Swap in Progress

[e30polak]

Ahh, the wonderful world of 24v. Glad you joined the crew Mark! Enjoy her as much as you can, you deserve it!

Even 3 years later, driving my car everyday, I still manage to put a smile on my face when I stab the throttle. :nice:

[markseven]

I’ve had a chance to put some miles on the car, and want to share some feedback; hopefully this will encourage those who may be thinking of swapping in a 24V engine but are hesitant because they don’t want to lose the things they love most about their E30’s.

[brag]

My biggest concern was how the added weight on the nose would affect handling. My car is really well balanced (people who are much better drivers than I can attest to the fact, including Travis W, who co-drove the wining E0 325i at the 2007 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Pedro of ‘Setup’ fame, a bunch of NASA instructors/racers, and Palintirion). I haven’t tracked the car since the swap, but from what I can discern from ‘exuberant’ street driving is the added weight is negligible, at least to me, based on my marginal skill. Keep in mind that we removed the AC compressor, fan/fan clutch, M20 oil cooler, and replaced the M20 radiator with a M42 unit, which I think is lighter. The S52 sits a little father back than the M20, so that helps, too. Lastly, and this may be the biggest differentiator from other cars, is the BMP kit is sooo light. People with coil-overs can prolly dial out the weight bias.

The next significant concern, pure vanity, I admit, was the exhaust note. I loved the quality of my M20’s note, and my muffler was in good shape and the tip was perfectly positioned within the rear bumper’s exhaust port, so we left it. The wrapped headers, 2.5” pipes, single resonator and OBD II cat work very well together and deliver a beefy, unique, non-raspy exhaust note. Third gear with VANOS engaged is the best. I’m happy with the sounds… no alterations necessary.

The Spal fan is very effective. After the car has been driven and then parked, then restarted, there is heat soak which is reflected in the temp gauge pointing higher than normal. The fan brings the temp needle back to the middle in seconds.

Pros:

• Power. Obviously. E30 + power = lots of fun
• The S52 is so much smoother than the M20 and idles much more steadily, too.
• My old trans was on its way out. The new trans is a Godsend. I am so happy to be able to quickly shift from 1-2. The old set up’s 4:10 rear end further slowed my progress… first gear would wind up quick, and then there was a delay as I eased the lever into second. By them, I had been smoked by a Camry. This is no longer the case.

[/brag]

Cons:

• With the S52’s PS pump’s level of assist, the steering is too light. I haven’t lost any feel, the tires still communicate well, however, the weighting is not as good as it was before. I have to speak with Armen about possibly putting the M20 PS pump back in.

[markseven]

Just before leaving the shop

Just before leaving the shop

[markseven]

Preview

The valve cover cover was notched to work with the OBD I intake manifold, but flexed a little

[markseven]

Looks like we'll have to get some runs in soon Mark! ;)

Glad to see your beauty back on the road my ninjah! Glad everything worked out for you! :D

Chris, I am down for runs as soon as I relearn throttle modulation! Thanks for the kind words, amigo! See you soon.

[e30polak]

Looks like we'll have to get some runs in soon Mark! ;)

Glad to see your beauty back on the road my ninjah! Glad everything worked out for you! :D

[e30slut]

Lookin great man... I can feel your excitement lol

[markseven]

AWESOME! Super jealous!

Right back atcha! Have one of your buddys take a picture of your ear-to-ear grin when you take her for the first drive.

picks and video asap. Lets see this bad boy run.

Will do. :D

Mark, your car is amazing. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks Matt!

[MR 325]

Mark, your car is amazing. I hope you enjoy it.

[ZM Blue Devil]

picks and video asap. Lets see this bad boy run.

[z31maniac]

AWESOME! Super jealous!

[markseven]

The car is done! I drove her home (60 miles of open freeway, stop-and-go traffic, and a McDonald's drive-thru) yesterday in 100+ degree weather, and she ran very well. I really happy with the her, everything is better than I had hoped. The guys at TNG completely exceeded my expectations

The Lord never ceases to amaze me with His plan. He brought the right drivetrain at the right time, and brought the right people to do the installation.

I'll get her on the dyno at the 1,000 mile mark.

Pics to follow.

[markseven]

no rush, i just wanted to say that once that thing kicks on it sounds like you're about ready for freaking take off. that thing moves some serious air if its the same fan i have :)

Argh! Forgot the PN on the fan!

Great job so far. Thanks for the pics and updates. Glad to hear Jesus help out as well. God always comes through when we need him. Did you tap the head for the temp sensor yourself or have a shop do that ?

Amen, brother!

The shop that is doing the swap tapped the head.

This is very cool... I must ask about the headers- did they clear the subframe and swaybar without cutting and grinding anything?

Thank you!

No cutting, the shop used shims instead. As the motor mounts settle, it will be easier adjust.

that car will be awesome. that engine is clean.

Thanks man! I wish I was turning the wrenches, but alas, I don't have the skills, experience, tools, space or time. I applaud those that do.

[bmws50b30]

that car will be awesome. that engine is clean.

[richardb]

This is very cool... I must ask about the headers- did they clear the subframe and swaybar without cutting and grinding anything?