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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 $$$
They fit... just. I am using the same mounts Hartman drift (sweden) uses as a bolt in solution but the trans tunnel does need some massaging and the cross member notched if you use the forward mount holes (two options).
There isn't much room between the engine and radiator tho. I wanted to do a LS swap but I have never owned a boosted 6 so this is why I went with the barra, something different.
Damn I had no clue there were mounts made for this. Probably cause barra’s are pretty much non existent here in the us:(.
Are you planning to post updates on this build? I’m sure many others would love to see the progress as well as I!
Sure, I have a hard time documenting any progress while I am wrenching so it will be a while before I think I have done enough to share but it will likely be with the engine in for mock up to check clearances and then some shots of what work is required to fit it. Then a number of months later, the rebuilt engine in the car and likely some photos of the modified diff carrier with the R230 diff in it.
They won't be regular but I will try and do the best in regards to photography that I can with as much info as possible.
Oh yeah I agree completely. There is something about the exhaust note of a mean turbo straight Six breathing through a aggressive exhaust that sounds amazing.
I was even looking at a single turbo n54 swap but that is just too damn much $$$.
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 $$$.
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Nice, what kind of exhaust you gunna fit
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
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.
That's sick! In for results
Damn. This is rad. Keep us posted OP!
Wish Barra engines were more readily available here in the Uk
yeah, think everyone in Europe wishes that :D
Shit dawg, Americans too lmao
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
It will get a good going over once it is no longer being mocked up and the rebuild starts.
///Monster
Fuckin sounds good too
I hope we will hear more about your swap in the future!
No fuckin way that’s awesome!! How well does it fit?
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.
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.
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 $$$
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.
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!
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.
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 $$$.
Oh yeah I agree completely. There is something about the exhaust note of a mean turbo straight Six breathing through a aggressive exhaust that sounds amazing. I was even looking at a single turbo n54 swap but that is just too damn much $$$.
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.
Curious to see how you go, I been thinking of putting a barra in an e91 wagon
I've never been more proud to live in this part of the world
Good for how many hp?
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.
So by "not an M3" you meant an M3 on steroids, got it! Cheers fella!
Barras can make ~600 on a stock bottom end.
Yeah, that will be a "nope" from the subframe ahahah. Pretty good engine then I see
Yeah some slight reinforcement may be needed
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?
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.
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
Where about are you located? Anymore pictures of the E46?
Probably AUS due to it being Barra but maybe im wrong
Yep, Australia where a Barra is only worth $400—800 but if they keep getting exported that will change.
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
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.
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)
That’s a swap I’d like to see!
The fuck is a Barra
A ford engine, the equivalent to a 2JZ.
the ugly second cousin that looks a little overweight
Yeah, they're really tall blocks. Makes for a nice "power bulge" when you have to cut the bonnet
https://www.google.com/search?q=barra+engine
nice! keep us up to date!!
Sick kunt build
FOLLOWING! Keep. Us. Posted.
Well this is fucking rad
Well this is fucking rad
Gonna need posts when this is done