BMW Engine Swaps in Toyota Cars: Practicality and Reality
Considering the BMW engine swap in a Toyota car might seem like an appealing yet daunting task. The feasibility largely depends on the drive arrangement and your technical skills. Let's explore the challenges, practical solutions, and the reality behind performing such a swap.
Understanding Drive Arrangements
When it comes to swapping a BMW engine into a Toyota, it's crucial to consider the drive setup. For a front-wheel-drive (FWD) Toyota, a swap with a similar drive arrangement might be more feasible. However, if your Toyota is rear-wheel-driven (RWD), the mechanical aspect isn't the biggest hurdle; the sophisticated electronics used by BMW present a complex challenge.
Financial Considerations and Realistic Solutions
After over 60 years in modified vehicles, my advice is to find a good used Toyota engine, which can be swapped in a weekend with basic tools and limited experience. This is often more cost-effective and less problematic than attempting a BMW to Toyota swap.
That being said, if you're willing to invest a considerable amount of money, skill, and effort, it's indeed possible to perform a swap. For instance, buyers of the current models of the Toyota Supra have already done this, as BMW manufactures the Toyota Supra and equips it with its engines.
Popular Swaps and Their Benefits
A more popular alternative is the swap of a Toyota or Nissan engine into a BMW. One of the most common swaps is the UZ-FE, known for its range of power output, from 256 to 500 brake horsepower. This swap not only provides more power but also enhances reliability and handling, maintaining the legendary BMW performance.
Challenges and Limitations
If you're planning to swap a BMW engine into a Toyota, you'll face significant challenges. The body engineering, engine design, and mounting are all fundamentally different. The electrical and electronic systems are also incompatible, making such a swap a highly complex and technically demanding task.
Despite the potential appeal, many experts argue that it is not practical to swap a BMW engine into a Toyota. Instead, it might be more sensible to simply purchase a current model Toyota Supra, which comes with a BMW engine right from the factory in Austria.
Conclusion
While the idea of swapping a BMW engine in a Toyota car may sound exhilarating, the reality is often more complex and potentially less practical. If you're serious about such a project, it's essential to weigh the financial and technical costs against the potential benefits. For the majority of enthusiasts, a used Toyota engine might be the more sensible and practical approach.