bmwe21.net forums

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.

probably another m10 with an lpg conversion,

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.

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.

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..

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

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

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.

put the bmw hydrogen engine in your e21

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...