is it a must to switch to obd1 for 3.2 motor in e30?

mpowernyc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 04:14 AM

any info would be appreciated

Alex Mc · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 09:02 AM

Yes, there's no way around it.. if you put an M50/M52/S50/S52 whateber you wanna call it- in an E30, you MUST convert to OBDI.. all M52/S52 motors (2.8 and 3.2L respectively) are OBDII and require the conversion.

Rennen · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 02:56 PM

Or is it the wiring and such, It seems to me that if it were to fit in the engine bay and you are replacing all of the electronics it should work, but i dont know...

Nick-NY · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 04:45 PM

i have a brand new zionsville s50-52 swap version 3.0 for sale if you want.

Alex Mc · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rennen
Or is it the wiring and such, It seems to me that if it were to fit in the engine bay and you are replacing all of the electronics it should work, but i dont know...

It's because the OBDII harness is much more integrated.. it can't work without the body module computers, EWS ignition shit.. it's REAL complicated, and just totally not worth the trouble- besides, OBDI is much more tunable..

mpowernyc · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 12:23 AM

thanks for the info,I was just about to buy a 3.2 motor for my 91 m3
alot of people told me it would be more cost effective to get the 3.0 motor and tuned it up instead of the 3.2 plus obd1 kit,just wondering
Alex Mc,what made you go with the 3.2 swap if it were so much more complicated and less tunable than the 3.0??

Alex Mc · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mpowernyc

Alex Mc,what made you go with the 3.2 swap if it were so much more complicated and less tunable than the 3.0??

I'm building my motor from the ground up using all-new components that i've been collecting/purchasing for the past 6 months. I've got a M3 block, and i bought a brand new 3.2 crank, new rods, pistons, etc.. and i picked up a used OBDI wiring harness and intake, etc.

My motor will not be a stock 3.2 at all, i'm modifying the hell out of it as i build it.. should be well over 300hp normally aspirated, 7500rpm

But unless you have $15g's i'd recommend buying a complere 3.0 and tranny used and just throwing it in. After you sell your 2.3 S14 ( one with under 100k on it will go for close to $5gs) the swap will only cost you about $5g's.. and building a 2.5L is MUCH more expensive than $5g's!