A builder called Longerr built a roadster with the 316 unit and box it may be worth contacting him,he has not posted for a while.

You're not wrong about the noise. I've built a 7 with a 328 engine and it sounds incredible (not quite so angry now it's got an exhaust on it, but still really good).

I'd say any of the straight-6 E36 motors are a great choice, but for me it would be a tough call between the 328 and the M3. 328 is 20 kg lighter, but then the M3 has a significantly higher redline (and more power, if you really want more than the 328 is capable of). I don't really see the point of messing about with the 323 or 325 when the 328 is so cheap.

BMW Engine
 

Have a look at the E30 318is or even better the E30 M3, both engines are 4 pott the is has 136BHP as standard and the M3 is around the 200BHP area. A320is was built for the Italian market,very similar to the m3 but only 2ltr

e36 328 would be the one i would go for. has an ali block and head so shouldn't be that heavy

The Roadster should have been done using the Bmw from the start as nearly every kit firm out there uses the Sierra hence the reason they are hard to come by these days.
Same happened with the Escort, now look at the prices these beasts go for:eek:

Still don't see why folk need 200 odd horsepower with our our crap crowded roads and fuel at over £6 a gallon....:confused: