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E39 540i, 745i turbo or m30 turbocharged?

Discussion pertaining to positive pressure E28s.
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E28YA
Posts: 385
Joined: Dec 03, 2007 9:52 PM
Location: Australia

E39 540i, 745i turbo or m30 turbocharged?

Post by E28YA »

Hey guys i need a little help in deciding what motor to put in my project e28. Im not looking for too much speed, whereas between 250hp and 350hp would certainly do the job.So if you guys can help me out with this tricky decision it would make it alot easier for me. Most people i know chose the 745i turbo, but i wanted to check with you guys because this is the home of e28's. :D

Thanks all.
M. Holtmeier
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Joined: Mar 11, 2007 3:06 AM
Location: Josephine, Texas

Post by M. Holtmeier »

What are you starting out with, i.e., 528e,535i? Is the engine in your car blown and that's why you want to swap something in?
Skeen
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
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Post by Skeen »

If you have a running M30 car, I would go with a low-medium boost setup TCD kit.

540i swap is a helluva project. It's been done, and to great effect, but it's some work.

745 swap just doesn't seem worth it. Decent results for decent price, but go for the TCD manifold with a modern turbo and you have a much better platform for current and future.
E28YA
Posts: 385
Joined: Dec 03, 2007 9:52 PM
Location: Australia

Post by E28YA »

Well i have a m535i low compression motor in really bad condition so i was kinda hoping for a change. Yeah the 745 turbo isnt exactly what i was after anyway. I think its a choice between the turbocharged m30 or the v8. Yes the v8 can be a bit of a hassle but is it worth it in the end?. How much roughly would a good brand turbo cost me for an m30 3.5 and approximately how fast would it be?

Thanks guys.
Brad D.
Beamter
Beamter
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Post by Brad D. »

How much it costs you depends on many factors. If you buy a kit its ~$4000 to play. If you use 745i parts (which really isn't worth the trouble IMO) it'll be less, say maybe $1500 with an FMU, although Im sure the parts can be had for less. If you can fab and have pretty decent mechanical ability and shop for the right parts (spend money where you need to and save it where used or cheaper parts will work) you could build a very nice system for $2-2500. I have a little less than $2500 tied up in my build and that includes running the car on Megasquirt with all kinds of bells and whitles, so I guess it all just depends.
The v8 swap is only really viable if you can afford the downtime (as is the totaly DIY turbo kit) and have the mechanical ability and tools to do everything yourself.
And the car will be plenty fast with any of the above options. Fast enough that you will start to find out all the other stuff you have to spend money on to make the car cope with all the extra power....
E28YA
Posts: 385
Joined: Dec 03, 2007 9:52 PM
Location: Australia

Post by E28YA »

Thanks for that buddy. Putting a 745 or a 540 is not a problem when it comes to money. My father knows exactly what to do as hes done a similar project before and i already have the motors because my father owns a european car factory and i just had trouble choosing which motor i should put and i wouldnt have to pay a cent. I know i shouldve spoken before but i hope that makes it easier for you guys.

Thanks.
Jays535is
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Post by Jays535is »

I would choose a turbo M30, for a few reasons.

1. You can get decent power (300-350hp or more) and still keep your MPG's under normal driving. With a V8 it will always be a pig.

2. Like Big Bronze said you can do it yourself for 2-2.5K. I have maybe 2k into mine and that's is a high estimate.

3. Turbo's are always funner!
Skeen
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Post by Skeen »

The turbo will be faster than the V8 unless you supercharge it or do some other significant NA mods.
Jeremy
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Post by Jeremy »

If the engines are free and your goals are modest (which they seem to be), the V8 with Motronic swap and maybe some moderate cams would likely be VERY nice for you.

If you want boost instead, the TCDs1 at 10psi puts out around 300hp and boatloads of torque to go with it.

Jeremy
bimmerboy
Posts: 390
Joined: Oct 18, 2006 7:06 PM
Location: United States

is the v12 an option?

Post by bimmerboy »

the CSi engine would be killer, but a regular 5ltr would still be so cool. TCD cars would probably out run it, but its NA and theres something cool about that.

Or the e39 m5 v8. That would be sweet.
E28YA
Posts: 385
Joined: Dec 03, 2007 9:52 PM
Location: Australia

Post by E28YA »

Yeah thanks alot guys i think i'll go with the turbo. Just another thing, somebody mentioned above that the turbo is worth roughly $2500, would that be with installation or is there an instillation fee and can anyone fit a turbo or is it hard work?
P.S: If it was between a e39 m5 n a turbo m30 this thread wouldnt have been brought up in the first place coz i know which one i'd prefer :laugh:
Cheers.
///ARINUTS...
Posts: 425
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Post by ///ARINUTS... »

just do what Big Bronze Rim did, check out his build.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=38716
E28YA
Posts: 385
Joined: Dec 03, 2007 9:52 PM
Location: Australia

Post by E28YA »

Fantastic!!. Thanks for your help guys, much appreciated. I'll keep you updated on my new project :alright:
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