Engine Swap - How Difficult?

[Black325e]

Wasn't sure where to put this thread because I am not regarding a specific engine swap or anything. My question is, how hard is it? Yes I know the general process of putting an engine in but then again, it's harder than it seems haha.

I am asking because my girlfriend and I found a perfect shell for $500. It has full interior, all electrical, steering, brakes, tires, rims, all that. Oh and the shell has crappy spray paint under a full metal body that could be repainted. No dents whatsoever and zero rust. I say that is one HELL of a deal, if you ask me, so we are thinking about it. We are either coming or not coming home with a shell tomorrow so we need a lot of comments! Is it worth it?

Here are a couple questions we have about the process. Would it be worth it to take it to a shop to drop an engine, or would it be better to do it ourselves? Could two people with light knowledge on cars be able to buy an engine and drop it in by watching videos and getting advice? Let us know if it's good to do. We want to know - she is fishy about it but damn, I want to help rebuild an E30 haha.

[Liquidity]

This is most certainly an "if you have to ask" question.

[glnr13]

it's a tough learning curve.
things you need:
garage/driveway where the car will be immobile for a while
engine stand
engine hoist
bentley manual
lots of tools
patience
ingenuity

you should do as many of the "while you're in there" things.
new gaskets, cooling system, valve adjustment, timing chain/belt...
the list can go as long as the depth of your pockets.

do it, you'll never look at an engine the same again.

[kingston]

@ people with knowledge of cars could certainly do it, especially if it was the engine originally intended for the car. If the engine harness is in, and it really just needs a motor, that's not really that difficult at all, assuming you know which end of a wrench to hold. Good luck!!

[Silverdogz]

I'd say go for it, especially if the gf is willing to help out. Though I would recommend the M20B25 if this is your first time doing this.

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[ThatOneEuroE30]

Well what motor do you want in it? throwing a m20 in it wont be extremely hard cause its the original motor. However your going to need lots of tools, A hoist, a stand so you can prep the motor to be dropped, jack stands for the car to sit on , bentley manual of course and lots of time and money. Even doing a m20 wont be easy

[dewme5]

Make friends locally with someone who's done a swap before. It's not hard to do, but tools intensive.

[TobyB]

If you're taking an engine out of one car and installing it into another,
it's pretty easy. Honestly, things like taking the hood off and reseating the
engine onto the transmission are the hardest, and if you can find someone
to help the two of you, it's really not that bad.

Even the tools are limited, compared to a lot of jobs.

One of the harder things is knowing what to keep and what to replace-
you should plan on clutch, clutch slave, belts, hoses etc while you're in
there, simply because it's so much easier.

Honestly, while it's daunting as hell, if you're careful and work methodically,
taking a lot of pictures and notes and cleaning as you go, it's really pretty easy.
Go for it!

hth

t

[Joe G]

Splitting car costs with a gf is not wise. Just sayin.

[slammin.e28]

I've found running driving e30s for $500.

Jussaying

[Wergen7]

It's pretty easy. Seems more daunting than it is. And if you don't try you'll never learn. And if you fuck it up THEN you can go to a shop.

Bentley manual + Internet x R3v = anything is possible

[ThatOneEuroE30]

It's pretty easy. Seems more daunting than it is. And if you don't try you'll never learn. And if you fuck it up THEN you can go to a shop.

Bentley manual + Internet x R3v = anything is possible

This x1000 look at my build thread. Yea all that was done with the equation above except the welding of course internet can't teach you everything but what you don't learn from the internet you'll learn from just doing it and using your brain.


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[blunttech]

And if you don't try you'll never learn.

true. first job I ever did on an e30 was a timing belt. 2 weeks later I tore the m20 out and did an s52 swap and full M3 5 lug swap. If youre mechanical its not hard. Im not a great mechanic. More of a unbolt something and replace it with something else. Youll learn a lot

[ST1G]

Splitting car costs with a gf is not wise. Just sayin.

but they are in love!

I've found running driving e30s for $500.

Jussaying

QFT


I've learned how to work on cars purely buy trial, error, and throwing shit around when I'm pissed off and can't figure it out.