of faffing about? Thanks.

nas80 · Post by **nas80** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:20 pm

probably another m10 with an lpg conversion,

Reck · Post by **Reck** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:26 pm

Been weighing up an LPG conversion for a while now.. LPG prices have nearly tripled in a few short years though, I'm worried as soon as I've had it done, there'll no benefit in using it - especially when Cameron lays his beady eyes on it.

drjim · Post by **drjim** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:42 pm

Any engine swap involves faffing, even sticking a 325i into a 6 pot takes a bit of effort. Nas's M50 swap is even more work.

If you are after fuel economy the 316 isn't that bad if you have a well tuned carb and drive sensibly.

I have a boring diesel focus and it does 60mpg driven right, my average is nearer 49 because even in such a boring car I can't bear to pootle along at economical 60mph, instead rushing around at 70+. Evenn so it's better than the 20mpg from my old A8!

Back on topic - get a 4 pot diesel out of a modernish 3 series, they do 50+ mpg in the modern car, in a lightweight e21 they'd be fast as well as frugal.

Reck · Post by **Reck** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:57 pm

I'm running it on a weber 32/34 DMTL at the moment.. Getting about 25mpg around town and 30ish on the motorway. Carb was rebuilt a couple of weeks ago but it could probably do with tuning properly, I only know how to adjust the idle speed. I *try* to drive frugally, but slip roads are so damn inviting. >.<

A diesel sounds pretty inviting actually..

Jason_323i · Post by **Jason_323i** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:10 pm

The e46 320td is a great engine but the electronics make it a very difficult swap, the early 4cyls are easier to swap bout not much better than a m42 for economy and have less power. An m51 from a 525 tds is a better option bigger engine but easier swap as much power as an 323i better economy and you could run a tall dif to get the revs down on the motorway

Jason

Twelvizm · Post by **Twelvizm** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:33 am

mbuus · Post by **mbuus** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:16 am

Wow that e21 would be absolutely amazing. Not just fast, but would be fantastic on fuel because of the torque. Modern AIRCON!!!

Twelvizm · Post by **Twelvizm** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:50 pm

Yes, that car is pretty impressive. It has E24 rear seats, custom center console, complete with a cupholder and monster Brembo brakes. I'm not a fan of the E30 front bumper though.

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:30 pm

put the bmw hydrogen engine in your e21

petroscf · Post by **petroscf** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 5:27 pm

Twelvizm wrote:Yes, that car is pretty impressive. It has E24 rear seats, custom center console, complete with a cupholder and monster Brembo brakes. I'm not a fan of the E30 front bumper though.

Can you post some interior pictures as well?

Interested in the centre console and in the E24 rear seats...

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Most modern engine in an e21?

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