Hello all, this is my first, so please be gentle.
I'm looking to perform an engine swap on my 1975 BMW 2002 Automatic.
But, I'm torn between using either an F20C, which is a Honda engine out of an S2000, or the well known M20.
The end result I'm after is a fast, reliable, simple car, that can be daily driven.
Where I live, I must get everything checked by an engineer, and signed off, before I can register and legally drive the car on the road, so if there is anyone out there from Australia that has any tips that I should be informed of, feel free to let me know! I'm only young and still rather ignorant!
I figure I will post the pro's and con's to each that I've come up with thus far:
F20C-
Pros:
- It's a much newer engine
- More power
- More efficient
- Is a similar weight to the original M10
Cons:
- Very expensive when compared to an M20 here in Australia
- Little information available in comparison to the M20 in regards to a 2002 swap
- It isn't BMW
- Not entirely sure if the CA Tuned mounts will work with a RHD automatic car (emailed them but had no response)
- I assume in order to utilise the 240HP I will need a stronger diff, which I believe requires the install of an E30 rear subframe
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M20:
Pros:
- It is a much more common swap, and there is a lot of information here (6 into 2 does go)
- Very affordable in comparison to the F20C, allowing money to be spent on new engine parts and maintenance
- From the brief read of the 6 into 2 does go guide, it seems I can use stock engine mounts from an E30 and my own car? (correct me if I'm wrong) which would mean I wouldn't need to purchase custom mounts from California
Cons:
- Older
- Less efficient
- Less power
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SO!
If I'm incorrect or missing anything, please by all means tell me!
The thing shying me away from the F20C so much is knowing I would have to mount an E30 rear subframe to help deal with the power, which leaves me to ask, if I was to use the M20 (probably the 2.5i or 3.0i), would the stock diff be able to cope? if not is there another option when it comes to differentials that can be used in conjunction with the stock rear subframe that would suffice?
Also, I believe that an M20 swap is easier than the F20C swap, which is appealing.
I'm by no means an expert or a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn, and will appreciate any knowledge or advice.
Thanks in advance!