Early Model 318i (M10) 24v Swap Nuances

[bakedfool]

While unrelated to my thread, I got blessed today as I stacked up some parts for my build. Hopefully I can share here and share my excitement with others who understand unlike the non-BMW people in my life!

Got a killer deal on a ZF 5 Speed transmission for $350.


The gentleman who sold me the transmission absolutely blessed me after hearing some of the troubles I’ve been having with my engine. He gave me an S52/M54B30 crankshaft along with some forged Manley Connecting Rods and forged Carrillo CP pistons! No charge! Now I have a whole forged M54B30 rotating assembly to install into my block to make a 3.0L M50 Stroker!




Earlier this week I also got a purple tag E46 Rack for $180


Now looking for a competent machine shop which is fairly priced to help me install this rotating assembly into my block! Which unfortunately I found this in my cylinder 3 wall. Hopefully the overbore for 84.5mm pistons take care of it! The rest of them look cherry.

Again if anybody has a machine shop in SoCal/San Diego they recommend, I’m all ears! Thanks

[Chilezen]

Holy smokes, that is a fantastic find. What a nice guy. I did a pretty similar thing, putting that crank in my M52 but kept the M54 pistons.

[bakedfool]

This is where I am currently at!


Looks like my engine has been apart before, this oil pump chain tensioner isn’t factory, correct?

[BadDays]

Hey mate, Since you're dealing with a m10 car here, Make sure that you properly reinforce this car before you go sending 600 to the wheels on it, It'll be wise to swap both subframes along with swapping clusters because the lightest e30 comes with some quirks that folks previously mentioned here.

I'd be more than happy to help you if you need guidance with 84/85 318i's considering I own one myself haha

[bakedfool]

Hey mate, Since you're dealing with a m10 car here, Make sure that you properly reinforce this car before you go sending 600 to the wheels on it, It'll be wise to swap both subframes along with swapping clusters because the lightest e30 comes with some quirks that folks previously mentioned here.

I'd be more than happy to help you if you need guidance with 84/85 318i's considering I own one myself haha

I would greatly appreciate any advice and guidance ! Have you 24v swapped an early car? I’m sure you know all the ins and outs and can answer any questions once I get into the thick of it.

My currently plan is to stay NA, just building the engine now because I got a totally hooked up with those forged parts.

Do you think I’d be fine to put around with car NA without reinforcing? I’m assuming MAX the engine would be putting out like 215-230hp with the m50b30 stroker parts on stock DME.

[bakedfool]

At this point it feels like I have an addiction to stock piling parts… The deal was too good to be true again. ARP Head Studs and a Valeo Single Mass Conversion flywheel and clutch.. for $150…



Just need the washers for the ARPs. I got some conflicting information, some people were saying use factory headbolt washers. My understanding was to use the washers supplied with the head stud kit.

[BadDays]

Ya should be fine with 215 without reinforcing the chassis, I haven't swapped a 24v into any of my cars yet But I know the early 318i's so well now that I can help ya when it comes to the weakness points, It also helps that if your head bolt kit comes with washers, you should use them.

[bakedfool]

Ya should be fine with 215 without reinforcing the chassis, I haven't swapped a 24v into any of my cars yet But I know the early 318i's so well now that I can help ya when it comes to the weakness points, It also helps that if your head bolt kit comes with washers, you should use them.

Got my head bolt kit free with the clutch and flywheel. I am going to call ARP and get the part number for the replacement washers and order the right ones.

Do you know if the lower radiator mounts, the rubber nubs, on early 318i M10 cars is the same as on early model 325 cars? If so I’ve read the new model radiator should be able to just sit on it. I haven’t don’t any real work on the cooling system yet.

[BadDays]

Got my head bolt kit free with the clutch and flywheel. I am going to call ARP and get the part number for the replacement washers and order the right ones.

Do you know if the lower radiator mounts, the rubber nubs, on early 318i M10 cars is the same as on early model 325 cars? If so I’ve read the new model radiator should be able to just sit on it. I haven’t don’t any real work on the cooling system yet.

I had to double check my core support but All 82-87 E30's came with two mounting brackets, One in the middle and one near the passenger frame rail. One of my brackets is also gone so If you need to add a extra bracket, Drill and insert a thread into the lower core support for your radiator. A 24v radiator should fit with some minor modifications if at all.

[bakedfool]

I had to double check my core support but All 82-87 E30's came with two mounting brackets, One in the middle and one near the passenger frame rail. One of my brackets is also gone so If you need to add a extra bracket, Drill and insert a thread into the lower core support for your radiator. A 24v radiator should fit with some minor modifications if at all.

Ok great thanks, I’m going to get a used radiator for some mock ups and confirm.

Do you know concretely if an M10 front subframe is different than an m20? If so. Different enough that it would cause issues?

[BadDays]

Ok great thanks, I’m going to get a used radiator for some mock ups and confirm.

Do you know concretely if an M10 front subframe is different than an m20? If so. Different enough that it would cause issues?

Had a good look under my car today while doing the driveshaft, The subframes are nearly identical but 318i's have a vibration damper on the passenger side according to Farbin Kaiber