Clearing up a few questions

[cmybimmer]

Been reading up as much as I could between school and grabbing parts from the junkyard. My m50 is 95% complete, m20 is out the e30 already, I just need a couple questions answered to clear a few things up.

A couple days ago I read that If I'm using the getrag 260 along with the clucth/fly kit, I gotta use the pilot bearing from the m20? Couple weeks ago I assumed I'd need an m50 pilot bearing and bought one from pelican. What's the difference and would it still work with the clutch kit?

Also, I'm planning on getting the e21 booster. Now I read that the shaft has to be cut and redrilled? Anyone know the specs for that info? Where can I get something like that done?

And the m20 flywheel needs to be grinded 1/8" from the engine side, correct?

I may have a few more questions, but that's all I got for now. Thanks in advanced

[cmybimmer]

Anyone? I set an appointment to get my flywheel grinded later today.

[Gnarles]

Match the pilot bearing to the transmission you are using. The input shafts are different diameters between transmissions so make sure you have the correct one installed. You cannot interchange them.

I would have the machine shop lighten your m20 flywheel. This will take care of any clearance problems with the e34 oilpan. I had mine machined down to 12lbs and love it.

[cmybimmer]

Ahh gotcha, I'll have to buy the correct pilot bearing then.

I'm using the current clutch that I was using with the m20. Its only a year old. Would you suggest I resurface the flywheel while I'm at it or should I keep it a little rough since the clutch disk isn't new? How much can get grinded down from the motor side without a problem? Thanks

[Matt-B]

I bought a lightened flywheel, and had it resurfaced. Not a bad idea

[cmybimmer]

Got the flywheel back, its down to 17 pounds.

Also, Im in the process of making my wiring harness adapter. Im using the RM european diagram, but the wires on my e36 side matches the "Color 325 IS" column... I thought that was referring to an e30 IS harness, but im not too sure. So according to this diagram, id have to match the "Color 91 318is" column to the "Color 325IS" column? http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-m50-swap.aspx

Sorry... Im not electrically inclined :/

[Jand3rson]

Anyone? I set an appointment to get my flywheel grinded later today.

Ground. You had your flywheel GROUND.

If you need to find an E21 booster, I have the email address of a fella that has one for sale, $60 shipped.

[cmybimmer]

Ground. You had your flywheel GROUND.

If you need to find an E21 booster, I have the email address of a fella that has one for sale, $60 shipped.

Haha my apologies.

I was going to take a trip to the junkyard because they sell boosters for $25 a pop, but if that doesnt go through then I may just PM you if your feller still has it :up:

[kingston]

Zionsville motorsports sells boosters for the 24V swap that are already modified, if you want to go that route.

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/screen/prod/store_code/6134/product_code/POMBB.htm

Good luck with your swap - mine starts in a week!

[jeswaw]

Its not that hard to modify your booster. If you want to save money and have a welder, or a friend that has one, then I would just go that route. You can save a few extra bucks and DIY.

[cmybimmer]

Yeah I might just cut and re-thread the booster when I get one. I wish I had a hook-up for welding :/

Also... I noticed that many of the e30 wire colors match the e36 wire colors. I know the pin numbers are obviously different, but is it as simple as matching wire colors, ie. Grn/violet to grn/violet? Thanks

[jeswaw]

Also... I noticed that many of the e30 wire colors match the e36 wire colors. I know the pin numbers are obviously different, but is it as simple as matching wire colors, ie. Grn/violet to grn/violet? Thanks

I cant speak for a 325IS but for me not all colors were the same. Ive swapped an 86 318i and an 84 325e both with NVM50's. Some wires that connect to each other are the same color, but not all of them. Just keep that in mind. Also, neither of my cars had ABS or an OBC, which made for a few less wires to wire up.

[cmybimmer]

Hmmm yeah I haz ABS and OBC lol my e30 is an 89 so I think they are mostly similar. the RM european diagram shows to connect only like 12 wires or so. Something like that.

[brokenbimmer533]

Yeah I might just cut and re-thread the booster when I get one. I wish I had a hook-up for welding :/

Also... I noticed that many of the e30 wire colors match the e36 wire colors. I know the pin numbers are obviously different, but is it as simple as matching wire colors, ie. Grn/violet to grn/violet? Thanks

Believe I cut off close to two inches. That was 2 months ago though. Pull your stock booster, measure the length of the exposed shaft and then cut off the excess on the e21 booster. You'll need an angle grinder or something to reduce the diameter of the shaft. It is too large to just throw a die on there. Also getting some tap/die cutting oil will make your life easier and ensure a long life for your taps and dies. Stuff some rags around the shaft near the booster housing before doing anything, just helps to keep metal shavings out of your booster.

[cmybimmer]

Ahh gotcha, Ill keep that in mind. I might be going to pick up a booster this weekend if I can find one. Just took the old one out today.