Another E30 BMW 3-Series Gets an F20C Swap
There have been many S2000-powered BMWs, but this might be the nicest one yet.
Nicest One Yet?
Among the many F20C/F22C1 swaps we've seen in recent months, older BMWs are among the most popular. For various reasons, folks just love blessing vintage Bimmers with modern Honda power, and the latest example of this might just be the nicest of the bunch - a 1985 BMW 318i built by Formula Drift Pro driver and owner of DevSpeed Motorsports, Faruk Kugay.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
Stealing the Show
This Honda-powered BMW was on display at the 2021 SEMA Show in the booth occupied by ENEOS - Japan's largest oil company, and supplier of motor oil and transmission fluids to the majority of Asian vehicle manufacturers. Needless to say, it quite literally stole the show.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
>>Join the conversation about this F20C-powered BMW E30 right here in the S2Ki.com forum.
Keeping It Legal
Kugay wanted a more powerful but lightweight powerplant to replace the stock engine, which is why he chose the F20C. He also wanted to keep the car CARB-legal, so it features upgrades including an AEM air intake and Borla Performance stainless steel exhaust system fitted after the BMW’s catalytic converter.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
>>Join the conversation about this F20C-powered BMW E30 right here in the S2Ki.com forum.
Big Upgrades
That engine is mated to the S2000's six-speed transmission and a BMW limited-slip differential, while an E36 M3 provided its brakes to help slow this vintage ride down. The car's rolling stock received a big upgrade as well in the form of 17” Rotiform IGS wheels wrapped with 255/40 front and 275/40 ZR17 rear Toyo Proxes RA1 tires.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
>>Join the conversation about this F20C-powered BMW E30 right here in the S2Ki.com forum.
Weight Savings
Inside, the E30 received a set of MOMO racing seats, a MOMO steering wheel, and MOMO shift knob, as well as a motorsport-style dashboard and seat delete panels to help shave as much weight as possible.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
>>Join the conversation about this F20C-powered BMW E30 right here in the S2Ki.com forum.
Bring It Together
On the outside, this heavily restyled BMW features a Pandem V1.5 widebody kit, while the suspension has been fortified with multi-adjustable KW Variant 3 coilovers. Garagistic provided a host of parts to fortify the BMW's old body, and a custom Devspeed four-point internal roll bar helps tie it all together.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports
>>Join the conversation about this F20C-powered BMW E30 right here in the S2Ki.com forum.
Moving On
Now that SEMA is in the rear-view mirror, Kugay will be driving it on the streets of California legally, but also plans on taking it to track day events and drift competitions as well. No matter where he goes, he's sure to attract a crowd, if nothing else.
Photos: DevSpeed Motorsports