what engine -2.8 or 1.9 ?

[Garry.M]

Right I've sold the E46 compact and I'm away to buy an E36 now. It looks a FAR easier car to build and there seems to be plenty of folk "been there and done that".
I've ruled out the M3 3.0 because I'll hate a big nose heavy car ,I had been really interested in doing something with the m44 engine -88mm diesel crank ,pair of Catcams and some bodies -either motorbike of modified M3 ones running on a DTA ecu that I already have,,,but someone pointed out the alloy 2.8 engine . Fit the different inlet manifold and get a ecu re-map chip and it should be around 210-215bhp . Sounds like easy power without all the work and money of the M44 . I do realise that it puts me in against the Evo's and Subaru's but fitting the M44 puts me up against the MK2's
I'd just like to hear everyones thoughts or findings on the matter
thanks , Garry

[is-si]

A plug-n-play 2.8 isn't going to break the bank, buy a scrap 2.8 saloon with a good donkey, fit the prop, 'box, mule & loom. Maybe baffle the sump with an off the shelf kit.
See how you like it and then decide the next step..... if desired?
J.

[Garry.M]

sump baffle kit ? where does one purchase one from ? ,,,and how much ?
- well truth be told ,throwing in a 2.8 and seeing how I get on with it was what I was thinking
,,,its gets me up and going . I read that the M3 headers can be tweeked to fit - thoughts ?
I do believe that Mosely are in middle of making an adaptor plate to fit the M3 bodies (?) -should fairly help with ooomph .
I've already got some 17" rims and a 4.445 fd - a quick press of the buttons on a calculator shows around 112mph@ 7k - thats should be fast enough for most things I'd have thought ?

[bruvs1]

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---e36--z3-oil-pan-baffle-fits-m50-m52-s50-s52-p1429c96.aspx?Thread=True
these lads are good, we've had a few things off them over the past few years, alternatively you can make one.

[is-si]

also
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-921-tms-e36z3-6cyl-oil-pan-baffle-kit-welding-required.aspx

Just use the standard manifolds initially, they may look 5hit but they flow ok.