2.5 conversion

[Desertfox]

Any veterans with info on a 2.5 s14 conversion. I just bought this car and it needs more power. I can do all the work. Just need a reputable machinist in California.

[CleanAzzE30z]

I wouldnt recommend doing an S14 rebuild if you dont know much about it. Im not doubting your skill but this engine is a tough one and has so many things that no matter how skilled the worker is, just needs experienced hands in my experience. Margin of error is not wide. S14s are temramental and they should only be worked on by people who know the S14, not BMW's, but the E30 ///M3. Its a very spcific car with many quirks that most people who work on just BMWs know nothing about. That said, I can try find info on a machinist for you. Where in Cali are you? as in where is Vista? Good luck. COngrats on the purchase and post pics!!

[gobuffs]

There is no rason to go to a 2.5 if you have a perfectly fine runnign 2.3. Any mods you do to the 2.3 will translate to the 2.5 when that time comes. The added expense to go to a 2.5 over rebuilding a 2.3 that needs a new crank is minimal. The amount to rebuild a perfectly fine running 2.3 to a 2.5 is not trivial IMO.

I would suggest (in order):
1. cams
2. alpha n
3. free flowing exhaust
4. 48mm throttle bodies
5. head work (although there might be a group buy going on with headwork now)

[Desertfox]

Very hard to go from an S50 with mods to a stock S14 with 174,000. What is the life of an S14? I am afraid of blowing the thing up with mods on this stock motor. What is an Alpha N?

[Desertfox]

Thanks for input guys. It will take a little while to get up to speed on this car. My e36 M3 seemed a little easier. I live about 20 min north of san diego.

[rassy1]

Desertfox,

I live in Australia and am only 18 an a bit, but I bought my little 323i about a year ago as my first car and blew the engine in it the second week I had it. I must admit I do not treat my car the best and have been known to be a little rev happy at times, which is why when it came to putting in a new motor I upted to the 2.5L. I was in the same boat as you, dieing and striving for that little bit of extra grunt. But I was disapointed when it came to driving my baby after it's surgery. The only thing that kept my chin up was knowing that out there in the world there was the notorious 2.7 stroker kit for the 2.5 that everyone undoubtably knows about.

The decision you're going to need to make will depend on what type of engine you like. Light, snappy, rev happy but slightly lacking on the grunt(2.3 with mods) or a bit throatier, slightly less rev happy but more powerful with the upgrade option of 2.7 in the not too distant future.


I myself have chosen neither of late and am putting an SR20DET in with the help of KFG which I would suggest to everyone,

http://members.shaw.ca/kfgroup/sr20det.htm

P.S. don't mistaken me for an advertisment guy from KFG I just like what they do and support it.

Good luck on your decision Desertfox

[CleanAzzE30z]

Were talking about the S14(E30 ///M3 motor), not the M20 (regular E30 engine that came in the E30 323).

Gobuffs has a point. One can make a 2.3 quite adequate with just an MAF or Alpha N unit, which is far more expensive. Also with some Schricks there is lots to be gained. This of course all multiplies when you do get the 2.5. These mods that he listed can make your car compare to a very basic 2.5 L rebuild.

[gobuffs]

Originally Posted by Desertfox

Very hard to go from an S50 with mods to a stock S14 with 174,000. What is the life of an S14? I am afraid of blowing the thing up with mods on this stock motor. What is an Alpha N?

go to s14.net and search