which car to put an s52 engine on?

so i was thinking i have 30k to buy a car, i was looking at something such as an e30 with an s52 or possible e46 if possible, the only condition is that it has to not break down/ need too much money spent on it besides regular service since im using all my money, what would you recommend i could get for 30k, i have no skills in putting cars together so buying separate parts might cost more to get them installed etc..

something like that
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...ode%20matchany

s52 is a waste do some research before you make a thread. s54 makes more sense

A. why would you put a motor from an e36 into the body of an e46? Why not just use the s54 like ^ he said?
B. You have no mechanical skills but you want a massively technical project car?

It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me bud.

Depends. How much does the S52 weigh? And how much weight can a car roof support? (assuming you're putting the engine on the roof)

No point in swapping an S52 into an e46. Electronics are too different for it to be an easy swap, it weighs a good bit more than an M54b30, and it barely makes any more power.

Originally Posted by steven747

s52 is a waste do some research before you make a thread. s54 makes more sense

i only have 30k and i live in australia were they are hard to find.. so buying a car+ an s54 + having someone install it for me would be greater than 30k??

bmw powered 240sx

Originally Posted by bheazehead

im using all my money

Off topic but...


Buy a 10k car.. Save your money/ use it towards a house/ start a business/etc

Originally Posted by cdseven95

Off topic but...


Buy a 10k car.. Save your money/ use it towards a house/ start a business/etc

/thread

Originally Posted by cdseven95

Off topic but...


Buy a 10k car.. Save your money/ use it towards a house/ start a business/etc

+1

was that 30K USD or Australian?

If it is 30K, you could use it as a down payment on an investment property that could easily net $500-$1000 per month. Use that money to finance a newer car. Your 30K just became an asset that has the potential to appreciate and in value and generate cash flow.

I don't know how things go down in Australia, but if I had $30k and no other restrictions (i.e. need for investement, education, snow-car, four-doors, back seat, wagon etc) then I'd be looking for a Porsche Cayman S.

Originally Posted by skibum325iT

was that 30K USD or Australian?

30k australian

just by a e46 M3

Originally Posted by zander271

just by a e46 M3

if only... it has to be a p plate legal car, meaning generally less then 8 cylinder and no turbo, it excludes some cars though such as the M3

Only car the swap makes sense for is E30. Also, don't swap an S54 into an E46. You'll inevitably do a hack job. Sell your 46 and buy an M3. It's likely the cheaper option and you'll get a properly assembled car.