Help me proof my swap before I dive in

[Nick_S]

I've spent quite a while reading through all sorts of different setups, options, opinions and build threads. Finally starting my own. I have an engine I'm currently refreshing a bit, that's the easy part. I'm looking for some sound advice and to make sure I hopefully haven't missed anything major. It's being done a slight budget so I can't get real excessive, engine will be all stock. M50NV going into a 91 318is.

Engine- 92 E36 M50NV[INDENT]

• E34 pan and pick up swapped
• new plugs
• valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan, intake mani, TB all got new gaskets
• new oil pressure switch
• water pump
• new alternator
• belts etc

Harness- From same donor car, 92 E36, using an adapter from Nando
Injectors- From same car, going to be cleaned, green I think?
DME-Green label 403 (TMS chip once it's running)
Flywheel- F1 Racing 14lb chromoly for an M50
Clutch- OE E36 M50
Driveshaft-E36 325i manual
Transmission- Thinking use my original 240 but I was given a G250 with all linkage with the motor..thoughts? Which will be easier. Does the linkage on the G250 line up properly? Already have a UUC short shifter
Motor mount- E36 arms, E28 535 Green mounts
Differential- 4.10LSD
Radiator- OE M42
Booster- Hopefully 944, otherwise stock moved over
Fan- Spal 16" pusher
Exhaust- OBD1 manifolds to E36 y-pipe then tied to existing exhaust


Are there any glaring issues I haven't addressed? The car will not be running A/C or powersteering. Looking for advice from the seasoned veterans who have successful swaps under their belt.


Here's my build thread in the Project forum if you want to follow it.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=302524

Cheers,
Nick

[justin_l_]

Make sure you get the proper length belt for deleting power steering. The e36 325i getrag with matching shifter parts will sit correctly. Does the 16" fan fit on a m42 radiator?

[Nick_S]

Make sure you get the proper length belt for deleting power steering. The e36 325i getrag with matching shifter parts will sit correctly. Does the 16" fan fit on a m42 radiator?

Yep I already got what belt I need. Good question on the fan. I'll look into it a bit more. I'm fortunate to have Jegs home store right by me so I can pick it and exchange if necessary.

With the G250, will I need to fab up mounting brackets? Or, would the linkage fit correctly on the G240? It's hard to find clear answers on this. I know every swap is a bit different.

Also, will the G250 use the E36 drive shaft? I know with the G240 you use a 325i manual drive shaft which is what I have. I'm not opposed to using one over the other, preferably the one which requires the least amount of modification or new parts.

[Jand3rson]

Make sure all your wiring is hooked up properly. Lots of people (myself included) have attached something incorrectly to ground or power, and fried a wire. It's VERY easy to do, since a lot of red wires, due to age and dirt, will turn brown, and they can be VERY hard to differentiate.

We fried a wire that went all the way from the oil level sender down on the pan, all the way through the harness up to the firewall. Had to pull the manifold, undo the entire harness, and track it down/replace it. THAT sucked ass.

[Slovik]

not sure if that G240 belhousing will accommodate the M50 flywheel and clutch, I think there is a clearance issue. If you use the G250 the gear ratios will be very low with that 4.10. 70mph will be over 4k rpm as the top gear is 1 to 1 on that trans. Maybe a 3.73 or a 3.46 will be better with the 250. I used the 240 with a lightened M20 Flywheel and an F1 stage 2 clutch, it was a poor choice on my part. The 944 booster is a good choice if you can find one.

[Nick_S]

I've read the "post your M/S5X Swap setup" thread front to back numerous times. There are a handful of guys running M50 clutch/flywheel in G240s with seemingly no issue. The final drive on the G250 isn't what I want so I'll hold off on using that.

So, will the G250 linkage work on the G240 or will modification be necessary? I know the easiest route is to use the euro 320i but again, trying to keep this budget minded and if I can use what I already have, I would prefer that.

[Nick_S]

Make sure all your wiring is hooked up properly. Lots of people (myself included) have attached something incorrectly to ground or power, and fried a wire. It's VERY easy to do, since a lot of red wires, due to age and dirt, will turn brown, and they can be VERY hard to differentiate.

I'll be using Nando's proven harness adapter and was HOPING to have a trouble free install. However I went to start labeling my harness as it was already removed and found numerous connectors cut and missing. Thankfully I have a spare M50 harness for those but that means cutting, splicing and tracing all these wire. Blah.

[dillon7]

e34 throttle cable

[NbAmTwE]

install that e34 throttle cable before the you reinstall the stock one moved over, why bother with a 944 booster. the M20 brown top engine temp sensor hasn't been mentioned, accurate reading

[Nick_S]

I seem to remember reading that the 318is throttle cable can works just fine? I'll look into the engine temp sensor, thanks!

[Slovik]

The shift linkage parts if you are using the g240 gearbox are 25111220759 & 25111220835. You will also need the 6 cylinder plug / chip thing so your tach reads accurately. The reason to use the 944 booster is that if you space it correctly there is no brake line bending at all or fire wall slotting.

[Nick_S]

The shift linkage parts if you are using the g240 gearbox are 25111220759 & 25111220835. You will also need the 6 cylinder plug / chip thing so your tach reads accurately. The reason to use the 944 booster is that if you space it correctly there is no brake line bending at all or fire wall slotting.

Thanks for the part numbers. I actually already have the coding plug on the way, forgot to mention that. Thanks!

[berlow94]

Ive used the 318 throttle cable fine with m50 swaps. You need to trim back the cable housing a little bit but thats it. With that being said, a brand new e34 throttle cable does make your gas pedal feel extra awesome.

[butters]

I would recommend considering a new starter. Not a fun job with the motor installed.

Can't comment on the trans/ds since I went the ZF route.

Get the injectors sonic cleaned and flow-matched, good peace of mind and an inexpensive service.

Thermostat isn't on your list, might even be worth testing the new one in boiling water so you know (read countless stories of people having issues and wondering).

Someone in your thread mentioned but I'll reiterate - swapping to an E36 steering rack is much easier with the engine out. It's not very expensive to do and to me is a no-brainer on the E30. Powering whatever rack you choose is also not very hard, and I eventually set it up after the swap. Manual steering in my opinion gets old fast, doesn't get you any perceptible gain in feel, and you're putting greater stress on the steering giubo.

If you're confident in the motor, go ahead and drop it in. If it's from a yard or a wrecked car with unknown history, I would absolutely recommend changing the head gasket while it's easier/cheaper. Bring it to a shop if you aren't comfortable, though with the M50nv it may not be cost effective considering the cost of the engine itself.

[dillon7]

If you can't fabricate do the 944 booster. The stock one is a PITA to move.