F20C-Powered 1976 BMW 2002 Nets Decent Money at Auction

Perfect Pairing

In recent years, we've seen Honda's F20C powerplant swapped into all sorts of different vehicles, including more than one vintage BMW. The S2000's heart makes for a perfect pairing with something like the legendary 2002, and this 1976 example that recently crossed the virtual block at Bring a Trailer is a fine example of why.

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Worthwhile Endeavor

This Frankenstein of sorts raked in $21,500 at auction, a hefty sum for a car that certainly isn't in perfect cosmetic condition. Regardless, the mechanicals make it a worthwhile purchase, especially since the work was done professionally by CATuned of Sacramento, California.

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>>Join the conversation about this F20C swapped 2002 right here on S2Ki.com.

Far From Perfect

Part of that process involved a respray in red paint, which has since faded over the last decade-plus. There's also some rust on the driver-side rocker panel, a leaky sunroof, and a rear quarter panel that doesn't quite fit right because of previous damage. But that's about the extent of the bad here.

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Turbo Honda Power

What's good, of course, is that this 2002 is a blast to drive thanks to its infusion of F20C power. Modifications include a Garrett GTX2867 turbocharger, headers, a downpipe, a free-flowing catalytic converter, and an AEM Series 2 engine management system, which helped the motor make 275 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque on the dyno.

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>>Join the conversation about this F20C swapped 2002 right here on S2Ki.com.

Monster Solution

That power flows through a six-speed manual transmission back to a limited-slip differential that's been fortified with CATuned’s "Monster Rear-End Solution," which consists of a modified subframe for a BMW medium-case differential, as well as allowing for caster and camber adjustability and the addition of Chromoly axles.

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Unfinished Cabin

The interior is a bit unfinished but is fitted with Recaro sport seats and door panels from an E21-gen BMW, a variety of added gauges, and a newer head unit. Some carpet would make the cabin look a lot better, though some may prefer the unfinished look, regardless.

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>>Join the conversation about this F20C swapped 2002 right here on S2Ki.com.

Hoot to Drive

Rounding out the build are a number of suspension upgrades including front coilovers with adjustable camber plates, Bilstein rear shocks, and Ireland Engineering sway bars, while Wilwood calipers paired with slotted front rotors and an E21 dual-piston brake master cylinder provide stopping power. Altogether, this vintage BMW 2002 is a cool build that's probably a hoot to drive, and that's why someone was willing to dish out good money for it, in spite of its cosmetic flaws.

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>>Join the conversation about this F20C swapped 2002 right here on S2Ki.com.