some questions on Euro S50 into E30 M3

[Rajvosa]

Do I need to change the fuel pump guys??

Also I recall reading amongst the S50 swap threads (if my memory is correct) that the temp sensors need to be swapped... Correct?

[RoadHazard]

The stock fuel pump will be sufficient for the S50B30. Some people upgrade to a higher rate one such as the Walbro or E36 Evo pump for peace of mind. In any case, you'll experience some starvation during hard right-hand turns. A dual-pump setup will fix this problem.

You need the brown temp sender from the M20 otherwise your temp gauge will read wrong.

[Rajvosa]

The stock fuel pump will be sufficient for the S50B30. Some people upgrade to a higher rate one such as the Walbro or E36 Evo pump for peace of mind. In any case, you'll experience some starvation during hard right-hand turns. A dual-pump setup will fix this problem.

You need the brown temp sender from the M20 otherwise your temp gauge will read wrong.

Awesome! I've ordered the brown temp sensor.

Anyone know if I'll need to use some spacers to lift the front subframe? Is that mainly to clear the sway bar or other reason?

Also exhaust question, im gonna get an exhaust shop fit the front section of the E36 M3 exhaust and ill get a rear muffler to be fitted to that. question is, is there a reason why i shouldnt get an E30 m3 rear muffler to be fitted to the E36 front section?? its still two pipes in/out...
im just asking cos physically E30 muffler would be smaller im guessing so might fit better under there.. :)

[RoadHazard]

The E36 M3 muffler will fit size-wise. But you'll have to come up with a way to mount it.

Well, the stock exhaust manifold will interfere with a lot of things and I don't think spacers on the subframe will fix all of them.

[Eric]

Awesome! I've ordered the brown temp sensor.

Anyone know if I'll need to use some spacers to lift the front subframe? Is that mainly to clear the sway bar or other reason?

Also exhaust question, im gonna get an exhaust shop fit the front section of the E36 M3 exhaust and ill get a rear muffler to be fitted to that. question is, is there a reason why i shouldnt get an E30 m3 rear muffler to be fitted to the E36 front section?? its still two pipes in/out...
im just asking cos physically E30 muffler would be smaller im guessing so might fit better under there.. :)

Subframe spacers are common on s38 swaps because the motor is taller than the engine bay... You have to move the whole lump down to shut the hood.

On the s50b30/b32, it doesn't matter where you place the subframe, the motor will always be bolted to the subframe in the same way, so you will always have to notch the subframe to clear the manifolds.

In other words, you have to notch the subframe, and spacers aren't needed.

If I were to do my swap over again, I would flip the swaybar in front of the motor.

E30 M3 muffler is likely a smaller piping diameter than the e36 stuff.

[Rajvosa]

ahh got ya.
thanks for the help guys! its good to try and get my head around some of the issues ill encounter once the swap starts.

currently, engine is outside. the old shell will be getting dumped next week. waiting for parts to arrive (hoses, water pump etc etc) and once thats done ill get into it :)

[Rajvosa]

update and HELP NEEDED:



Engine is finally in. (driveshaft is connected to the gearbox also).
I have used the E28 M5 engine mounts, was a bit fiddly but fit in the end.
Also used the E36 m3 Guibo (its thicker than the E30 m3 one)

SOME ADVICE NEEDED:

1) I used the E30 M3 gearbox bracket and was under the impression E30 M3 g/box mounts would fit...but seems to be not the case. one side fits but other is too far away.... WHICH MOUNTS AM I MEANT TO USE?

2) I haven't fitted the E36 m3 radiator in yet, and also have the 16" SPAL electric fan i will use. question is if i am going to keep the AC, that means ill have to keep the condensor and Aux fan right? so do you think electric fan will fit in between the engine and E36 radiator or what do i do?

3) Reverse switch on the gearbox...the wires that came off the E30 M3 box, where do they go onto the E36 one? the looks to be a switch and the wire is running off it accross the gearbox, is that the reverse switch? do i unplug the wires and use my wires onto that switch?

thanks for any help guys :)

[FredK]

1) If you are using an E36 transmission, you have to use a standard, stamped steel, non-M E30 manual transmission bracket.

3) If you are using an E36 transmission, you should re-use the E30 backup switch and wiring harness.

[Rajvosa]

1) If you are using an E36 transmission, you have to use a standard, stamped steel, non-M E30 manual transmission bracket.

3) If you are using an E36 transmission, you should re-use the E30 backup switch and wiring harness.

1) yes im using the standard 5 speed box out of E36 M3. so any E30 manual transmission bracket yeah? which gearbox mounts do i use then? out of same car?

3) so take off mine from E30 box and screw into E36 one right?

many thanks Fred :)

[FredK]

Yes, any E30 manual transmission bracket. You can use transmission mounts from an E36. Most people, of course, choose aftermarket transmission mounts, as the stock BMW mounts are fairly compliant, which does not instill confidence.

And yes, 3) remove the switch from the E30 transmission and screw right into the E36 transmission. If you compare both switches, you'll see they have identical geometry.

[RoadHazard]

1. E30 manual bracket with E21 320i trans mounts. You can add aluminum cups to the mounts to stiffen them.
2. You want to keep the condenser and aux fan if you want AC. There's about 2 inches between the radiator and the engine, so choose your fan wisely. You can run without an engine fan though if you keep the aux fan, or even better upgrade to a stronger fan.

Now, keeping AC is a bit PITA, especially if you have to convert your system.

[Rajvosa]

1. E30 manual bracket with E21 320i trans mounts. You can add aluminum cups to the mounts to stiffen them.
2. You want to keep the condenser and aux fan if you want AC. There's about 2 inches between the radiator and the engine, so choose your fan wisely. You can run without an engine fan though if you keep the aux fan, or even better upgrade to a stronger fan.

Now, keeping AC is a bit PITA, especially if you have to convert your system.

i am thinking i might just keep AC compressor bolted on, but not run the AC system. seems to be the easier option, and then i can just mount the 16" SPAL fan where its meant to go onto the radiator.

Will the E36 transmission mounts work ok as suggested above or E21 is the way to go?

[FredK]

The E21 mount is more substantial (larger in diameter) than an E36 transmission mount. I do believe the height is the same, save for the stud being 10 mm instead of 8 mm in diameter.

It allows for less deflection when it's being loaded.

[RoadHazard]

i am thinking i might just keep AC compressor bolted on, but not run the AC system. seems to be the easier option, and then i can just mount the 16" SPAL fan where its meant to go onto the radiator.

Will the E36 transmission mounts work ok as suggested above or E21 is the way to go?

Is the SPAL a pusher or a puller? I'm guessing it's a puller. If that's the case then it won't fit behind the radiator regardless of the AC system. If it's a pusher then just replace the stock aux fan with it.

[Rajvosa]

I have removed the AC compressor an all the lines. Need to work out how to mount the E36 radiator on.

BRAKE BOOSTER advice: thought Ford festiva would work but seems like it does t. Friend is using a Fiat Punto on his. Still had to trim and weld the intake manifold to clear it.
Any other options people recommend??