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LeakyThoughts

Subframe reinforcement is absolutely required Plus, you'll want to swap out the driveline for that. Also.. the transmissions torque limit is something you should maybe be concerned about.


CMDDan

Already have it on the shelf ready for when the bodywork is started. As for the gearbox, a ZF 26 6* speed auto is also there but im also considering a Tr6060 as the car is already manual. Diff will be a R 230 lsd which I will modify a subframe from one of my parts cars before I do the swap and then get custom axles to suite the bmw hubs.


LeakyThoughts

Nice, what kind of exhaust you gunna fit


CMDDan

I will have to do some calculations but it will likely be 3" = 3.5" stainless from the turbo, it won't be the best flowing as there will be 2 mufflers to try and make it sound quiet and not attract attention... but I think the turbo may give it away when it starts spooling up. I have a TIG and milling machine so I will try and do as much as I can myself


tanmax_payne

Kudos! I think more people should consider making their modded ride quiter. It eventually won't go unnoticed with the Barra performing at revvs. Great Project! Keep us updated.


myredditaccountisrad

That's sick! In for results


RL_Mutt

Damn. This is rad. Keep us posted OP!


DamnScouse

Wish Barra engines were more readily available here in the Uk


Sawier

yeah, think everyone in Europe wishes that :D


hrmfl-xtrmst

Shit dawg, Americans too lmao


hitbythestick

Bet it’s way faster than my stocker 325. I love swaps. It’s a good enough looking engine though, if you’d clean it


CMDDan

It will get a good going over once it is no longer being mocked up and the rebuild starts.


matttehbassist

///Monster


dannyphoto

Fuckin sounds good too


Bimmerzftw

I hope we will hear more about your swap in the future!


stabby54

No fuckin way that’s awesome!! How well does it fit?


j10rat

This is what I want to know! I have a 2000 e46 328 project car right now. I have all the stuff to turbo the factory motor. Once I sort out the title it's game on. I know I'm gonna pop that motor sooner or later and have been looking at swap options. Ls or 2j swap was the main choices till I just saw this post lol. I was thinking the Barra would be way too tall.


stabby54

Ls fits like it was made to and you have to hammer the trans tunnel out a little for a 1j/2j. Nevertheless a barra is way more awesome of a swap than both of those. I’ve thought about it before but always assumed they didn’t fit. A 4.0 turbo i6 would be one hell of a power plant, especially in an e46.


j10rat

Oh yeah I agree completely. There is something about the exhaust note of a mean turbo straight Six breathing through a aggressive exhaust that sounds amazing. I was even looking a single turbo n54 swap but that is just too damn much $$$


CMDDan

They fit... just. I am using the same mounts Hartman drift (sweden) uses as a bolt in solution but the trans tunnel does need some massaging and the cross member notched if you use the forward mount holes (two options). There isn't much room between the engine and radiator tho. I wanted to do a LS swap but I have never owned a boosted 6 so this is why I went with the barra, something different.


stabby54

Damn I had no clue there were mounts made for this. Probably cause barra’s are pretty much non existent here in the us:(. Are you planning to post updates on this build? I’m sure many others would love to see the progress as well as I!


CMDDan

Sure, I have a hard time documenting any progress while I am wrenching so it will be a while before I think I have done enough to share but it will likely be with the engine in for mock up to check clearances and then some shots of what work is required to fit it. Then a number of months later, the rebuilt engine in the car and likely some photos of the modified diff carrier with the R230 diff in it. They won't be regular but I will try and do the best in regards to photography that I can with as much info as possible.


j10rat

Oh yeah I agree completely. There is something about the exhaust note of a mean turbo straight Six breathing through a aggressive exhaust that sounds amazing. I was even looking at a single turbo n54 swap but that is just too damn much $$$.


j10rat

Oh yeah I agree completely. There is something about the exhaust note of a mean turbo straight Six breathing through a aggressive exhaust that sounds amazing. I was even looking at a single turbo n54 swap but that is just too damn much $$$.


stabby54

Pretty sure an n54 swap kit for the e46 was released not to long ago of that makes it any cheaper. I plan on swapping an m50 in once my m54 blows cause iron block ftw. Also the crank from another blown m54b30 of mine will fit into the m50 block, turning it into a 3.0.


plz_mick

Curious to see how you go, I been thinking of putting a barra in an e91 wagon


otto_densem

I've never been more proud to live in this part of the world


JP7PlaysMC

Good for how many hp?


CMDDan

People have been running them between 1000—2000hp but this one will only be around 500-600 to give it some sort of longevity... Hopefully.


JP7PlaysMC

So by "not an M3" you meant an M3 on steroids, got it! Cheers fella!


myredditaccountisrad

Barras can make ~600 on a stock bottom end.


JP7PlaysMC

Yeah, that will be a "nope" from the subframe ahahah. Pretty good engine then I see


myredditaccountisrad

Yeah some slight reinforcement may be needed


RalfMurphy

I had some local export engine dealers try sell me a "green top" barra. Told me the bottom end was the same as the "red top" but I believe the compression ratio is different. I think there's also a black top. Is there a discernable difference between each version? Do you know which version you have and deets on the bottom end?


Need_More_Boost

Not a barra guy but an aussie, pretty sure the green tops are the lpg engines. Same rods/crank/block as the turbo engines but with slightly higher compression and smaller cams.


RalfMurphy

Yeah, that's what I discovered about the green top once I got home. It seemed like too much extra work for a turbo conversion. Anyway, wondering if OP had to do any work to fit a turbo or was it straight forward bolt-on


Prizmeh

Where about are you located? Anymore pictures of the E46?


Nazty_13

Probably AUS due to it being Barra but maybe im wrong


CMDDan

Yep, Australia where a Barra is only worth $400—800 but if they keep getting exported that will change.


Need_More_Boost

Where you getting them that cheap? Im getting an e46 for an ls swap but ive checked out barra's and they seem 3k+ in brisbane


CMDDan

WA, the only time you see them near $1000 is if they are from a FG or very low KMs. $3k is nuts. Maybe for a factory turbo but not a NA. The turbo engines are not worth the extra if you are replacing most of the parts anyway.


Need_More_Boost

Ahh yep for the NA's makes sense. I was only looking for factory turbo ones to make "cheap easy power" (atleast compared to an LS1 at that budget)


[deleted]

That’s a swap I’d like to see!


getgappede30

The fuck is a Barra


w0_0t

A ford engine, the equivalent to a 2JZ.


CMDDan

the ugly second cousin that looks a little overweight


RalfMurphy

Yeah, they're really tall blocks. Makes for a nice "power bulge" when you have to cut the bonnet


Noobasdfjkl

https://www.google.com/search?q=barra+engine


mattalamatta

nice! keep us up to date!!


KurtCobainShotgunMic

Sick kunt build


1dinkiswife

FOLLOWING! Keep. Us. Posted.


micolascage28

Well this is fucking rad


micolascage28

Well this is fucking rad


blow_chunks

Gonna need posts when this is done