Swap in Progress

[markseven]

Preview

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

[markseven]

Just before leaving the shop

Just before leaving the shop

[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.

[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]

Thanks broham. I don't know if I actually deserve it, but I appreciate the sentiment!

How's your car running? Everything ironed out?

[Wh33lhop]

Regarding the level of assist, what steering rack did you use? If using a DOHC PS pump with a 4.0 E30 rack, it will probably feel too light as the DOHC PS pump was meant for a 3.2 turn E36 rack. Just a thought.

Beautiful car by the way. Post up some videos!

[e30s52]

Welcome to the club!

[e30polak]

Thanks broham. I don't know if I actually deserve it, but I appreciate the sentiment!

How's your car running? Everything ironed out?

I still have the throttle lag till we redo the wiring harness, but I can hit redline again! A lot of stuff is up in the air for my car right now, but I promise big changes very soon! ;)

[markseven]

Regarding the level of assist, what steering rack did you use? If using a DOHC PS pump with a 4.0 E30 rack, it will probably feel too light as the DOHC PS pump was meant for a 3.2 turn E36 rack. Just a thought.

Beautiful car by the way. Post up some videos!

Yeah, I still have the E30 rack... I wonder if it's easier to swap the rack or the PS pump? Thank you for the kind words about my car - as for vids, I have to wait till two friends are available at the same time to get some rolling footage.

Welcome to the club!

Thanks mang. For the last year or so all I could think of was joining the E30 M3 club... not so much anymore ;)

I still have the throttle lag till we redo the wiring harness, but I can hit redline again! A lot of stuff is up in the air for my car right now, but I promise big changes very soon! ;)

Alright! Progress! Can't wait for the big changes! New thread for the new chapter in your car's life?

[e30s52]

Yeah, I still have the E30 rack... I wonder if it's easier to swap the rack or the PS pump? Thank you for the kind words about my car - as for vids, I have to wait till two friends are available at the same time to get some rolling footage.



Thanks mang. For the last year or so all I could think of was joining the E30 M3 club... not so much anymore ;)



Alright! Progress! Can't wait for the big changes! New thread for the new chapter in your car's life?

They maybe fun around a corner but they are slow. I test drove one and was wondering why it wasnt moving. Your car looks great!

[MR 325]

Yeah, I still have the E30 rack... I wonder if it's easier to swap the rack or the PS pump?

M20 pump won't work with a 24v motor.

[Danny]

Only car that pulls off painted mouldings ITT.

[Wh33lhop]

Yeah, I still have the E30 rack... I wonder if it's easier to swap the rack or the PS pump? Thank you for the kind words about my car - as for vids, I have to wait till two friends are available at the same time to get some rolling footage

It's not that hard to get some footage yourself. Just one-hand it or something :p

And as for the rack, there's a reason we all switch to the quicker E36 rack. Seeing as you can't swap the pump out, I'd just swap the rack (hell I've got an E36 rack sitting in my room waiting to be installed).

[e30polak]

Alright! Progress! Can't wait for the big changes! New thread for the new chapter in your car's life?

I will post a thread when I piece everything together. Should be done in the next month or two. :D

BTW do the e36 M3 rack! I love mine! :woowoo:

[ZM Blue Devil]

videos?