E30M50 - air filter / airbox alternatives

[alexbaby88]

I notice most E30 w/M50 swaps tend to use open cone filters. Are there any stock BMW airboxes that might fit? I was thinking about the E34 airbox? Any chance of that fitting? Even with a heat shield, I don't fancy the open pod filter sucking in all that hot air.

[DanThe]

E34 or E32 M30 engines airbox fits but you will have to fit the MAF inside it

Heres mine

[alexbaby88]

Dan

Thats just the setup I'm looking for.

Are you using a stock E34/E32 panel airfilter?
Any mods required to stuff the MAF inside the airbox?
Any other issues I should be aware of?

Thanks much

[DanThe]

Standard filter, I had to grind the plastic ribs off the inside of the air box and the tabs off the MAF to keep it out of the panel filter, just drill a hole in the side for the connector to plug on. Also had to extend the rubber inlet elbow.

The inlet elbow on the M50 is round, but the M30 is a larger oval shape so you will need to fill the gap your left with, I used a piece of plastic Sikaflexed to the inside of the box

[alexbaby88]

Thanks Dan, may have to give this a go. Need to find me an airbox now....

[Ferret]

Dan,
can you post a picture of the engine bay from the other side, so we can see hoe is the airbox connected and where does it draw the air from?
Avner.

[DanThe]

Dan,
can you post a picture of the engine bay from the other side, so we can see hoe is the airbox connected and where does it draw the air from?
Avner.

Will do, I will take some if I get home before dark tomorow

[alexbaby88]

OK, I've found me an airbox. More pics please Dan!

Also when you say "standard filter" do you mean E34 filter?

Any other insights would be helpful.

Thanks

[alexbaby88]

e30.de pics

Found some more pics here:

http://www.behindmatrix.com/e30/fotost/f01130/f01130.htm

[NickP]

Just curious - what does the e34 525i air box look like?

I was also thinking that the stock air box should be relatively easy to retain if this idea works. Has anyone tried using the afm - cone filter adapter on the air box instead of the AFM? The piece like the one in this auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Air-Inlet-Adaptor-2-BMW-Mazda-Nissan-Toyota-Lexus-VW_W0QQitemZ180013800753QQihZ008QQcategoryZ36680QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Mike B.]

The stock box has to be seriously modified to work. First the bottom will need to be cut out and reshaped to accomodate the alternator. Second the top of the box will need to be shaved or cut/reshaped to give you enough clearance for the throttle linkage. Finally, the adapter plate, like the one in the ebay link will make the whole airbox assembly too long. You will need to cut a round hole in the box and mount the MAF partially in the box.

Seems like a lot of work when the e34 box fit is significantly better.

[NickP]

The stock box has to be seriously modified to work. First the bottom will need to be cut out and reshaped to accomodate the alternator. Second the top of the box will need to be shaved or cut/reshaped to give you enough clearance for the throttle linkage. Finally, the adapter plate, like the one in the ebay link will make the whole airbox assembly too long. You will need to cut a round hole in the box and mount the MAF partially in the box.

Seems like a lot of work when the e34 box fit is significantly better.

Agreed - I didn't realize the interference points you mentioned would be a problem.

[alexbaby88]

DanThe - any more pics from other angles?

Cheers

[DanThe]

Heres some more pics of the airbox







No chance of this pulling in any hot air

[alexbaby88]

Thanks Dan.

Is the box secured to the body in any way?

Cheers